Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

The conversation around saying “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas” has been around for ages, and it’s easy to see why. Christmas means something a little different to everyone depending upon their worldview and religion. While Christmas universally highlights values like unity, generosity, and time with loved ones, it carries an even deeper significance for us believers. 

There’s a deeper beauty woven into this season—one that points to the birth of Jesus Christ, a moment that reshaped history and brings purpose to our celebration. 

So, what does Christmas really mean for us as followers of Christ? How do we keep this focus alive, especially amid all the holiday festivities and traditions? Why does it matter to bring the heart of “Christ in Christmas” to life and embrace the importance of Christmas in our lives?

In this post, we will explore how we, as believers, can embrace the joy of the season while honoring its true meaning—keeping Christ at the center of it all. 

What Does “Keeping Christ in Christmas” Mean?

This idea isn’t just about choosing between “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” in our greetings. It’s about weaving Christ into every part of our celebration—carrying His light throughout the season, not only in our words but in the way we celebrate. And not just in the way we celebrate, either, but in the way that we live our lives and treat others. 

I love how Shannon Blosser described what it looks like to keep Christ in Christmas on her blog post, “What Does it Mean to Keep Christ in Christmas?” She wrote:

“To keep Christ in Christmas means that what took place in Bethlehem impacts and informs how we live each day. Not just during the Advent and Christmas seasons, but every moment of our lives.” ¹

With Christmas being such a major season for business, it’s no surprise it’s become highly commercialized. Companies jump on this moment to boost their sales, and as consumers, we’re met with a constant flow of ads urging us to buy more and check off every item on our gift lists. Between presents, parties, festive foods, and gatherings, it’s easy to pour time, money, and energy into holiday preparations.

And while there’s nothing wrong with giving gifts or enjoying holiday festivities, we sometimes find ourselves so caught up in the rush that we lose sight of the heart of Christmas. (I hope I’m not the only one guilty of this!) 

Maybe that sounds a little like something out of A Charlie Brown Christmas, and perhaps we’ve heard the call to “keep Christ in Christmas” so often that it’s almost become background noise. We nod along, but then continue on autopilot, moving through the season as we always have.

But what if we paused for a moment to really let this idea settle in? What would it look like if we truly centered Christmas on Christ—not just in our words but in our hearts, our actions, and our celebrations? 

What Does Christmas Really Mean?

To truly answer what does Christmas really mean and understand how to keep Christ at the heart of this season, let’s go back to why we celebrate it in the first place: to honor the birth of our Savior, right? It’s a story most of us know by heart, one we hear year after year in carols and nativity scenes everywhere. And that’s the beauty of this holiday—the simple, incredible fact that people from all backgrounds can’t help but acknowledge the birth of Jesus.

Yet, because we hear it so often, this sacred event can sometimes lose its impact. It can become just another story we tell every December, blending into the mix with Santa Claus, reindeer, and holiday cheer. 

But as believers, we know this story isn’t just another seasonal tale. It’s the cornerstone of our faith, the source of our eternal hope and God’s love abiding within us. And this season provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate this gift of God’s Son who came to bring salvation to all of us. 

So, let’s pause for a moment to really look at the nativity scene. Even if it’s familiar, let’s examine each piece—the manger, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and the child Himself—and rediscover the wonder and significance of every part.

Mary

When this young woman was told that she was chosen to birth the Son of God, she responded with humility, courage, and deep faith. She reminds us that God often works through the willing hearts of ordinary people. Mary’s unwavering trust shows us that God empowers us with the necessary strength to carry out our God-given purpose.

Joseph

The way that Joseph chose to trust God’s plan, even when it disrupted his own, reveals His obedience and devotion. In Joseph, we see a man who set aside fear to step into the unknown. 

The Shepherds

The shepherds were the first to hear the announcement of Christ’s birth. God’s message didn’t come to kings or priests but to everyday people, reminding us that He is no respecter of persons; rather, He looks at the heart, and the gift of His Son is for everyone. The shepherds remind us of how we, too, should respond to Christ’s birth: with joy, wonder, worship, and adoration.

The Angels

The angels made the announcement of Christ’s birth, declaring the message of hope. They show us that the good news of Christ’s birth should be shared and rejoiced, filling the world with hope, joy, and a peace that surpasses understanding.

The Wise Men

In the wise men, we see that God welcomes all who seek Him and the light He brings, no matter their background or distance. 

The Manger

And then, there is the manger—a humble cradle for a King. It’s here, in the simplest setting, that God chose to reveal His love, His greatest gift to mankind. The manger shows us that Jesus came to be Immanuel–God with us, not above us, and that His grace is for everyone, regardless of status or circumstance.

The Baby Jesus

At the heart of it all lies Baby Jesus, wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger—the hope of the world in human form. Jesus’ birth is the ultimate expression of God’s love, a love willing to step down from the confinements of heaven and embrace the harsh conditions of humankind. Through Christ, God’s grace and mercy reach out to every heart, inviting us into relationship and offering us eternal hope.

As Oswald Chambers wrote in Bringing Sons unto Glory: Studies in the Life of Our Lord: 

“Jesus Christ became Incarnate for one purpose, to make a way back to God that man might stand before Him as He was created to do, the friend and lover of God Himself.”

Each piece of the nativity reveals something unique about God’s heart toward us. Together, they tell the story of a God who didn’t stay distant but chose to draw near, stepping into our world. He did this not only to walk alongside us in our struggles but to show the lengths He would go to build a relationship with us.

