One of our core values at Carl’s Drug Store is to be God-centered. We strive to keep God at the center of our business and our interactions with both customers and each other every day. Unfortunately, it seems to be getting harder and harder to keep Christmas God-centered. Here are ten ideas that may help.
1. Make an advent prayer garland.
Cut 24 strips of colored paper and write a person’s name on each strip. Staple or tape the strips into rings, linking one to the next to create a colorful garland. Each day in December, remove one ring and spend time praying for the person listed.
2. Shop holiday sales for the needy.
Take the focus off of buying gifts for your family and friends, and, instead, look for deals for those in need. There are many ways and places to donate to, especially during the holiday season.
3. Set up a nativity scene.
Be sure your decorations include a nativity scene. Consider keeping baby Jesus out of the scene until Christmas morning, so the kids can anticipate His arrival. You may also choose to include an outdoor nativity scene as well.
4. Plan a service project.
Plan a project that you and your family or friends can do to serve someone else. Jesus came to earth to serve, and He is glorified when we do likewise. Maybe you know a family that could use some help cleaning or a single mom that could use a break to do her errands. Opportunities are all around. Ask God to help you see them.
5. Write an uplifting letter to a missionary.
It can be hard to be away from your family and friends for the holidays. Send a note of encouragement to lift their spirits! Don’t know a missionary? Call your local church and ask what missionaries they support.
6. Go Christmas caroling.
Fill up your thermos with hot chocolate, grab some friends, and carol through a local development. Or, call a nursing home and schedule to take a group caroling there instead. Cell phones can make it even easier to have the lyrics and music to play along.
7. Give a surprise present.
Pick someone you don't usually exchange gifts with and surprise them with a present. Sometimes the best gifts are unexpected! It doesn’t have to be big, even a $5 gift card can come in handy.
8. Read the Christmas story from the Bible.
Plan a time to read the Christmas story straight from the Bible either on Christmas eve or Christmas day. Try reading from Luke 1:5 through Luke 2:20. If you have kids or grandkids, let them take turns reading!
9. Attend a Christmas church service.
You may not attend church regularly or it might just be hard to find time in the busy Christmas schedule, but pick a church ser-vice to attend to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are usually many options to choose from including some at midnight.
10. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.
Before any presents are open, take a minute to sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. This might be the perfect time to add Him to your nativity scene.
This Christmas season, we hope that you and your family experience the joy and peace that comes with keeping Jesus at the center of your celebration.
Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!
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