The Christmas season is one of the most joyful times of the year. It’s a season of giving, of coming together, and of reflecting on the hope that entered the world with the birth of Jesus. But in the midst of the presents, the decorations, and the festive meals, it’s easy to lose sight of the deeper meaning of Christmas. This year, why not take a step back and make your Christmas celebration even more meaningful - by focusing on the powerful legacy of Christ’s birth, and how you can pass that legacy on to your family and others around you?
Christmas is about much more than exchanging gifts. It’s about remembering the incredible gift that was given to us over 2,000 years ago. The birth of Jesus is a gift of hope and restorationto be shared with the world. And just like the story of Christ’s birth has been passed down through generations, you as a family have the opportunity to pass on this message to your children and community.
In Luke 2:10-11, the angel declares to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
As a family, focusing on this message can help set the tone for your Christmas celebration. When you remember the true meaning of Christmas, you can make the season about more than just the “stuff” of the holidays - it becomes an opportunity to share the story of Christ with those around you.
Let’s face it - Christmas can get busy! Between gift shopping, holiday parties, and trying to stay on top of everything, it’s easy for the season to slip by without taking a moment to reflect on its true meaning. But there are some simple and fun ways to keep Christ in the center of your Christmas celebration—and build a lasting legacy of faith for your family.
Here are some ideas for incorporating your holiday traditions with the spirit of Christmas:
A Jesse Tree is a tradition that helps tell the story of God’s promises from creation through the birth of Jesus. Each day in December, add a new ornament to the tree that represents a story or prophecy from the Bible leading up to the birth of Christ. It’s a fun and meaningful way to help kids (and adults) understand the true story of Christmas.
Make it a tradition to read the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible on Christmas Eve. Gather the family around the tree and take turns reading the passage from Luke 2. Afterward, share a time of thankfulness for the gift of Jesus. This simple tradition helps bring the family back to the true heart of Christmas.
3. Last-Minute Christmas Acts of Kindness
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to finish the season by sharing the love. Challenge your family to perform a few simple acts of kindness in the final days before Christmas. Whether it’s gifting a family legacy study course to another family or volunteering your time as a family at church. Not only do they spread the joy of the season, but they also remind us of the true meaning of Christmas - giving from the heart.
4. Christmas Eve Candles and Prayers
On the days leading up to Christmas, gather your family to light a special candle each evening. You can use the tradition of Advent candles, but adjust it to reflect on the final days before Christ's birth. Each night, light a new candle and read a scripture passage that points to the story of Jesus’ arrival - like the Annunciation to Mary or the journey to Bethlehem. Finish each evening with a short prayer of gratitude and looking forward to the future. This practice helps deepen the joy and spiritual significance of Christmas in the final moments before the celebration.
Music has the power to fill your home with the true essence of Christmas time. Create a family Christmas playlist filled with songs that point to Christ’s birth - think “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and other hymns that celebrate His coming. Have a dance party around the tree, or listen together while wrapping gifts.
As you reflect on the biblical meaning of Christmas, remember that Christmas represents a time of giving. Just as God sent His Son, we are called to give of ourselves and to share the hope of Christ with those around us.
One impactful way your family can give back is by sharing resources that help other families during the holiday season. One powerful gift your family can offer this Christmas is Legacy Stone’s small group study, designed to help families create a lasting legacy through mission, vision and values.
This curriculum is filled with communication lessons, setting lasting values, creating family vision and mission statements and so much more!
It’s a wonderful resource for families in your church or community who may be seeking ways to grow as a family this season. Imagine the impact of gifting a small group curriculum to another family in your church or community this Christmas. This simple yet thoughtful gesture can have a lasting impact on the legacy they’re building in their own homes.
As you celebrate Christmas this year, remember that you’re not just celebrating a moment in time—you’re honoring the legacy of hope, love, and salvation that Jesus brought to the world. Through your family traditions, acts of kindness, and reflections on Christ’s birth, you have the opportunity to build a legacy of faith that will last for generations.
Give the gift of hope, not just through presents, but by sharing the tools and resources that can help others grow in their faith. This Christmas, let your family’s legacy be one of purpose, love, and generosity as you pass on the true meaning of Christmas.