by Wesley Harris
“When are we going to ‘do Christmas’?” a family member asked. We know what she meant. When will the family gather to exchange gifts, experience some fun and fellowship, eat some good food, and maybe watch some football?
We’ve almost always “done Christmas” on Christmas morning. It’s been a tradition in my family as long as I’ve lived. This year, because so many in the family work critical jobs on fixed schedules in the medical profession, we are gathering on Christmas Eve morning.
But does it really matter when we “do Christmas”? Perhaps the more important question is shouldn’t we celebrate Christmas every day of the year rather than just on December 25? The birth of Jesus, sent by God the Father to redeem the world, is worthy of celebration every single day. We don’t have to wait for the holiday season.
What if Christmas wasn’t just a day, but a way of life? What if we celebrated, not just with gifts, but with grace?
Luke 2:8 tells us shepherds went to see Jesus in his manger after learning of his birth from an angel. While December 25 is widely celebrated as that moment, shepherds tending flocks in the fields points to a warmer season as winter around Bethlehem is too cold and rainy for nighttime grazing. Jesus was likely born when the shepherds took advantage of the rich spring and summer grass.
Sure, there’s plenty to look forward to as Christmas approaches. Thanksgiving is an early prelude, prompting us to go to God in prayer for all our blessings and to petition Him for friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and the sick and dispirited. While Christmas decorations go up in retail stores even before Thanksgiving, the day after that call to prayer kicks off the official Christmas season. It is a time of excitement and joy and wonder with Nativity scenes and special church services and get togethers.
But it doesn’t have to stop on December 26 as we clean up wrapping paper, dismantle the Christmas tree, and return the sweater that’s two sizes too small. As we step into a new year, don’t pack away Christmas with the decorations. Live it every day with grace, gratitude, and love. Approach this new year with the realization Jesus is there for us every day and what he did and continues to do for us is worthy of endless celebration.
Merry Christmas and may God bless you in 2026.
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