STUDENT MINISTRY: Christmastime is Here

      The holidays are upon us. As I write, it is one week from Christmas Eve. Hopefully, that statement didn’t send you into a panic — “I have presents to buy! I have cookies to make! I am so far behind.” All of us can get caught up in the “doing” of Christmas and miss some prime time of growth and connection. It is especially true for those of us in ministry. We have events to coordinate and final moments of gathering to observe. It can feel like you are responsible for the success or failure of others’ Christmas experience. The stress is real.

      One of the unfortunate side effects of Christmas stress is the propensity to pull away from all things Christmas. Let me encourage you to avoid that trap. Put the holiday in its proper place. Do things that celebrate and build up rather than stress you out. Here are some things to keep in mind this holiday season:

         • Be present with your family. It is easy for the mind to focus on a hundred different things in the days leading up to Christmas. The problem is that when you attend plays, Christmas parties and parades, you may be physically present, but your mind and attention are elsewhere. Your children and spouse need you to be physically and mentally with them. It is an easy trap to fall into, no matter the age of your children. My daughter is 23 years old. We attended the John Brown University Candlelight Service in Siloam Springs this past weekend. It was a night of great music focused on worshipping the King of kings. I found myself still thinking about the next day and my responsibilities at church. Prepare enough in advance so you can set down those other things and be totally present with your family.

         • Embrace church and family traditions. We have a few different traditions in our home. We have attended the Candlelight Service at our church for the last several years. Now, I have to be there, but it is still a sweet time that allows us to focus on the real meaning of the celebration. In addition, we have an open-house Christmas Eve party at my mom’s house. I believe we have been having that event since 1992, with the exception of 1996 when my Dad was dealing with recovery from brain tumor surgery. If you don’t have traditions with your family or at your church, create some. They help foster a sense of family history.

         • Don’t leave out Jesus. While this may seem like an obvious statement, it is indeed an issue. Celebrating Christmas doesn’t necessarily mean celebrating Jesus. Our society has created much of the Christmas holiday that has nothing to do with God’s remarkable gift of Jesus to the world. I’ve even seen videos of churches that opt to present something that has very little connection to Jesus in their Worship Centers. We must ensure that our children and families understand why this holiday holds significance for us. Our Christmas Eve gathering at my mom’s house includes one activity set in stone. At 8 pm, we pause our conversations and eating long enough to read the biblical account of Jesus’s arrival in the world. That simple act grounds our celebration and allows us to share Jesus with all the different people present.

         • Love on the hurting. Christmas time can be tough for those who have lost loved ones through death or difficult relationships. It can be a challenge when the bank account is low. It can feel lonely when one’s family lives so far away. Christmas is an ideal time to reach out to those in your life and church who are struggling during this season. Think about the new widow. Consider the family that lives thousands of miles from their relatives. These are opportunities to share the love of Jesus and think of others. Engage your family and invite those individuals into your celebrations. It can greatly impact those guests and leave a significant impression on your children.

      Don’t avoid Christmas or let resentment build over the added stress of the holiday. Look for ways to connect with and love others. When all is said and done, you don’t have many Christmases with your children before they go out to conquer the world. Make the most of this time and create wonderful memories along the way.

      Happy Holidays from your BMA of Arkansas Youth Department!