FIVE WAYS TO KEEP JESUS AT THE CENTER

It’s that time of year again! Lights are lit, trees are decorated, and prettily wrapped presents are showing up under the tree.

Your to-do list is growing by the minute and, if you’re like me, you’re not quite sure it’ll all get done.

And somehow, between the holiday hustle and the stores screaming at us that we need to buy all the things- Jesus gets lost in the season that’s supposed to be about Him.

So how can we keep Jesus at the center?

I’m so glad you asked!

Here are five ways you can keep Him front and center this holiday season:

1. Advent – I didn’t grow up doing Advent, so for those of you who are just like me and have absolutely no idea what an Advent is, it’s basically a devotional centered around the coming of Jesus. For those who love learning definitions, advent quite literally means, “the coming of a notable person, thing, or event”. Basically, this season to a T. Doing an advent during this season will help keep you in your Bible and focused on what Christmas is truly all about. And to help you out, I’ve got TWO FREE Advents for you to choose from!
   • Wonder – A 7-day Advent that takes you on a journey to recapture your wonder in the season.
   • Joy– A 20-day Christmas Devotional that encourages you to recapture the joy of the season.
2. Worship Music – I know that Christmas music is playing from every single station, and in every store you walk into but mix some worship music into it, friend! Plus you can look up all the Jesus centered Christmas songs- or stream the playlist I’ve created here on Spotify!
3. Start Every Day With Prayer – This is not just for this season, friend, but can be applied to every single day of the year. As you wake up, don’t reach for your phone right away and start scrolling. Instead, let a prayer pass your lips first thing. For the holiday, try saying, “Thank You Jesus, for a season to celebrate YOU”.
4. Set Up A Nativity – I mean, I’m going to be honest and say that last year I totally forgot to set mine up. So don’t feel guilty if you forgot too! But I will say that setting up a nativity, somewhere you will see it every single day is a great way to remember Who the season is for!
5. Say “Merry Christmas”– Seriously. I know it sounds simple, but unfortunately, people are too afraid to say Merry Christmas because they might offend someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. My question (as kindly and loving as possible) is always, “Then why do you celebrate?” Because Christmas began with Christ. So when someone greets you with “Happy Holidays!” respond kindly with “Merry Christmas!”

Any other ways that YOU keep Jesus at the center? Share them below!