Then I said, “Here I am, I have come…I desire to do your will.” (Psalm 40:7–8, NIV; Hebrews 10:7)
What nostalgic Christmas memories dance in your head? Probably not the contents of shiny packages you tore open Christmas morning but forgot by afternoon. Growing up, were you privy to special traditions that made Christmas a season of holy exhilaration? If so, why not pass them down to younger generations?
Experiencing a sacred Christmas means moving past our culture’s consumeristic focus on this year’s hot clothes, toys, and electronics to celebrate and savor what it’s really about—Christ’s willingness to come to earth to save us from our sins. Psalm 40:7 and 8 reveal His attitude toward His earthly mission, words later affirmed by the author of Hebrews. The psalmist went on to tell us how to respond to Jesus’s willing self-sacrifice: “I proclaim your saving acts . . . I do not seal my lips . . . I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 40:9–10).
It seems at Christmas people’s greetings are a bit more enthusiastic, hearts a bit more open. Who in your world needs to hear this glorious news? Children? Grandchildren? Nieces and nephews? Neighbor children? Young people in your church or community?
Consider these practical ways to tell them, particularly younger generations who likely have not been exposed to practices that facilitate a sacred Christmas. Introduce them to historic carols that teach biblical truth. Attend a concert or take them caroling at a senior center, and while there, ask older folks about their Christmas memories. Make church a priority. Watch inspirational films. Be with people you care about. Volunteer. Create and deliver a Christmas care package to someone who is unemployed or experiencing a crisis. Light candles. Decorate and cook together. Read a special Christmas book. And as you do, engage them. TALK! Ask questions. Explain what Christmas really means. Give them the gift of nostalgic memories that will one day dance in their heads, centered on their beloved Messiah-Savior, Jesus.