Making the Holidays "Holy Days"

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget that the word "holiday" originally meant "holy day." So how can you make Christmas "holy" once again? Here are just a few ideas:

1. Find a Bible Reading plan for the week of Christmas.
2. Before opening presents, read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20 or the story of the Wisemen from Matthew 2:1-11.
3. As you pray before eating your Christmas dinner, go around the table having each person pray one short prayer to Jesus.
4. Buy and listen to Paul Baloche's Christmas Worship album to help you worship Jesus through music this season.
5. Find a quiet spot and pray through the "Christmas songs" of Scripture like Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55 or Zechariah's song in Luke 1:67-79 using their lyrics to help guide your prayers.
6. Give an anonymous gift to someone you know is in need. Perhaps leave it on their front step, ring the doorbell, and run! 😉
7. Buy a new Bible and begin reading it. Don't wait for January 1 to begin!
8. Find someplace to volunteer an hour or two of your time to benefit others. Pray quietly as you do the work.
9. Go to a Christmas Eve service. While Riverwood isn't able to do one this year, you might consider going to one of the other area churches. Our friends at Grace Baptist, Vineyard, Open Bible, and Crosspoint are each holding services. Or if you are visiting family out of town, attend with them!
10. Hold your own candlelight service at home. Light candles and sing "Silent Night" or other quiet Christmas carols as a family. Read the Christmas story, and say a prayer thanking Jesus for coming to earth.

Bonus Idea: Sleep in! You'll be amazed at how your perspective can change about life with just a little extra shut-eye.

Hopefully one or two of these ideas will spur you to do something that will remind you to worship Jesus through the busy Christmas/New Year's season and truly make these "holy days." And if you have any ideas of your own, put 'em in the comments!