The Joy of Christmas: Family, Food, & Faith
- Erin Canter
- Dec 12, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2022
Where Do You Find Joy?
Christmas is a time of year when we should feel joyful. The lights, the decorations, and the music help us to celebrate the season. But most importantly, we remember that our Savior came to ultimately bring us this great joy (Hebrews 12:2)! Not everyone knows the Christmas story or why it brings us this joy, so we should take the opportunity to do as the wise men did: to recognize exactly who Jesus is and what He deserves...to give Him praise! And we need to demonstrate His joy and love as we spend time with family, food, and faith!
Family: We Recognize Who He Is!
This is the season in which we celebrate Who the babe is. We recognize that He was more than just a child. He became Emmanuel: God with us...God in flesh (Matthew 1:23). He was named Jesus because He is the only One powerful enough to save us from our sins (Matthew 1:21). He is the only One who sits upon that throne, now and forever! King of kings and Lord of lords!!
The wise men watched and waited for the moment to find the Savior born into the world. They knew exactly who He was. They desired to find Him and celebrate Him. This is what we do at Christmas. We have found Him and we celebrate it with great joy! Let's share Him.
Christmas means time of family get togethers. And Christmas is a great time to share with our families who Jesus is and what He means to us in our lives. Invite them to your special church service. Demonstrate the love of Christ when you are spending that extra time with them. My prayer: "Lord, may they see You in us! May they feel Your great love when they are with us."
There are many wonderful, Christian ways to have fun with your family this season. Here is a simple list:
Take a ride and look at Christmas lights. There might be some drive-thru light shows or walking light tours in your area. Tell them about the Light of the world!
Make a hot chocolate bar. Check out these ideas: https://theheirloompantry.co/hot-chocolate-bar/
Read the Christmas story from the Bible: Luke chapter 2 and Matthew chapter 2
Make tree ornaments. Try these ideas: https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/holidays-celebrations/g2818/homemade-christmas-ornaments/
Baking with family is always fun. See the next section for a recipe!
Food: We Bring Him Gifts!
When the wise men found Jesus, they brought Him gifts. These gifts were their best: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They were costly and represented who Jesus was:
Gold is a precious metal that represents the kingship and deity of Jesus. He came from the lineage of David (Matthew 1:1) and He is the only One who sits upon the throne in heaven. He is God in flesh (John 1:14).
Frankincense is an expensive resin used in incense and perfumes. It represents that Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15). He made a way out of the Mosaic law and for all of us to obtain salvation.
Myrrh is a costly perfume used to embalm the dead, It represents Jesus' sacrificial death. He was that spotless Lamb who died upon the cross to give us eternal life (John 1:29.
We should bring our Savior the very best that we have to offer. Do you bring gifts to acknowledge that He is the only King who sits upon the throne of your heart? Do you give Him all of you? Bring thanksgiving that He died for you. No longer do you need to go before a priest. When He died, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). Thank You. Jesus, for making a way for us to obtain salvation.
He has gifts for you!! If you need to repent, He will forgive you (1 John 1:9). I f you need your sins washed away, be baptized under water in the name of Jesus (Colossians 2:12; Act 2:38)! If you need to be filled with His Spirit, ask and you shall receive....bubbling over as you speak in a heavenly language (Acts 2:38).
We often give our friends and family baked goods as gifts. It is something personalized. If you are baking things to deliver, use this time to pray over the food and the recipients of these treats. This is also a great season of fellowship around the table. Spend this time allowing the love of Jesus to permeate. Tell them of the joy that is within you.
Enjoy the recipe that I have provided. Last year, I had such a difficult time finding the snack cakes. Apparently everyone had the same idea!
Faith: We Worship Him!
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy (Matthew 2:10)." They found the Christ child and fell down at His feet to worship Him (Matthew 2:11). Grown men...worshipping a baby! They knew that He was worthy. He deserves all worship and praise from us...this season and always! Spend some time doing this inside and outside the church. Turn on that music to stir up your Spirit. "Hallelujah" should be our highest praise to Him! Our King. we bow down and worship You and You alone! We will not worship the things of this world or the way that the world has tried to change Christmas. Christmas is all about You!!
Enjoy this song and have a blessed Christmas...from my family to yours. Remember the reason for the great joy that we have. Be ready to let others know about the hope that we have within (1 Peter 3:15).
Pastor Erin
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