Being present is about being there…by not being somewhere else.
I’m just not all there with him.
Don’t do something.
To an already-packed schedule, Christmas can feel a bit like “more bricks, less straw.”
If your goal is being present in the ways that matter, cut out a few of the “have-to’s” that aren’t.
Could we do photo Christmas cards rather than hand-signed…or let go of cards altogether? Could I forego making frosted Christmas cookies if the kids really don’t care about it, or would probably fight the whole time? Do we have to have handmade gifts for teachers, or could we go with Starbucks cards?
Allow a little more margin for a peaceful, thoughtful state of mind rather than one rattled, and sprinting to keep up. Think Martha versus Mary here.
Pray that God will open your eyes to what entangles and distracts your heart from really soaking in the Christmas message this year—and that you’ll have the courage to cut it loose.
(…Or decline the call.)
Listen.
If you’re moved by music, spend a few dollars and a few extra minutes on iTunes for songs that will get worship rolling around in your head and your heart.
Download
an advent devotional, like this one from Desiring God.
Or if you’d like some more specific, personal questions, try Deeper: 12 (Printable) Journaling Ideas for a Christmas of the Soul.
Hijack your traditions.
Kids can learn being present with God, too. Consider an advent calendar that—alongside the ubiquitous sugar—leads your family closer to Jesus. I like this printable one from Faith Gateway.
Younger kids might enjoy making Jesus a birthday cake (cake mix! whipped cream! Keep this easy…) and singing “Happy Birthday” on Christmas.
Hone in.
Pick one name of Jesus (“Prince of Peace”) or verse (“I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as you have said”) or character from the Christmas story that sticks out. Or ask God to point out one.
Chew on that as you go through the season, and listen as God fleshes out its meaning.
Being present: In what ways does your heart worship?
Author Gary Thomas writes of the various ways we worship as individuals: through nature, restoring justice, through our intellect, etc.
Carve out time for the ways you worship, being present through a walk in the snow, a prayer time in the quiet of the Christmas tree lights, or shoveling a neighbor’s snow.
Ask Him.
You’ve heard the old warning: If the Devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.
This may seem like a “duh”—but consider a question like this one: God, I know how everyone else thinks I should spend my day today. How do you want me to spend it, to be faithful to you and love well? And Help me know how my holiday can be about increased worship and enjoyment of You.
Help me keep the main thing the main thing.
If you like these ideas on being present, grab 25 to Decorate Inside for the Holidays.
(I pulled these together for FamilyLife.com. It’s got even more specific ideas.)
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