Surely you’ve heard the chatter, that Christ has been unceremoniously kicked out of Christmas. And while I would love for Jesus’ name to appear in any public place, I’m not sure that He came to have buildings and monuments made of Him.

It was always about his indwelling in individual hearts and the spreading of that promise from one life to another.

As long as Jesus came to Earth on an otherwise uneventful day about 2,000 years ago, He is still the reason for everything, not just this season. Thankfully, this remains true. Either Christ is central to my holiday or He isn’t, and that is something I get to choose each day. 

Whatever holiday activities and decorations I choose, Jesus can be daily on my heart and mind. But it’s not easy, to remember in the busyness. I get caught up in ridiculous decisions about gifts and activities. I get hectic and frantic and reflect nothing of his character, much less show him off to others around me.

He asked us to remember Him, and it was a work of the heart. To make space. To make Him a priority.

So why don’t we make the bringer of peace front and center this month? Relationship with God was meant to be daily, simple, and integrated, after all. When we make room for Him in our lives, we are illuminated by His light. We are carriers of Christmas, not just revelers.

10 ideas for keeping Jesus at the center this month

1. Download a printable calendar with a short scripture for each day telling the story of Jesus’ birth and read them with fresh eyes, or follow along the daily scriptures in the Dawn devotional app.

2. Switch your watch to your opposite wrist, and every time you feel the awkwardness of it, think about Jesus’ humble entry to earth so that He could live as an example for us.

3. Print this names of God chart and use it as a placemat for your dinner table this month, reading a new name each evening. Or try this names of Jesus ornament craft for kids.

4. Find a local organization that helps the poor or disenfranchised and find a way to give back with service or funds, or simply pray for them daily.

5. Create a list of TV series and movies about Jesus and watch with friends or family members throughout the month. A good place to start is the Chosen series.

6. Commit to a daily meditation time or breath prayer that focuses on Jesus, which can be a short and sweet moment or extended, depending on the day. You can find short scripture based meditations in the Dawn app.

7. Put a sticky note on your bathroom mirror for Jesus, so that He comes to mind each time you wash your hands. It could include a scripture or phrase that is meaningful to you.

8. Play your favorite playlists of Jesus-focused Christmas music in your home and car.

9. Complete an advent calendar with friends or family members each day that tells Jesus’ story or in some way reminds you of his birth. Fun for kids and big people alike. Add some chocolate or hot cocoa to make it more delicious. :)

10. Each time you host a meal, purchase a gift, or do other holiday activities, take a moment to acknowledge Jesus in your thoughts. Simply remember Him. Keep Him center in your heart above all else. That is the greatest gift you can give Him (and yourself).