The Christmas season is a great time to consider where Jesus falls in the line of priorities your family has established. Is He at the center or is He closer to the periphery? And, where would you like Him to be?

If you’re feeling like us… that society is pulling you away from the true reason for the season… then let’s find ways to resist that pull and do the opposite. Let’s find ways to keep Christ at the center this Christmas and let’s work to spread the JOY of Christ to those in our lives that might need him most.

We’ve come up with a few simple ideas for Spreading the JOY as a family:

1. Show your children the importance that your family places on Jesus’ role in the season by bringing out your manger first. Talk about the Christmas story (or pull out your Bible and read it) as you set up the scene together.

2. Send out Christmas cards that have a CHRISTmas message – if your kids are old enough, let them address and/or stamp some of the cards. Pray over the cards before you drop them in the mailbox. Pray that the Christmas message would reach your recipients in a fresh, new way this year.

3. Sign up to volunteer as a family to give the example that caring for those less fortunate than yourselves is of utmost importance.

4. Entertain friends and neighbors… Christians and non-Christians alike. Pray before your meals together, invite them to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

There are so many ways you can help share the JOY of Christ this Christmas. Put on those mommy and daddy-style thinking caps and get creative with it! Wishing you a blessed Christmas season!