Making Christmas Meaningful
Family Tools for a Joyful Holiday
As we enter this special season, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle or stresses and expenses of the holiday preparations. But amidst it all, there’s an opportunity to create meaningful moments with your family—moments that point to the true reason for the season: Jesus. We’ve gathered these resources to help you bring faith, joy, and togetherness into your Christmas celebrations. Our prayer is that they will help you keep your eyes on Jesus, bring sweetness to your season and provide guidance on navigating the challenges of the season.
Merry Christmas from the Pastor Levi and Jennie
Christmas Morning Devotional
As we gather around twinkling lights and share gifts this Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the warm feelings and festive traditions. But remember…Christmas is so much more than the surface joy and holiday cheer.
The first Christmas was not about cozy comfort. Mary and Joseph traveled to a town where there was no room, and Jesus was born in a humble stable surrounded by animals. The story includes pain, hardship, and even death. Yet, it is in this reality that the true hope of Christmas shines brightest.
Jesus came to destroy death itself. He came to bring life and immortality to light through the gospel. Because He lived, died, and rose again, we don’t just exchange gifts and decorations—we exchange hope that conquers sorrow, peace that surpasses pain, and joy that outlasts loss.
If you are carrying grief or heartache this season, know that Jesus understands your pain. He wept at the grave of His friend Lazarus, showing us that hurting with hope still hurts. But because of Him, there is more to the story.
This Christmas, let us run toward the roar of resurrection power, not away from the aches and pains of the season. Let’s stick together in community! Let’s gather. Let’s celebrate. And above all, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the true reason for the season, whose story didn’t end in a manger or a grave, but in life forevermore.
“Jesus has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” — 2 Timothy 1:10
May this truth fill your heart with hope and peace this Christmas season!
Prayer
Jesus,
In the middle of lights and traditions, we pause to remember why You came. Thank You for stepping into our broken world, for choosing a manger instead of a throne, and for bringing light into every dark place.
For those carrying grief or heartache this Christmas, draw near. Remind us that You are familiar with sorrow and present in our pain. Give us courage to run toward the roar of resurrection and not away from the ache.
Fix our eyes on You—the One who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light. Fill us with peace that steadies, joy that lasts, and hope that holds.
We celebrate You, Jesus—our Savior and our strength. Amen!
Helpful Reads for the Holiday Season
Looking for some guidance and encouragement this holiday season? We’ve curated a selection of insightful articles to help you navigate the challenges and joys of this time of year. Whether you’re seeking ways to support your kids, strengthen your family, or bring more faith into your celebrations, these reads offer wisdom and practical advice.
Navigating Grief During the Holidays
God doesn’t want you to pretend like the pain isn’t true this Christmas. You can still have faith, even with tears running down your cheeks. You can still believe it, even when it hurts like crazy. These four things will be help you navigate grief with belief.
7 Signs Your Child May Be Lonely
The first step toward warding off loneliness is to recognize the signs and clues that your child may be feeling lonely. Discover seven events and behaviors that may signal your child is lonely.
4 Ways to Help Your Child Cope With Loneliness
Parents hate to think that their child might be lonely. And let’s face it, loneliness isn’t healthy for kids or adults. If your child is feeling lonely, here are four ways to help them cope.
Why Struggles With Mental Health Are Not a Lack of Faith
Mental health struggles happen, but, they don’t equate to a lack of faith.
Helping Today’s Anxiety-Filled Kids
As a parent, it’s important to know helpful ways to assist kids who are suffering with anxiety. Here are some practical tips for you.
5 Ways to Support Your Kids During Scary Times
Navigating difficult terrain is all part of the parenting journey. It will never be easy. But in a crisis, it is mission-critical to help kids make sense of what’s happening and manage any anxiety they may be experiencing. Here are five tips that might help.
Christmas at Fresh Life
Join us for Christmas at Fresh Life! Find a location, or gather the family and join us online for an evening of Christmas music, candlelight, activities for kids, and a message of hope.