7 Ways to Carry the Christmas Spirit throughout the Whole Year

2. Generosity Galore

Have you noticed that people become more generous at the end of the year? Although a lot of this has to do with bonuses and tax breaks, I think people are more aware of the needs of others, organizations show up more, and companies make a bigger deal about giving back. The heart behind generosity matters. We know as believers that God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

How are we being generous? Are we cheerful to give just at Christmastime or year-round? Can we have open hearts with open hands? God calls us to use our resources to witness and bless those around us. How can we be more regularly involved in helping others financially or with our efforts?

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” - 2 Corinthians 9:7

3. The Hope of Jesus

Technically, what we are remembering and celebrating at Christmas should be focused on throughout the year, every day. Jesus, the God of the Universe, came to save us. He lived the perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose so that we would live forever with Him in Heaven. He made a way for broken sinners like us. The simplest way to carry this Christmas spirit is by spending time with God in His Word daily, praying to Him, and telling others about Him. 

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” - John 18:37

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4. Unashamedly Invite Others to Christian Community

Something unique happens this time of year. People who never invite anyone to church suddenly feel bold and confident to ask neighbors, co-workers, and family who are not involved in Christian community to attend events or services provided. This is a great time for outreach, however this should by no means be our only time of outreach. We should be asking the question, “Why am I so quick to invite others at Christmas?” “How can I be brave and evangelistic all year?” 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” - Romans 1:16

5. “Singing Loud for All to Hear”

Something sweet about the Christmas season is that so many of us sing loudly and proudly. We are not worried about being in perfect pitch, but we are celebrating together in song. We can continue this by remembering the same level of confidence and happiness that we sing with for Christmas carols. God invites us to make a joyful noise. So many people do this in December, but then feel silenced throughout the year due to lack of vocal abilities. We need to kick this lie to the curb that worship music is only for the musically inclined. All believers are called and created to worship the Living God. We are all given unique abilities and even if we have to sing through our fallen voices, it can be a sound of pure delight to our Father. 

Psalm 100:1-2 “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

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6. It’s a Wonderful Life Mentality

One of our family’s favorite Christmas movies to watch is It’s a Wonderful Life. The story is about overcoming obstacles, faith, family, community, and legacy. It inspires us all to be more like the character George Bailey. He makes selfless decisions along the way of his life that over time build up and impact many. We often do not feel like our mundane tasks are making significant impacts. However, just like George realizes at the end of the film, his life matters and influences many. 

Who is in your path today? What seemingly random person has God placed in front of you at the grocery store, in the hallway, or at your gym? Who is regularly in need around you that you could take notice of and help? When we begin to think about the impact that the Lord wants to make through us, our perspective changes. We are called to live by the Spirit and not by our flesh. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit each day, our mundane tasks and activities suddenly become God-ordained opportunities. How can we live on purpose and see those around us? In what ways can we trust that even the moments of detour are worth our attention and time?

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36

7. Keep Up the Wonder

The lights, the stories, and the awe of Jesus’ birth take center stage right now. However, we can quickly lose the “wonder” of the Christmas spirit come January. One of the best decisions that we can make is to keep being in awe of Jesus. We can continue to marvel at His sacrifice and great love for us. We can be moved towards praising His greatness, pondering His deep love, and resting in His presence. The Creator of all loves us. The God of the universe has made a way for us to be His children. He is truly a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

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