I love Christmas! I'm not ashamed of it either. I grew up in a home where Christmas was celebrated and focused upon Christ ALONE! Don't get it twisted, I'm appreciative and thankful.
As I grew and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, I began to really long to make Christmas traditions for our family while focusing on Christ. Can I be honest, I didn't know how. I didn't know how to embrace the balance of celebrating Christ and balancing the cultural aspects of the holiday.
So, where am I today on this balance? Here's the truth, there is no balance just tension. I've embraced that there is a tension and should be a tension in my heart around this very matter. So as I have sought and prayed about what Christmas is to my family, we began to redefine Christmas. Wait! Don't freak out, just hear me out. The very definition of redefine means to define again, reformulate.
So, that's what we did. We asked, how do we define Christmas? What do we believe? It landed us right where our hearts and our lives rest, in Christ. We began to study the stories/traditions of Old for believers and how we can embrace them as redeemed followers of Christ. So this 3-Part series is just that. Me sharing with you how The Olivers are redefining Christmas through Christ.
(Free downloads found on alwaysrooney.com)
One way, that we have we redefined Christmas is through celebrating Advent.
"Advent", meaning the coming or Second coming of Christ. I did not grow up celebrating this tradition, but I have found it to be a blessing to me and my family. We have used a few different Advent resources from Pastors/Bible Teachers that our beliefs align with as a person of the faith.
This year we are using the resource provided by The Village Church, Pastor Matt Chandler. It allows our hearts to focus on Christ and keep Him as the focus of the season, while creating traditions and celebrations around the focus of Christ's coming. It's beautiful! It allows my heart, soul and mind to make much of His name in all things this season!
Can I ask a question. How are you focusing on Christ this Christmas? If you're not, it's NEVER LATE. I LOVE what James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." God is waiting. He waiting for you to come near to Him. Hey, if you are reading this slow down and pause. Pause and Pray.
Here are a few Advent Resources for the individual and for the family.
The Village Church: Click here
Ann Voskamp: Click here
John Piper: Click here
I look forward to these next two post and the sharing I get to do with you this Christmas season! Share this post with a friend and keep a lookout as I will be providing tons of links for FREE stuff to make this season what our hearts long for it to be.
Blessings & xoxo!
