Is a simpler, more meaningful celebration of Christmas possible? Absolutely. But you have to want it enough to take the necessary steps and face the criticism that may come your way.
The song Angels From The Realms of Glory invites us to “come and worship Christ the newborn King.” Therefore, as a first step towards a simpler, more meaningful Christmas, make worship your top priority.
In your home, create a worshipful atmosphere by playing familiar and obscure Christmas carols, by reading devotional materials or books that lead us through the days of Advent and by watching quality Christmas programs on TV. Simple decorations also help to set the atmosphere. Bless you if you want to go all out with outdoor lights that draw so much hydro that the CN Tower flickers when you turn them on. But a tasteful nativity scene, candles and a fragrant wreath are probably a better reflection of Christ’s humble birth.
Outside your home, be more intentional about increasing your worship experiences and reducing your shopping excursions. Take in a live performance of Handel’s Messiah or catch Steve Bell on his new Christmas album tour, Keening for the Dawn. Enjoy a Christmas drama or choir concert at a local church. When it starts to snow, bundle up and take a long, leisurely walk in the dark, stopping occasionally to look at the stars with the wisemen’s sense of wonder. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Advent and Christmas Eve services.
As a second step towards a simpler, more meaningful Christmas, serve somebody. Sing in a nursing home. Shovel a sidewalk for a senior citizen or a single Mom. Help out at a Christmas dinner put on by Gate 3:16 or St. Vincent’s. Let your children be enriched by the experience of bringing Christmas cheer to others.
You can also serve others by directing your giving to organizations that come alongside people in need. Both World Renew and World Vision have gift giving catalogues for Third World countries that invite you to donate chickens and goats, mosquito nets and pumps. The Yonge Street Mission can never get enough socks and our own Food bank can always use more peanut butter and tuna.
A third step towards a simpler, more meaningful Christmas is to set limits on your spending and your time commitments.
Many people come through Christmas like people coming out of Costco, having bought much more than they planned and can afford. Peer pressure and family expectations aside, you have every right to pick a name and buy only for one person or to set a price limit on the amount that each gift will cost. Decide in advance what you can afford. Spend within your means and you won’t fear the mailman in January.
In December, people also feel pressured to attend more functions than they can fully enjoy. Some are unavoidable, like the staff party or the family dinner. But you don’t have to accept every invitation you receive. It’s OK to say that you have other plans even when you merely want to enjoy a cozy evening at home where you can enjoy the stress-free atmosphere that you have created.
So worship Jesus. Serve someone in need. Say No to the frantic demands of the Christmas Machine. And kneel down to the child in the manger whose birth was meant to bring peace, not pressure, on earth.
You’ve talked about a simpler, more meaningful Christmas for longer than you can remember. Why not make it happen this year!
- Pastor Peter
The song Angels From The Realms of Glory invites us to “come and worship Christ the newborn King.” Therefore, as a first step towards a simpler, more meaningful Christmas, make worship your top priority.
In your home, create a worshipful atmosphere by playing familiar and obscure Christmas carols, by reading devotional materials or books that lead us through the days of Advent and by watching quality Christmas programs on TV. Simple decorations also help to set the atmosphere. Bless you if you want to go all out with outdoor lights that draw so much hydro that the CN Tower flickers when you turn them on. But a tasteful nativity scene, candles and a fragrant wreath are probably a better reflection of Christ’s humble birth.
Outside your home, be more intentional about increasing your worship experiences and reducing your shopping excursions. Take in a live performance of Handel’s Messiah or catch Steve Bell on his new Christmas album tour, Keening for the Dawn. Enjoy a Christmas drama or choir concert at a local church. When it starts to snow, bundle up and take a long, leisurely walk in the dark, stopping occasionally to look at the stars with the wisemen’s sense of wonder. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Advent and Christmas Eve services.
As a second step towards a simpler, more meaningful Christmas, serve somebody. Sing in a nursing home. Shovel a sidewalk for a senior citizen or a single Mom. Help out at a Christmas dinner put on by Gate 3:16 or St. Vincent’s. Let your children be enriched by the experience of bringing Christmas cheer to others.
You can also serve others by directing your giving to organizations that come alongside people in need. Both World Renew and World Vision have gift giving catalogues for Third World countries that invite you to donate chickens and goats, mosquito nets and pumps. The Yonge Street Mission can never get enough socks and our own Food bank can always use more peanut butter and tuna.
A third step towards a simpler, more meaningful Christmas is to set limits on your spending and your time commitments.
Many people come through Christmas like people coming out of Costco, having bought much more than they planned and can afford. Peer pressure and family expectations aside, you have every right to pick a name and buy only for one person or to set a price limit on the amount that each gift will cost. Decide in advance what you can afford. Spend within your means and you won’t fear the mailman in January.
In December, people also feel pressured to attend more functions than they can fully enjoy. Some are unavoidable, like the staff party or the family dinner. But you don’t have to accept every invitation you receive. It’s OK to say that you have other plans even when you merely want to enjoy a cozy evening at home where you can enjoy the stress-free atmosphere that you have created.
So worship Jesus. Serve someone in need. Say No to the frantic demands of the Christmas Machine. And kneel down to the child in the manger whose birth was meant to bring peace, not pressure, on earth.
You’ve talked about a simpler, more meaningful Christmas for longer than you can remember. Why not make it happen this year!
- Pastor Peter
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