Honed for the Holidays: an ADVENT challenge

Are we going to let the holidays HAPPEN this year? Or take them captive to Christ? Consider these verses that make us think of everyone from spouses to strangers…

·      Ephesians 5:25-27, 6:4  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

·      Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

·      1 Timothy 3:5 …for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 

·      1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

·      Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your  good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

·      1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…

As the holidays approach, sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s a good time to consider how we are following our biblical mandates as spouses, parents and more. Even if we aren’t married, or don’t have kids, we have relatives and others in our lives. We can ask questions:

What traditions have we enjoyed growing up?

·      Christ-centered events? (Sharing thanks, shared reading, media, singing, etc.)

·      Christ-centered rhythms? (Advent readings, prayers, charity, serving)

·      Christ-centered display? (Nativity, verses, Christian décor, Jesus birthday cake)

What traditions have we instituted or experimented with as an adult?  

·      With our family? Immediate? Extended?

·      With our church? Or greater Christian community?

·      With extended community? (neighbors, co-workers, old friends)

What traditions could we initiate this year?

Thanksgiving Traditions Focused on Christ

1.    “Thankful to God” Dinner Tradition Before the meal, go around the table and have each person name one thing they’re thankful *to God* for specifically, then close in prayer of gratitude.

2.    Scripture of Thanks Read passages like Psalm 100, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, or Colossians 3:15–17 before the meal. You could rotate who reads each year.

3.    “Blessing Board” or “Gratitude Jar” Starting November 1, everyone writes things they’re grateful for on slips of paper. On Thanksgiving Day, read them together as a reminder of God’s provision.

4.    Family Service or Giving Project Serve a meal at a shelter, deliver groceries to a neighbor, or give a donation together—teaching gratitude through action.

Advent and Christmas Traditions Centered on Christ

1.    Advent Readings – Daily or weekly

a.    Light a candle each week at home and read appropriate Bible passages. Close w/prayer.

b.   Use cards or a calendar or a book to read a short verse each day that points to the coming of Jesus (like Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11, John 1:14). 3 books under $10:

The Advent of Glory by R.C. Sproul

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper

Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp

2.    Nativity Emphasis Instead of starting with Santa or presents, begin decorating with a nativity scene. You can even leave baby Jesus out until Christmas Day to build anticipation.

3.    “Gifts for Jesus” Tradition Encourage each family member to offer a symbolic “gift” to Christ — such as a commitment to pray more, serve someone, etc.

4.   Christmas Eve Candlelight & Reading Read Luke 2:1–20 as a family by candlelight before bedtime, maybe even sing “Silent Night” together.

5.    Home Service on Christmas Morning Before opening gifts, take time to pray as a family or deliver gifts to neighbors — small acts that put love in action.

6.    Make a “Family Faith Book” Where you record answered prayers or blessings each year.

7.     Post-service ADVENT discussion Start a post-service discussion with what kids learned in kids ministry (or what older kids/spouse, friend, parent etc. learned in service).

Prayerfully consider and take the ADVENT CHALLENGE with us this season, adding one - or MORE! - intentional godly, biblical elements to your holiday routine this year…

…and who knows, that rhythm might even stick as you head into the new year, or make you hungry for more! Grace and peace this holiday season.