Have you ever watched someone plan a surprise birthday party for someone, when they knew good and well that person hates surprise parties? It isn’t the birthday boy or girl they’re planning the party for; it’s coming from a desire of their own. The planner has an idea of what this celebration should look like and goes about it with intentions more focused on their own idea of fun instead of what would make the person being celebrated feel special and loved. 

Over a decade ago, we were getting frustrated with our own attempts to teach our boys about the true reason we celebrate Christmas. We would decorate the tree, buy all the presents, all while explaining that it isn’t about the presents, it’s all about Jesus. We were saying one thing, and our actions spoke an entirely different message. We decided to change things up. We removed the distractions and the cultural norms and took a different approach to this celebration. 

Over the years, not once have our boys said they regret not having presents, no one has complained that we didn’t haul the tree down from the attic. No one regrets skipping the frenzy of the season. We’ve delighted in this “tradition” of focusing on what this season is about without all the distractions, financial strain, and busyness. We’ve cherished the time spent together. Friends and family gathered, worshiping, sharing good food, enjoying laughter and conversation, knowing the Lord is right in our midst. 

What it comes down to is asking Jesus if He likes the way we celebrate Him? Ask if it brings Him honor? Ask if you’re celebrating his birth the way He enjoys it, or are we celebrating out of our own ideas of what Christmas should look like? It’s His birthday after all…well, sort of…since He has existed for all of eternity and yet chose a specific time to come to earth as an infant.  All that to say, let’s ask Him this season how He would like us to serve Him and honor Him. Let’s set aside our tradition and expectations and give Him what He desires most. Let our actions bring Him glory and honor. Let us celebrate Him in alignment with heaven!

Go ahead! Ask Him what He wants for His birthday. It will be a Christmas to remember.