“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
Christmas really is “the most wonderful time of the year” as the entire season is one of light and joy that stands out from the other holidays in a unique way. May we never be bored with it and merely take it in stride or perhaps even be disgusted with it like Ebenezer Scrooge out of well-meaning piety or theological pride. Here are ten very practical wisdom points of application rooted in sound doctrine and the Biblical worldview for why I love Christmas. May they serve your family as tools to teach your children and grandchildren the redemptive joy of the holiday vested in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ whose incarnation and virgin birth we celebrate at Christmas.
For numbers 1-4, see part 1 linked below.
5. Festivities of Christmas – Throughout history, the mighty hand and outstretched arm of the Most High God at work in the affairs of mankind has given His people a reason to celebrate and Christmas is perhaps the most significant of those events. Gathering together with family and friends in celebration of Christ’s incarnation and virgin birth cultivates the nostalgia of shared memories and heart-warming traditions that stimulate overall wellness and human flourishing. The absence of such community contributes toward the so-called “mental health” crisis of the modern era by filling hearts with a “bah humbug” in the spirit of Proverbs 18:1, “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment” (NKJV).
6. Delicacies of Christmas – Of course, this is the most delicious part of the Christmas season! Baking Christmas cookies or building gingerbread houses with grandkids along with sweet treats like fudge, fruitcakes, and other traditional family recipes passed down from the Old Country fill the holidays with delectable goodies and rich memories together. All this serves to remind men, women, boys, and girls of all nations worldwide that we live in a bountiful creation handcrafted by the Living God super abounding in goodness and merciful lovingkindness to the undeserving (Gen.1:28-29; Acts 14:17; 1 Tim.4:3-4). May God’s people especially declare, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Ps.34:8 NKJV).
7. Gifts of Christmas – At one time in every one of our lives, this was our absolute favorite part of Christmas. The giving and receiving of gift-wrapped packages that are oftentimes outfitted with bows and ribbons stacked up around the bottom of the Christmas tree fills the hearts of young children with giddiness and glee. Whether or not your family limits gifts to three-a-piece just as the magi brought three gifts for the newborn King, the heart of the matter is that “the spirit of Christmas” is the reality that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 NKJV).
Every Salvation Army bell ringer also serves as a reminder (perhaps even irritatingly so) that charitable giving and benevolent acts of generosity on behalf of the genuinely poor and needy is a virtue championed by our Savior who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mat.20:28b NKJV). Regardless of the circumstances and season of our lives, may every heart rejoice in the ultimate gift of Christmas whose incarnation and virgin birth, for our salvation and His glory, is celebrated by His own throughout this holiday season (2 Cor.8:9; 9:15).
8. Cards of Christmas – Annually, Christmas cards are one of the most precious traditions of the holiday as family and friends typically send out season’s greetings through the USPS. There really is something special about receiving a self-addressed stamped envelope in the mail, especially if it’s handwritten, as a tangible expression of love, care, and relational devotion from people, even if it’s merely once a year. Regardless of the means that are used to send out a Christmas card, the sheer act of doing so communicates something extraordinary about this season of the year. Life moves fast and this annual tradition is a relational investment and can also be understood as a spiritual discipline designed to spread far and wide the “good tidings of great joy” in Christ Jesus (Lk.2:10 NKJV).
9. Historic Heroes of Christmas – Teach your children and grandchildren to love Santa Claus! This may sound rather strange coming from a guy who never did “Santa” as a kid nor did I ever deceive my children into “believing in Santa.” Allow me to explain. I’m not encouraging the mythical legend depicted in Polar Express but the bonafide “Jolly Old St. Nick” who championed the incarnation and virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in the 4th century. Nicholas of Myra was an early church leader who stood with resolute biblical conviction at the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 against the false doctrine of the Arian heresy that denied the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. This man’s character and kind generosity to the poor and needy subsequently grew to a legendary status throughout Europe. Despite the cultural and pagan perversions of the modern era’s depiction of Santa Claus, the historical man behind the legend was a genuine champion for Christ that our children and grandchildren ought to emulate in their generation.
This is why I love Christmas! It is my prayer that such practical wisdom points of application, including those here below, would provide equipping tools for teaching your children and grandchildren the redemptive joy of the holiday.
To be continued…
*Recommended Christmas Resources:
Children’s Books & Family Read Alouds
- “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” (“The Chronicles of Narnia”) by C.S. Lewis
- “The Lightlings” by R.C. Sproul (children’s book & allegorical tale of Christmas)
- “Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers: The Trinity” by Joey Allen
- “The Story of St. Nicholas: More Than Reindeer and a Red Suit” by Voice of the Martyrs with Cheryl Odden
- “Little Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens & Joe Sutphin
- “Christmas in My Heart” anthologies compiled by Joe Wheeler
Advent & Christmas Devotionals
- “Proclamation Ornaments” by Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding Ministries
- “Adornaments: Christmas Names” by Barbara Rainey, Family Life Today
- “The Christmas We Didn’t Expect: Daily Devotions for Advent” by David Mathis
- “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas” edited by Nancy Guthrie
- “From Heaven: A 28-Day Advent Devotional” by A.W. Tozer
- “Come Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional” by Paul David Tripp
Biblical Christology & Doctrinal Studies
- “Christ’s Incarnation, The Marvel of Mortals” articleby C.H. Spurgeon
- “The Incomparable Christ” by J. Oswald Sanders
- “Rejoicing in Christ” by Michael Reeves
- “Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ” by Timothy Keller
- “The King Has Come: The Real Message of Christmas” by James Montgomery Boice
- “The Amazing Names of the Messiah” booklet by Bill Crowder, Our Daily Bread Ministries
Biblical Worldview & Cultural Understanding
- “The War on Christmas: Battles in Faith, Tradition, and Religious Expression” by Bodie Hodge, General Editor
- “From Creation to Bethlehem” booklet by Ken Ham
- “God Rest Ye Merry: Why Christmas is the Foundation for Everything” by Douglas Wilson
*GFM recommends resources that have proved helpful, but we do not endorse everything a said author teaches.
