2024

Practical Discipleship Guide: Preparing for Christmas Christmas is such a wonderful time of year, isn’t it? It’s a season filled with joy, love, family gatherings, and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. But let’s be real—living in a secular world means that Christmas’s true meaning can sometimes be overshadowed by shopping lists, decorations, and parties. How do we, as followers of Christ, prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate His birth in the middle of all this? Let’s look into the Word and explore how we can keep Christ at the centre of our Christmas preparations and live for Him in the power of the Holy Spirit. Examining Our Culture and Worldview Positives: Community and Generosity: Christmas often brings out the best in people, encouraging acts of kindness, generosity, and community spirit. People come together to help those in need, and there’s a palpable sense of goodwill. Joy and Celebration: This season is a time of joy and celebration, which aligns with the biblical theme of rejoicing in the birth of our Saviour. Festivities and gatherings can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. Negatives: Commercialism: The overwhelming focus on buying gifts and consumerism can overshadow the true meaning of Christmas. Advertisements and sales often push the idea that happiness is found in material possessions. Secularisation: The secular perspective tends to downplay or ignore the religious significance of Christmas, turning it into a cultural rather than a spiritual event. This shift can make it challenging to keep Christ at the centre. Stress and Busyness: The hectic pace of holiday preparations, from shopping to planning events, can leave little time for reflection and spiritual growth. The stress can sometimes take away the joy of the season. What the Bible Says About Christmas The Birth of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6-7: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This prophecy points to the birth of Jesus, highlighting His divine nature and the peace He brings. Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear the Son of God. Mary’s humble acceptance and faith remind us of the importance of trusting God’s plan. Luke 2:1-20: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the angels’ announcement to the shepherds, and their visit to the newborn Saviour. This passage emphasises the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the joy it brought to those who recognised Him. John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This verse underscores the incarnation, God becoming human to dwell among us and bring salvation. Theological Perspective: The birth of Jesus Christ is the fulfilment of God’s promise to send a Saviour to redeem humanity. It represents God’s incredible love and grace, as He chose to become flesh and dwell among us. This event is central to our faith, reminding us of the hope and salvation we have in Christ. The Way Forward Living a Christ-Centred Christmas: Prioritise Time with God: Amidst the busyness, make intentional time for prayer, Bible reading, and reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. Scripture Reference: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 Action: Set aside a quiet time each day for personal devotion and reflection on the birth of Christ. Serve Others: Follow Jesus’ example of humility and service by reaching out to those in need during this season. Scripture Reference: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45 Action: Look for opportunities to volunteer, donate, or help someone in need, making service a family tradition. Share the Good News: Use opportunities to share the message of Jesus’ birth with friends, family, and even strangers. Scripture Reference: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19 Action: Create or participate in outreach events that share the story of Jesus’ birth, such as carolling, nativity plays, or community dinners. Embrace Simplicity: Focus on the simple yet profound aspects of Christmas—Jesus’ humble birth, God’s love, and the joy of salvation. Scripture Reference: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:8 Action: Simplify holiday plans and focus on meaningful traditions that highlight the birth of Jesus, rather than getting caught up in materialism. Reflection Questions How can you keep Christ at the centre of your Christmas celebrations this year? What traditions or activities can you incorporate to focus more on the spiritual meaning of Christmas? How can reflecting on the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth inspire your Christmas preparations? Application Questions In what ways can you serve others this Christmas season to reflect Jesus’ love and humility? Who, in your life, needs to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth, and how can you share it with them? What steps can you take to reduce the focus on materialism and increase the focus on Christ in your household? How are you applying the lessons from this guide in your preparations for Christmas? Have you taken any specific actions to serve others during this season? What strategies have you implemented to share the message of Jesus’ birth? Conclusion Preparing for Christmas in a secular world can be challenging, but with intentionality and focus, we can celebrate this season in a way that honours Christ. Remember, it’s all about Jesus—the greatest gift ever given. Let’s make this Christmas a time of reflection, service, and proclamation of the good news. As we prepare for Christmas, let’s