A Family Christmas Liturgy
Scripture, reflection, and prayer for your family
It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's also one of the easiest seasons to get overwhelmed. As parents, expectations pile a mile high: "Make magical Christmas memories! Keep everything about the Gospel! Don't get sick; just take these supplements! Finish your shopping early! Print picture-perfect Christmas cards! Make all the holiday goodies (and let your kids be a part of it)! Experience the light festivals! Volunteer in the classrooms and at the programs!" All the noise of all the demands can make me feel like the Grinch. I just can't stand all the noise, noise, noise of all the things vying for my time and attention.
We need liturgy in our haphazard world of demands, unexpected interruptions, and disappointments. It focuses us. Steadies us. It feels countercultural and strange to those of us who like to move at lightning speed because it is. That is part of its goodness. Liturgies in community (like families) have added value. This simple liturgy starts Christmas Eve and carries your family through Christmas day with a simple yet intentional practice of scripture reading, reflection, and prayer. From our families to yours, we hope this can be helpful to infuse meaning and faith into your Christmas traditions that doesn't feel overwhelming.
Christmas Eve
Scripture reading: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:1-3
Reflection: The people of God dwelled in deep darkness, waiting for Jesus. The deep darkness was still there even on the night before his birth. On Christmas Eve, we remember what it must have been like even the day before the Savior's birth. Waiting, hoping, longing. Now we await his return, when he will make all things new.
Reflection moment: What is something you long to see Jesus make new in your life?
Closing prayer: On this dark night, we rejoice that you have overcome all darkness. Be the light that guides us through our Christmas day. Grant us hope and peace that only comes from knowing you so we may walk through this dark world as light. Amen.
Christmas morning meal - Share a family meal before gifts are opened.
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-21
Reflection: The time had come for the hope of the world. Humble. Meek. Lowly. Unexpected. The shepherds visited him (lowly... Jesus came not for the mighty, but for the weak). Angels appeared. Years of deep darkness were over. Joy was here!
Reflection moment: Can you think of what you might have experienced through your five senses if you were there (sight, sounds, smells, touch, taste)?
Closing prayer: Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son to save us and be the light in the darkness. Thank you for your constant provision and goodness to our family in seasons of plenty and waiting. We praise you for another year of your kindness to be Immanuel, God, with us. Amen.
Gift Giving
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflection: We give gifts to remember how the wise men traveled hundreds of miles to the exact place where Jesus lived to bring him their treasures. It was an extraordinary sacrifice, and we model that sacrifice in our giving to one another... not only with the gifts we will exchange this morning but with our lives. We also remember a gift far greater than what the wise men brought Jesus thousands of years ago. Thirty-three years after this scene, through Jesus's life of obedience and his sacrificial death, he gave us the gift of eternal life for all who trust in him.
Reflection moment: What other gifts has Jesus provided our family this year?
Closing Prayer: Lord, we delight in this moment where we share in giving and receiving gifts together. In this practice, we are reminded of your generous, good gift of salvation through Jesus. Fill us with delight and thankfulness, and may we pause to wonder and awe at the great gift of salvation and how it requires nothing from us. Amen.
Evening Meal - light candles and prepare a meal together
Scripture Reading: John 8:12, 6:25-59
Reflection: These candles remind us that Jesus brought light to the deep darkness. He is the way, the truth, and the life... the one we follow. The darkness cannot overcome the light. One day, his light will be all that we know. We will have no need of the sun, for he will be all the light we need. This food reminds us that Jesus is the bread of life. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness for Israel, so he provided a Savior for the world. This food will satisfy our stomachs but never satisfy our deeper hunger. Only Jesus will.
Reflection moment: Where have you seen the hope of Jesus's light today?
Closing Prayer: From the rising of the sun to its setting, we praise your name, Lord. We have feasted on your goodness, generosity, and grace this Christmas day. May the light of our faith grow brighter from this taste of your goodness. May we walk faithfully and be a light to this world, pointing them to the Christ who always satisfies. Amen.