3 Ways to Focus on Jesus During December

For Christians the Christmas season is all about celebrating Christ’s birth. At least, that’s what we want it to be. But somewhere between carols and cookies and cards, we lose the true meaning of Christmas.

We want to make the Jesus the focus of the season, but life gets so busy that sometimes He gets pushed to the side.

Y’all know that I am all about making a plan for everything–even Christmas! And that’s why this year I’m making a plan to focus more on Jesus, and less on all the other stuff.

I will definitely participate in all the other excitement of the Christmas season. But I want to take some time each day to remember why we are celebrating in the first place. I’ve chosen three things to focus on to make this season less about stuff, and more about Jesus.

Focus on Jesus’ life

Last year I saw a challenge to read through the book of Luke during December. I decided to try it, not realizing just how powerful and life-changing it would be.

Luke 2 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, and one that we traditionally read on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. But when you read it on December 2–before all the craziness of the month gets started–it helps to bring everything into perspective.

I found a deeper meaning as I read the stories of miracles and lessons throughout the book of Luke. All along I felt the coming death of Jesus so keenly, even as I participated in events celebrating His birth.

If you read through this plan, you’ll read the story of Jesus’ resurrection ascension on Christmas Eve. It gives a whole new meaning to the celebration on Christmas Day as you reflect on why He was born into that manger.

Focus on time with Jesus

While I try to make time for daily Bible reading and prayer during the whole year, they seem more important during the Christmas season.

As I searched for a devotional to study during December I came across Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu. I first ordered this book from the library, but when it came in I thought it was so beautiful, I needed to buy my own copy.

Asheritah’s book is broken down into four parts focusing on the four weeks of Advent: hope, preparation, joy and love. She includes passages and Scriptures to read as you light Advent candles.

Each day you’ll focus on one of the names of Jesus, where it used in Scripture, and what it means. There are also weekly activities to do alone or with your family to draw attention to Jesus, and that week’s study.

The book is small (and did I mention, gorgeous?) and the readings are very short. It’s a wonderful way to bring your families’ focus to Jesus and give a deeper understanding of His life and why He came. My hope is that it will bring me to a sense of worship during the hectic season.

(Side note: I will not be participating in lighting candles or liturgical readings during Advent. However, I will be using this book to help me draw closer to Jesus by understanding His names better.)

Focus on Jesus’ birth

It seems obvious that we’re celebrating Jesus’ birth. But it’s easy to lose the focus on that for even a few days at a time. A great way to keep the focus on Jesus is to do something every day to remind yourself–and your family–what is coming.

Advent Calendar

I love the idea of an advent calendar, but I don’t necessarily agree with the practice of giving children gifts for 25 days. It kinda seems like a way to add more stress to the season.

A quick Amazon search led me to some great advent calendars with nativity scenes. I love using this idea to help my kids (and me!) anticipate the arrival of the baby in the manger.

Christmas Countdown

I love a Christmas countdown, so I made a simple one to display in my house this year. (You can get one for yourself here.) I just printed it on some neutral-colored card stock and put it in a frame. I use a dry-erase marker to update the days-til-Christmas every day. You could also do this on a chalkboard or white board. Another fun idea is to make a paper chain and remove one link every day.

Elf-on-the-Shelf Alternatives

Since we do not teach our children about Santa, elf-on-the-shelf seems pointless. But I have found some Christian alternatives to incorporate Christ into the season.

Do what you can

I know that not everyone can do all of these activities–not even me. But I’d like to encourage you to do at least a few things during December to bring the focus to Jesus. After all, He is the reason we’re celebrating.

What do you do in the Christmas season to help focus on the true Reason for the season? Share your ideas in the comments!

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