Keeping Christ at the Heart of Christmas: A Catholic Guide

As December begins, the air fills with anticipation for Christmas—a time meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Yet, in today’s culture, Christmas is increasingly associated with commercialism, Santa Claus, reindeer, and sparkling décor, often overshadowing the true essence of the season - Jesus Christ.

This shift is not accidental but reflects a broader attempt by secular and worldly forces to remove Christ from Christmas. While traditions like Santa Claus and festive decorations may seem harmless, they often dilute the sacredness of the season, subtly steering our focus away from Christ to consumerism and materialism. As Catholics, we are called to resist these distractions and remember that without Christ, there is no Christmas.

Jesus: The Center of Christmas

The true joy of Christmas lies in welcoming Jesus into our hearts and homes. Christmas is about the greatest gift of all—God becoming man to save us from sin.

Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the profound meaning of the season:

"Let us ask the Lord to help us see through the superficial glitter of this season, and to discover behind it the Child in the stable in Bethlehem, so as to find true joy and true light."

Pope Paul VI further highlighted the significance of Christ’s birth, saying:

"We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes this divine mystery:

"Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty, heaven's glory was made manifest" (CCC 525).

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux beautifully expressed the depth of this mystery with these words:

"A God who became so small could only be mercy and love."

Amidst the glittering distractions of modern Christmas celebrations, these teachings call us to focus on Christ’s humility, love, and the profound joy He brings to the world.

Keeping Christ in Christmas: A Catholic Response

As Catholics, we are called to reclaim the sacredness of Christmas and ensure that Christ remains at the heart of our celebrations. Here are practical ways to keep Jesus as the center of Christmas:

1. Celebrate the Nativity of Jesus

• • Display Nativity Scenes: Place a Nativity set in a prominent area of your home, and involve children in setting it up to spark conversations about Jesus' birth.
  • Teach Children the Story of Jesus’ Birth: Read and discuss the Nativity story to shift their focus from commercialized myths to the love and humility of Christ.
  • Celebrate a Family Birthday Party for Jesus: Bake a cake or light candles, sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, and share this tradition with children.
  • Pray the Rosary: Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, focusing on events leading up to and including Jesus’ birth.

2. Share the True Meaning of Christmas

• • Speak Openly About Jesus: Share Jesus as the heart of Christmas with your friends, family, and colleagues.
  • Write Christ-Centered Christmas Cards: Send cards that focus on the birth of Christ, including scripture or a heartfelt reflection.
  • Read & Listen to the Nativity Story Aloud: Gather your family or friends to read from Luke 2:1–20 or Matthew 1:18–25, reflecting together on the profound meaning of the text. You can also use the BibleOn app to play the audio version of the Nativity story, enriching the experience and bringing scripture to life.
  • Share Faith-Based Gifts: Give religious items like rosaries, devotionals, a Bible, or share the BibleOn – The Catholic Bible App with loved ones to inspire their faith journey.
  • Organize a Community Outreach Event: Volunteer or donate as a family to help others experience the joy of Christ’s love during the season.

3. Prepare Spiritually for Jesus’ Coming

• • Attend Daily Mass: Make attending Holy Mass a daily family tradition during Advent, enriching your spiritual journey and strengthening your connection with Christ.
  • Fast and Reflect: Treat Advent as a “mini-Lent” by practicing fasting or abstinence from unnecessary luxuries to prepare spiritually for Christmas.
  • Visit the Blessed Sacrament: Spend time in quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, meditating on the mystery of the Incarnation.
  • Participate in Reconciliation: Make a good confession during Advent to spiritually prepare for the coming of Christ.
  • Sing Advent and Christmas Hymns: Incorporate hymns into family prayer time to celebrate the joy and hope of the season.
  • Read the Bible: Use your Bible or the BibleOn – The Catholic Bible App to read scripture about the Nativity and deepen your connection with Jesus. Explore God’s Word through both text and audio, enriching your spiritual preparation for Christmas.

4. Involve Children in Christ-Centered Activities

• • Start a “Straw for the Manger” Tradition: Encourage children to add a piece of straw (real or paper) or decoration to the Nativity manger for each good deed they perform during Advent.
  • Craft Christ-Themed Ornaments: Make ornaments depicting the star of Bethlehem or angels for the Christmas tree.
  • Encourage Jesus-Focused Gift Giving: Ask children to create a “gift” for Jesus, such as a drawing, prayer, or act of kindness.

5. Honor Mary and Joseph

• • Pray the Hail Mary Daily: Honor Mary’s role in the Nativity by praying for her intercession during Advent.
  • Reflect on Joseph’s Virtues: Meditate on St. Joseph’s humility, obedience, and faith as a model for your own spiritual life.

6. Practice Simplicity and Charity

• • Simplify Decorations: Focus on Christ-centered decorations, such as angels, stars, or scripture verses, instead of extravagant displays. Avoid excessive consumerism and instead focus on acts of kindness, especially for the poor, lonely, and marginalized.
  • Participate in “Secret Acts of Kindness”: Follow Christ’s example by serving others in love and humility. Encourage children to do small, anonymous acts of kindness for others during Advent as a gift to Jesus.
  • Gift Time Instead of Things: Instead of expensive gifts, spend quality time with loved ones or make handmade gifts that reflect love and care.

Jesus: The Light of the World

The world may try to push Christ out of Christmas, but His light cannot be extinguished. Advent is our time to prepare for the arrival of Christ—not only to commemorate His birth but also to welcome Him into our lives anew. Through prayer, acts of charity, and faith-filled traditions, we can ensure that Christ remains at the center of our hearts and homes this season.

As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation, let us remember the words of scripture:

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23, ESV-CE).

Final Reflection

Christmas is not about material abundance or fleeting festivities. It is about the profound joy of welcoming Jesus into our lives and hearts. Let us use this Advent season to deepen our faith, teach the next generation about the true meaning of Christmas, and reject distractions that pull us away from Christ.

By honoring the humility, love, and mercy exemplified by Jesus’ birth, we proclaim Him as the true reason for the season. May our celebrations reflect the sacredness of this holy event and fill the world with His light.