Keeping Christ in Christmas with Howard Dayton

Dec 24, 2024

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“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” - Luke 2:10

As Christians living in a materialistic society…we must remember to celebrate for the right reason…the birth of our Savior. Howard Dayton joins us to talk about that.

Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Financial Ministry and the former host of this program. He is also the author of several books on Christian Finance and Stewardship.

The True Reason for the Season: A Savior Is Born

As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season—gifts, decorations, and endless to-do lists. But amidst all the festivities, it’s important to intentionally focus on the true reason for the season: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

At the heart of Christmas is the message of Luke 2:11–14:

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

This Scripture serves as a powerful reminder that Christmas is not about the gifts we give or receive but about the gift God gave us in His Son, Jesus. Reflecting on this passage helps us remember the miraculous story of Christ’s birth and its significance for our lives.

Create Traditions That Keep Christ at the Center

One meaningful way to keep Christ at the center of Christmas is by reading the story of His birth from Luke 2 as a family. Whether it’s on Christmas morning before opening presents or on Christmas Eve, pausing to reflect on this Scripture can anchor your celebrations in the real reason for the season.

Consider making it a family tradition where each person takes turns reading a few verses. It’s a simple yet powerful way to instill the truth of the gospel in the hearts of children and remind everyone of God’s love and faithfulness.

Christmas is also an opportunity to model and teach generosity. Just as God gave us the greatest gift in Jesus, we are called to give generously to others.

Encourage children to share what they have with someone in need. For example, they could give a cherished toy to a child who might not receive any gifts this Christmas. Acts of generosity can create life-changing moments, not only for those who receive but also for those who give. These experiences help cultivate a heart of compassion and gratitude in children and deepen their understanding of what it means to follow Christ.

Be Intentional About the Message of Christmas

In a culture that often overlooks the true meaning of Christmas, it’s more important than ever to teach children intentionally—and remind ourselves—why we celebrate. Christmas is about honoring Jesus, who left heaven to come to earth, lived a sinless life, and ultimately died for our sins so we could have eternal life.

If we are not intentional, we can easily get swept up in the culture’s focus on materialism and miss the priceless opportunity to point ourselves and others back to Christ.

At the heart of Christmas is the ultimate act of generosity: God giving His Son for our salvation. This indescribable gift should inspire us to reflect that same spirit of generosity, not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing resources with those in need, or offering our time to serve others, generosity mirrors the heart of God.

Practical Steps for a Christ-Centered Christmas

Here are a few ways to ensure your Christmas celebrations keep Christ at the center:

Start with Scripture: Read Luke 2 as a family before opening gifts or as part of a Christmas Eve tradition.
Practice Gratitude: Take time to thank God for the gift of Jesus and the blessings He has provided.
Model Generosity: Find creative ways to give, whether donating to a charity, serving in your community, or helping someone in need.
Keep It Simple: Avoid the temptation to overcomplicate the season with endless activities. Focus on the moments that truly matter.

Christmas is a season of joy, celebration, and hope because of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. By keeping Him at the center of our traditions and celebrations, we can honor the true meaning of the season and create lasting memories that glorify God.

This Christmas, let’s remember the ultimate gift of God’s love and share it with others. May your celebrations be filled with the peace and joy that only Christ can bring!

If you’d like to learn more about Compass Financial Ministry and the incredible work they are doing, visit CompassFinancialMinistry.org.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

What is the difference between a will and a trust?
My father created a trust fund for the four of us siblings, with the oldest and youngest siblings in charge of the trust. The other siblings are having trouble getting information from them. Even though the two siblings in charge can access the fund, will my mother still need to approve any access to the money?

Resources Mentioned:

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