“I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:10–11
For many families, the list of “perfect” Christmas activities grows every year. Rehearsals, parties, performances, recitals, plays, shuttle service, fast food, and home late! Before falling into bed, under compulsion, we remember our Christmas devotion. At the end of an exhausting day, reading the Bible together becomes merely an afterthought.
Where is the joy? We end up spending more time with our kids in the car than anywhere else. How can we resist the sinful pressure to keep up? What if we asked, “If we give our time, money, and energy to this activity, will our family have more joy?” True Christmas joy comes as we give our lives to Jesus. Joy increases as we do whatever He wants, even when it means changing our plans. What if this Christmas we asked God to help us prioritize daily time for Scripture reading and family conversations that celebrate the glory of Christ?
Make it Personal
Ask God to help you evaluate what Christmas activities tend to distract you from your joy in Christ.