Preparing Your Heart for Christmas

They say that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. However, it can often be a whirlwind of activity. From holiday shopping, festive decorations, and year-end obligations, it’s easy to lose sight of Christmas’s true significance and importance. This season isn’t just about perfectly wrapped gifts or Instagram-worthy family gatherings—it’s a moment to reconnect with the transformative love of God.

So what can you do to prepare your heart for Christmas this year? Here are some practical steps you can take today:

• Daily Bible Reading: Commit to morning or evening Bible reading focused on Christ’s birth throughout the gospels. You can look at passages in Luke and Matthew that reveal the miraculous birth of Jesus. New Life has a Christmas Bible plan going on right now. You can text “Christmas” to 703-454-5990 and get a daily reading and short video devotional.
• Giving: This is more than just giving of material things. Look for opportunities to support those experiencing hardship—whether through financial donations, volunteering, or offering compassionate presence to someone lonely. Passion for Community has lots of opportunities you can help out with during the holiday season. You can also give at New Life and the different events you can support and help with as well. If you have been blessed by God this year and want to give back financially, you can do that as well here. 
• Intentional Prayer: Develop an intentional time of prayer that centers on praying for others this Christmas and help you keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Pray for opportunities for you to share about the love of Christ, the true reason for the season. Spending intentional time in prayer will really help you prepare your heart for Christmas this year.

Challenge

Christmas is about so much more than the parties, the celebrations, the music or movies and Santa. It is about Jesus. Prepare your heart and keep your eyes focused on Him and be intentional about growing in your faith this Christmas season as it will help springboard you into the new year full of hope and joy.