Christmastime is Here!

It's Christmastime! Oh what fun, right? Ugly sweaters, hallmark movies, caroling, white elephant parties, shopping trips, snow and of course (the thing - aside from Jesus - that holds our Bible study together) hot coffee! I don't know about you girls, but I love Christmas. It's no secret that I start decorating immediately after Halloween and keep it all going strong til January.

It's ironic, though, that the most wonderful time of the year easily becomes the busiest and craziest time of the year. Everyone starts getting sick, practices get more serious for concerts and competitions, teachers start piling on the homework and study guides for semester finals and what's the thing we start to let slide? I don't know about y'all, but for me it can be my relationship with Jesus.

Jesus came to earth so we could have a relationship with Him because God loves us (John 3:16)  and we celebrate this at Christmastime. This week at small group we're gonna talk about some ways to keep our eyes on Jesus this Christmas and keep our hearts open for ways to love others in His name.  He's the reason this time of year is truly wonderful.

Here are a few things I like to do to keep focused on Jesus during Christmastime:

1. Christmas Scripture

http://www.craftywife.com/pintastic-fridays-chalkboard-printables-roundup/12/2013/a-child-is-born

Printables on Pinterest make it easy to find a verse to memorize. When I was in high school we looked for verses from scriptures we were studying and then made our own nice looking post cards and picture frames (which could still be a fun thing to do for a DIY night... now that I think about it..) The great thing about all the free printables on Pinterest is that you can print them and put them in a cute frame for a gift or even screen shot it on your phone for a reminder whenever life gets hurried.

2.  Christmas Music

Glory in the Highest by Chris Tomlin

Traditional Christmas carols are fun to listen to, but I like to hear new Christmas songs too. This album by Chris Tomlin is one of my favorites. I like to listen to it when I'm getting ready in the morning, reading my Bible or even when I'm making dinner or wrapping gifts.  Christmas music is so great for keeping my mind focused on Jesus during the holiday season.


3.  Christmas DIY nights

http://mypassionjourney.com/how-to-make-easy-peasy-diy-christmas-gifts/

There are few things more fun than a DIY night with some friends to make gifts for your family or to take to a nursing home. Getting together with friends (or your small group) to bless others is one of the best parts of Christmastime. I really depend on my friends to keep me focused on Jesus and the conversations we have about what God's been teaching us while we do some DIY projects really means a lot to me during the busy Christmas season.

What are some things you do to stay focused on "The Reason for the Season" during the business of the holidays?

Love, Kate