The Christmas Table: Being Intentional

Erin Canter
Dec 11, 2025
3 min read

Scripture

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 (NKJV).

Thought

Think about your many Christmas tables over your lifetime:

the decorations
the food
the family and friends (some still here and some no longer here)

One of my childhood memories is about Grandma & Grandpa Mix’s Christmas Eve table with punch and cookies. One year, we went to Florida for Christmas and on Christmas Eve, we were missing that table. We said that we will never do that again.

Our current tables are steeped in tradition, yet full of our own traditions that we have made over the years. My immediate family has created a brunch on Christmas morning. This involves breakfast casserole and homemade sage bread.

But the first Christmas table was very different. The word “manger” in Luke 2:7 comes from the Greek word “phatne,” which means “a feeding trough.” It was a table for the animals. Although strange, this table had great purpose.

It depicted Jesus' humility in birth that extended through His death. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8 NKJV).
It was a sign that made Him easy to find. He was accessible for even the lowly shepherds. In life, He ate with sinners. He spoke to the Samaritan woman. He touched a leper. And now, He is accessible to all.
It was a symbol of sustenance. In John 6:35 (NKJV), "And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

This table was intentional. And so also should our Christmas table be this: full of purpose.

This group of GALS is intentional with your Christmas table.

You gather around it.
You fellowship.
You pray over needs.
You collect money that is used to help in your community,

You are purposefully the hands and feet of Jesus, full of love, compassion, and giving.

Let's also think about our Christmas table at home and plan to make 2026 a year of intentional interaction with our friends and family. May it be a space of humility and may their souls find what they truly hunger and thirst for: Jesus!

Reflection Question

How can you be more intentional with your Christmas table at home this year? What do you need to change? What can you do differently?

Prayer

God, help us to understand the purpose that we have in You this coming year, not just with Christmas, but at every table in which we sit. Let us make every word, every look, and every action full of Your love, mercy, and grace.

Challenge

Do a purposeful act of kindness, from your table to family, friend, or stranger.
Write down 3 gifts that you can give Jesus this coming year.

Before you get up from this table:

Stop and think about how many friends and family in your life need the Lord.

List 3 people that you can invite to lunch or dinner (at your table or the table in a restaurant).
Ask them if they would like to hear your personal testimony.
Ask them if they would like to have a personal Bible study.

Did you like this devotion? It was created for a speaking engagement at the GALS group Christmas luncheon. If you enjoyed it, then you would love Gather At the Table: A 30-Day Devotional. You can find it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4kaWLEK