Worship Fully (Advent Conspiracy #4)

December 24, 2015

Tomorrow is Christmas Day! Chances are your day will be filled with food, noise, wrapping paper, entertainment, and who-knows-what-else.

But let me encourage you to not simply get caught up in the cultural trappings of the day. While I hope you enjoy the food, fun, and gift-giving, here are some creative ideas that will help you Worship Fully:

  • Read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20 before opening gifts.
  • Talk about the gifts the Magi gave Jesus, and ask each person in the room what they would give Jesus if He was spending the day with you.
  • Allow the kids to reenact the Christmas story.
  • Sing a carol about Jesus' arrival like Joy to the World. (For lyrics, go here.)
  • If you have little kids (or even if you don't!), bake Jesus a birthday cake and sing him "Happy Birthday."
  • Attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service tonight at a local church (Open Bible, Trinity, and Grace Baptist all have Candlelight services planned.)
  • When you and your family/guests sit down to eat together, have each person who feels comfortable pray aloud, thanking God for sending Jesus
  • Start your day with 2 or 3 minutes (or more!) alone in prayer, thanking God for Jesus and praying for everyone you'll be spending the day with.

This is just a primer. The main point is to make your day start with Jesus, end with Jesus, and be all about Jesus. May the presents remind you of the gift of Jesus. May the laughter remind you that the joy of the Lord is our strength. May everything in your day drive you toward Jesus.

Hopefully you have Spent Less, yet Given More this Christmas Season. May you Love All you interact with today. But most of all, may your focus be first and foremost upon Worshipping Jesus Fully.

Erin Bird Lead Pastor - Riverwood Church

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Riverwood Church, Waverly Iowa

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