In the story of Christmas, we glimpse the fullness of God’s love—a love so profound that it extends an open invitation to embrace the life He offers through Jesus. But this story is more than just a beautiful narrative. It calls us to respond, to worship our Savior, and to reflect His light amidst the world’s darkness … which is exactly what we need to do in our world today.

The Importance of Christmas in Our Lives–Especially in Our World Today

Since Christmas holds such deep meaning for believers, we’re called to celebrate it in a way that shines a light on its true significance, going beyond the usual festivals. No, that doesn’t mean ditching gifts, decorations, or Christmas parties. Instead, we should center our hearts on the reason behind it all—celebrating Christ.

Now, more than ever, it’s essential to understand the importance of Christmas in our lives. We need to spread the hope and light that come from celebrating our Savior. As the enemy continues to push his agendas throughout the world–in attempt to keep people from knowing the truth that will set them free–our call is to stand boldly in faith, unashamed to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and still reigns. 

This season gives us the perfect opportunity to share His love and truth, pointing others toward the hope and freedom found only in Him.

We can spread His light and love this season by choosing to:

Worship Him wholeheartedly. 

Christmas is an incredible moment to worship our Savior, remembering all He has done for us. Through Jesus’s birth, we were given the gift of salvation and a personal relationship with God. Worship brings our focus to the beauty of that gift—the God who wrapped Himself in flesh and entered our world to draw near to us.

Share time with loved ones and serve each other. 

Jesus modeled a life of love and service, and Christmas calls us to do the same. In a culture that can feel increasingly self-centered, we can reflect Christ’s selfless love. As we gather with family and friends, we have the chance to live out His message, finding small ways to serve and uplift each other. After all, Galatians 5:13 encourages us to “serve one another through love.”

Celebrate His birth. 

As we celebrate His birth, we’re drawn back to the heart of our faith. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we face a spiritual battle, and the enemy’s goal is to pull our attention away from God. 

The world already runs with its distractions—but how powerful it is when believers fix their gaze on Christ. Through intentional celebration, both privately and publicly, we boldly declare His presence and His place in our lives. While the world is already distracted, it’s the hearts of believers he seeks to sway. How thrilled would he be to distract those who claim to follow Christ, pulling us away from worshiping and living for our Savior? 

But here’s the truth: we have the power to make a bold stand in the spiritual realm. When we resist his distractions and stay focused on spreading God’s love and truth, especially during Christmas, we declare that our hearts are set on Him and His Kingdom above all else.

So, through intentional celebration, both privately and publicly, we boldly declare His presence and His place in our lives.

Practical Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas 

As we embrace the beauty and purpose of this season, how can we practically keep Christ at the heart of Christmas? 

Here are a few intentional ways to infuse His presence into your celebrations, worship, and acts of service:

Spiritual Practices:

Create space for quiet moments with Christ. Consider diving into a Christmas-themed devotional or Scripture reading, such as “Jesus Calling for Christmas” by Sarah Young or “In the Manger: 25 Inspirational Selections for Advent” by Max Lucado.

If you’re looking for more resources, you can explore a library of hand-picked resources on the Worship in My City app to deepen your connection this season.

Acts of Service:

Jesus showed us the way of love through service, so why not reflect that in your actions? One way to give back is through Operation Christmas Child, a global initiative that delivers joy and hope to children around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes. Or, consider volunteering at your local homeless shelter or helping with your church’s Christmas program. There are endless ways to spread Christ’s love in your community.

Faith-Focused Celebrations:

Has the story of Christ’s birth become just another familiar tale during the holidays? If so, I invite you to bring it back to the center of your celebrations. Look for ways to make Christ’s birth visible in your home—through the words of your Christmas music, the decorations that fill your space, and the stories you tell. Be intentional in your devotions, whether personal or as a family, and make it a point to pause and acknowledge His birth each day this season. It’s in these small moments of intentionality that we can truly reflect the joy and hope that Christmas represents.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is such a magical time of year, isn’t it? Even those who don’t believe can feel the charm and warmth in the air. But when we bring Christ back to the center of our celebrations, everything becomes even more beautiful—more meaningful. After all, we’re not just celebrating the gifts we share with one another, but the ultimate Gift–the One who has granted us with these blessings.

Stuart Briscoe captured it perfectly in his article “Meet Him at the Manger” published by Christianity Today: ²

“The spirit of Christmas needs to superseded by the Spirit of Christ.
The spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal.
The spirit of Christmas is sentimental; the Spirit of Christ is supernatural.
The spirit of Christmas is a human product; the Spirit of Christ is a divine person.
That makes all the difference in the world.”

As we pause to worship Him, we invite the spirit of Christ into our homes and hearts. And when we do this, Psalm 22:3 reminds us that God inhabits the praises of His people, filling us with His joy and peace (Psalm 16:11). 

This year, friend, let’s not just go through the motions. This can be the most meaningful Christmas yet—one full of God’s peace, love, and joy. It’s an opportunity to stand strong against the distractions and darkness that so often pull our attention away from Christ. We don’t have to follow the “me-centered” ways of the world. Instead, we can shine His light, making a bold statement with our worship and focus on what truly matters.

Let this be the Christmas where we realign our hearts with the true reason for the season—celebrating the birth of our Savior, the reason we have hope, peace, and joy to begin with. Let’s seize this perfect opportunity to do exactly what Christmas was meant for all along: to refocus our hearts on our Savior, acknowledging and celebrating His birth.

The true reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

Citations

1. “What Does it Mean to Keep Christ in Christmas?”
   
   

   1. Source: Shannon Blosser’s Blog

1. “Meet Him at the Manger” by Stuart Briscoe

Source: Christianity Today