Isn't that what Christmas is really about? Celebrating the Lord's Ultimate Gift. This is the message of Christmas: God gave us his Son in human form, and His Son gave us the gift of new life through His greatest sacrifice.
Here are three Bible-based ways to focus on the eternal gift of Christmas rather than the temporary things of this world:
SHIFT YOUR FOCUS FROM THE TEMPORARY TO THE ETERNAL // 2 Corinthians 4:18 // "So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Implement practical actions to keep your focus on the eternal gift: Increase your charitable giving rather than materialistic spending. Make the commitment to read scripture daily during the advent season. Listen to Christ-centered seasonal music as an act of worship.
REMEMBER THAT GOD GAVE THE ULTIMATE GIFT - HIS SON! // 2 Corinthians 9:15 // "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift."
Thankfulness isn't just for Thanksgiving! Include specific thanks and praises related to Christmas in your prayer time. React with thankfulness instead of complaints during stressful moments.
MEDITATE ON THE PROFOUND BASICS OF THE GOSPEL // John 3:16 // "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
The cross isn't just for Easter! When Christ entered the world as a child, he took the first step in his earthly journey towards the cross. In addition to the biblical story of the nativity, reflect on passages about Christ's sacrifice that paid for the gift of grace.
After the wrapping paper has been ripped off, the cookies have gone stale, the astronomical electricity bill has been paid, and the tree has shed its pine needles, God's gift of grace will remain. This Christmas, let's focus on thanking the Lord for His eternal gift!