As Christmas draws near, our hearts often yearn for moments of connection. We crave time with family, the comfort of shared traditions – be it decorating a Christmas tree or sharing a box of Bakers Choice Assorted biscuits, and the warmth of belonging. But in the midst of shopping lists, busy schedules, and the usual hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy for the true meaning of Christmas to slip through our fingers.
This year, let’s intentionally reclaim the connection that Christmas offers. Let’s invite Jesus back into our homes, our hearts, and our conversations. As families, we can grow closer together through Scripture, prayer, and shared traditions that turn our focus back to the heart of Christmas: the birth of our Saviour.
Setting the Stage for Connection
It’s no secret that life can get overwhelming. Between work, commitments, and the ever-expanding to-do lists, it feels like there’s rarely time to pause and breathe. But Christmas offers us a beautiful opportunity to reset and reconnect with what matters most—each other and the One who made it all possible. As people living in Southern Africa, we know how important family is. We understand the depth of relationships, the significance of shared meals, and the joy that comes from spending time together.
In the spirit of Christmas, let’s gather our loved ones and make room for a different kind of celebration this year—a celebration rooted in connection. By incorporating simple family devotions into our daily routine, we can create moments of togetherness that lead to deep, lasting memories.
Start with Scripture: Let the Word Speak
The Bible is full of stories that reflect the heart of Christmas. And when we read these stories aloud together, we bring the message of Jesus’ birth alive in our hearts. You don’t need to start with long passages or complex study sessions—keep it simple and engaging for the whole family.
Suggested Scriptures:
- Luke 2:1-20: The birth of Jesus in a humble manger.
- Matthew 2:1-12: The visit of the Magi and the gifts they brought to honor Jesus.
- Isaiah 9:6-7: Prophecy of the Messiah, a child born to bring peace.
As you read these passages, take time to pause and reflect on the significance of each part of the story. You could ask your family questions like:
- What do you think it must have been like for Mary and Joseph that night?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus came to bring peace to the world?
Let the Scriptures spark conversation, and encourage each family member to share their thoughts and feelings. This isn’t about having the right answers; it’s about creating space for each person to encounter God’s Word and see how it speaks to them in this season.
Prayer: Invite God into Your Home
Prayer is the perfect way to tie together your family devotions. It doesn’t need to be long or complicated—just heartfelt and sincere. After reading Scripture, invite each person to share a prayer of gratitude, hope, or need. And if your family is comfortable, pray together as a group.
Ideas for Prayer:
- Thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus: Thank God for sending His Son into the world to bring salvation and peace.
- Prayers for peace in the family: Ask God to help your family grow closer, to be filled with patience and understanding during this busy time.
- Prayers for others: Lift up those who may be lonely or struggling this Christmas season.
For children, you could make prayer a bit more fun and interactive by creating a “prayer jar” with different things to pray for written on slips of paper. Each night, a family member can pick a slip from the jar, and everyone can pray for that specific thing.
Reclaiming Connection: The Gift of Presence
In a season filled with distractions, it’s important to remember that the greatest gift we can give each other is our presence. Put down your phones, turn off the TV, and simply be together. Share laughter, stories, and quiet moments. Take time to reconnect as a family and remind each other of the beautiful gift of Christ—the one gift that changed everything.
The world may push us to focus on material things, but the joy of Christmas isn’t found in gifts or decorations. It’s found in the connection we share with each other and with Christ. By committing to family devotions, prayer, and meaningful traditions, we reclaim the true spirit of Christmas—one of love, togetherness, and gratitude.
This Christmas, let’s choose to be present. Let’s choose connection. And as we gather around the manger, let’s remember that Jesus, the greatest gift ever given, calls us to love each other with hearts full of grace and joy. May our homes be filled with His peace, and may our families grow closer as we share the greatest gift of all—His presence.