As we scurry around searching for the perfect Christmas gifts, wrap them, decorate the tree and house, send cards and bake, do we remember to pause in God’s presence? Jesus is the greatest gift of all, but if we’re not intentional, he can get lost in the hustle and bustle of this busy season.

Jesus was the perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins. Are we willing to sacrifice time that we usually spend on other Christmas activities and projects in order to be quiet before him? How can we keep Christ at the center of CHRISTmas? How can we remain calm when there are so many stressful things calling our our name?

Here are some ideas that can be incorporated into your homeschool day or your time alone with God:

Do a Bible study on some of the names of Jesus such as The Lamb of God, The Light of the World, The Bread of Life, The Living Water and The Messiah.

Read and even memorize prophetic scripture passages that point to the birth of Christ and think about their significance

Put together gift bags with a gospel tract, candy, cookies or some other small item(s) and give them to your neighbors or contact a local nursing home or children’s hospital and ask if you can deliver these gifts or drop them off.

Listen to and sing Christmas music that focuses on its’ true meaning.

Do arts and crafts projects such as creating a creche’ or Advent Calendar with picture depicting the story of Jesus’ birth.

Think of a gift that you can give to Jesus this year. Perhaps it will be reaching out to someone in need, writing a letter to a shut-in, resolving to spend more time in The Word and prayer, being nicer to your spouse, keeping a journal of things for which you are thankful– the list is endless! Again the key is to be intentional. If we don’t make a decision to shift our focus, we will easily get caught up in the “to-do” list and the days and weeks will whiz by with our Savior left by the wayside.

Take that first step today and bask in the presence of THE KING!