Those of us who treasure the miraculous story of Jesus' birth often get lost in the hoopla of the December season...decorated trees, mountains of presents, outside lights, festive meals, 'yultide carols sung by a choir...' and all the other trappings of the secular season.
I urnestly encourage families of all ages who gather for Christmas celebrating to do some of the following things as you celebrate Jesus' birth this year.
If you have young children, bake a birthday cake for Jesus and tell them the Luke 2 story of Jesus' birth
A great multigenerational game is to dramatize the Christmas story. Assign roles, scatter through the house to find 'costumes'...there is nothing like sauce pans for crowns on the kings' heads, a 300# uncle as baby Jesus (took a kingsized top sheet to make a diaper), shepherds in bathrobes, angles wrapped in huge white bathtowels or sheets...and then have someone read the Luke Christmas story.
Make small cakes or cookies and package them up. Go caroling in your neighborhood.
Find a place which does Meals on Wheels on Christmas day and help deliver to those who would gladly trade places with you.
Go to a soup kitchen and help serve homeless people.
Buy bundles of white socks and make sandwiches and go to a downtown where there are homeless people and deliver Merry Christmas wishes.
Adopt a needy family and provide Christmas dinner and gifts for the family.
If there is a food bank in your area, volunteer.
Has someone you know lost a relative the past year? Buy them a tree ornament saying, "I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year."
Just find ways to be OTHERS and JESUS centered with your family this year.
