“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 1-9, see parts 1-2 linked below.
9. Historic Heroes of Christmas (continued) – Charles Jennens is another guy that we must teach our children and grandchildren about as he was an 18th century British librettist/song writer and champion for the Lord Jesus Christ. This man’s heart was distressed by an ungodly philosophy that was wreaking havoc upon the continent and overwhelming the hearts of many in England. All this hit close to home as Jennens’ own brother fell prey to the false teachings of Deism. This philosophy affirmed God’s existence but asserted His indifference to mankind since He was checked out or aloof from the affairs of this world. He found subsequently himself in a dark place: hopeless and filled with despair, he took his own life. As a result of this tragedy, Charles endeavored to make a difference in his generation lest others become victims of ungodly ideas contrary to the testimony of Holy Scripture and the Biblical worldview. Even though most people have never heard of him, many more are familiar with his work as a librettist/song writer. Whereas George Frederic Handel wrote the music to the world-famous oratorio known as Handel’s “Messiah”, Charles Jennens wrote the words which are heavily drawn right out of Holy Scripture. Just as the testimony of his life and work continues to impact the world for Christ, may we faithfully do so in our generation. “For the LORD God omnipotent reigneth! HALLELUJAH!”
10. Movies of Christmas – Christmastime is punctuated by classic films chock full of redemptive virtue (although some are just clean fun). There are also plenty of ignoble flicks that are best left unmentioned. Regardless, discernment in visual media consumption is increasingly one of the most pressing issues for the church and family amidst the secularization of our culture. Family movie nights can indeed be a fun and relaxing event coupled with something like pizza or savory snacks to refresh together.
The most iconic of all Christmas movies has to be Jimmy Stewart’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” or perhaps one of the many renditions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” What we would consider modern classics like “The Nativity Story” and “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” inspired by C.S. Lewis’ children’s books “The Chronicles of Narnia” are some of my family’s favorites. Other noteworthy Christmas movies would be the iconic “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas”, the musical called “Holiday Inn” featuring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, and Kirk Cameron’s “Saving Christmas” that addresses the history behind and biblical precedent for various traditions at the center of this holiday. The heart of it is that enjoying Christmas movies together with family and friends are a tremendous vehicle to connect with one another through a shared cinematic experience full of fun, laughter, and precious reminders of the all-glorious reality of Christ’s incarnation and virgin birth.
BONUS: Cultural Consensus of Christmas – It really is “the most wonderful time of the year” because everywhere you go in the world, everyone understands that there is something extraordinary about Christmastime. Whereas many people mythologize the “Christ Child” and secularize the holiday’s observance through commercialization, the cultural consensus of Christmas is still a tremendous opportunity for the sake of the gospel. Many spiritually minded Christians have understandable concerns about the supposed pagan roots and modern perversions of various Christmas traditions, but we must remember what the Apostle Paul did amidst a city inundated with idolatry (Acts 17:16-31). In similar fashion, may God’s people take what is common to the culture and turn it into a pulpit to proclaim the all-glorious reality of who God is as the Eternal King, Sovereign Creator, and Merciful Redeemer.
For several years, we lived in a rural agricultural community and served a church located right in the heart of town. As part of the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, my practice was to gather all the children up front and read aloud to them a creative and beautifully illustrated book called “The Lightlings.” The entire evening was something very special as the choir would minister an arrangement of “Silent Night” called “Peace, Peace” while the lights were out and the sanctuary aglow with candlelight. Afterwards, my family and I would travel several hours to the Chicagoland area where Lori’s parents live. En route, we stopped for fuel at Kwik Trip, and I distinctly remember hearing Christmas music as I walked in and literally hearing the words “Christ the Savior is born” being piped through the speakers in the gas station. Just as the character named Linus famously took center stage in “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas” and subsequently recited Luke 2:8-14, may we too faithfully declare to the world what Christmas is all about: Christ’s incarnation and virgin birth. His willingness to come in obedience to the Father was to be the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of rebel sinners whose only hope is the grace God in the Lord Jesus Himself (Rom.3:24-25; 1 Tim.1:15; Heb.12:2). Glory to God in the highest!
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.
*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.
