Are you celebrating Christmas wrong? Find out in this Connecting Faith & Life Podcast episode about Advent and the theme of Hope.

[0:00] Intro

[2:45] Is Christmas too commercialized?

[6:30] Should Christians include Santa Claus?

[8:00] How to include Advent at Christmas

[14:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

1 John 4:14

Romans 15:13

Romans 14

Proclaim Ministries Advent

From the commercialization of Christmas and the focus on buying and spending money to the debate on whether or not to include Santa Claus, there is a lot to be said about Christmas. In a lot of ways, we have drifted away from the true meaning of Christmas.

Celebrating Advent, and its focus on the first and second coming of Christ, can be a great way to bring reverence back to Christmas.

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” 1 John 4:14

The Advent calendar typically focuses on hope, peace, joy, and, love. The Proclaim Ministries Advent series includes readings, prayers, and activities like coloring sheets and word searches that can be done all throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

The practice of celebrating Advent helps us to reflect on God’s faithfulness. We have hope that is a confident expectation that God keeps His promises. It’s not wishfulness. Hope in God is certain. It is a hope built on Jesus' blood and righteousness.

People will celebrate Christmas differently. There is grace in allowing fellow believers to grow in their understanding of what Christmas is about. Celebrate Christmas and other holidays as unto the Lord, focusing on honoring God in your celebrations. (Romans 14)