Christmas Day is one week from today. To some that might mean you are scrambling trying to figure out how you will get everything done. To others that might mean you are already in a Christmas vacation mindset. To children it might seem like forever away and even to some kids it might mean they need to straighten up and be good or a lump of coal is in their future. My prayer is that you will take to heart the things I mentioned in my sermon from a few weeks ago titled “Christian’s Vacation”. In the sermon I mentioned three areas of our lives that we need to set aside and rethink. These are things we need to give up to enjoy true peace in Christ. Let me remind you to take a Christian’s vacation from:
- Overcommitment – Check your calendar! Don’t schedule so much that you loose focus on spending quality time with your friends, family, and church.
- Consumerism – Check your bank account! Don’t get all wrapped up in all the things that need to be wrapped up. Focus on being thoughtful and generous.
- Digital Overload – Check your screen time! Don’t spend so much time on social media, checking email, gaming, that you neglect the people and moments all around you in the moments. Be present with the people you are physically with.
Since Christmas is only a week away here are some practical ways to focus on what is really important. I challenge you to take each day leading up to December 25th for these things. We’ll call it a Christians Christmas Challenge! If you do these things watch the difference it will make in your life and in the lives of those you have an opportunity to impact.
Day 1: Share Hope (Thursday)
Meditate: Read Luke 1:26-38, focusing on Mary’s trust in God’s plan.
Do Good: Write a heartfelt note or card of encouragement to someone who might be lonely or struggling this season.
Make a Difference: Donate canned goods or supplies to a local food pantry or shelter.
Day 2: Spread Joy (Friday)
Meditate: Reflect on Luke 2:8-14, imagining the joy of the shepherds hearing the angel’s announcement.
Do Good: Visit a nursing home, hospital, or shut-in neighbor to bring Christmas cheer.
Make a Difference: Gift a small treat or care package to your postal carrier, trash collector, or delivery person with a kind note.
Day 3: Share Peace (Saturday)
Meditate: Study Isaiah 9:6, pondering Jesus as the Prince of Peace.
Do Good: Apologize or reconcile with someone you’ve had conflict with.
Make a Difference: Volunteer to help at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or community outreach event.
Day 4: Worship Fully (Sunday)
Meditate: Read Matthew 2:1-12, praising Jesus as King of kings.
Do Good: Invite someone who might otherwise be alone to join your family for worship at NHCOC.
Make a Difference: Give sacrificially to the church, a mission work, or ministry.
Day 5: Serve Humbly (Monday)
Meditate: Reflect on Philippians 2:5-8, meditating on Jesus’ humility in coming to earth.
Do Good: Offer to babysit, run errands, or help wrap gifts for a busy friend or family member.
Make a Difference: Prepare and deliver a meal to a family in need or someone who could use a break.
Day 6: Celebrate Light (Tuesday, Christmas Eve)
Meditate: Read John 1:1-14, rejoicing in Jesus as the Word who became flesh and the Light of the World.
Do Good: Spend time in prayer, thanking Jesus for His light in your life.
Make a Difference: Host a gathering in your home and share quality time together, talk about Jesus and the difference he has made in your life
Day 7: Love Generously (Wednesday, Christmas Day)
Meditate: Read John 3:16, thanking God for His ultimate gift of love in Jesus Christ.
Do Good: Spend quality time with your family focusing on giving love .
Make a Difference: Call or text three people to tell them how much they mean to you and pray with them and for them.
Now that’s a Christian’s Christmas Challenge! Let’s give these a try because these activities can help focus our hearts on Christ, inspire joy, and bring the good news of Jesus into the lives of others in meaningful ways during the week of Christmas.
For the Lord,
Alex Mills