Finding Holiness in Holidays
by Heather McAnear
Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like the world is buzzing with joy during December. Everything from the way strangers wish one another “Merry Christmas” to the music you hear while shopping. Intentional or not, the joy of Jesus is everywhere. Since our kids were young, we have made an effort to point out the ways we see Jesus in everyday Christmas traditions.
For instance, lights on houses and drive-through displays remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. As we put up and decorate our Christmas tree, we recognize its significance. With a point toward the heavens and a star on top, the tree literally points to Jesus while reminding us that He was born so that one day He would hang on a tree, dying for the sins of the world.
Even seeing Santa Claus out and about opens spiritual conversation as we discuss the original St. Nicholas, who was born to wealthy parents, but orphaned while he was young. History teaches that Nicholas sought to obey the teachings of Jesus, “Sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” by using his entire inheritance to assist the needy, sick and suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God, known most for his generosity. When we look at giving in light of generosity, rather than over-indulgence and consumerism, it narrows our gaze and influences how we spend our resources.
Throughout the season, we choose a couple of opportunities to give to others (if you research, there are many!) We include our children in the buying and delivering of the gifts, such as filling stockings for the Truck Stop ministry, buying gifts for children through OKC Foster Wishes, Care Share or Angel Tree, taking groceries to single moms or even paying for the car behind us in a drive-through. We don’t do all of these each year, but we incorporate some opportunities annually into our Advent season, turning our hearts outward.
The entire season is filled with anticipation, as children and adults alike count the days until the 25th. As a family we observe Advent, but more than the anticipation for a day, we anticipate a person: Emmanuel, God with us. This season is filled to the brim with hope as we remember the baby born of a virgin, who will come again as our reigning King. Remembering the freedom that was born to us in that manger gives us hope in a world that can feel hopeless. Taking time to read Scripture foretelling the coming of Jesus makes Christmas morning sweeter when we turn to Luke 2, the culmination of the season, our Savior’s birth story!
However you choose to celebrate the season, it is my hope and prayer that you see the holiness in the holiday. Even in a consumer-driven culture, when we seek Him, He will be found. For in Him we live and move and have our being. Merry Christmas to all! May the joy of Jesus fill your heart and home this December.
Author Bio
Heather McAnear is a wife, mom, author, teacher and host of the Uniquely Beautiful Stories podcast. She has a passion for sharing God's truth to help others grow in their walk with Jesus. Heather also enjoys teaching young married couples with her husband, homeschooling their three children, traveling the world, good chocolate and long conversations in coffee shops. CRBC has been her church home for more than two decades and she is honored to write for the CRBC and Council Road Women's blogs.