Make Christ a Priority Everyday

We have all heard the admonition when we prepared for Christmas to “Keep Christ in Christmas!” This can be interpreted and practiced in many ways. I want to address the custom in America of proudly decorating the front yards of our homes for every season.

Christmas is one of the most popular times to decorate our homes, businesses and public parks. You probably saw many Christmas lights, mechanical displays and even music playing. 

The central focus should be on nativity scenes and reminders of what Christmas is all about. 

Sadly, it seems to be getting harder to find these decorations because they have been replaced with an assortment of other symbols that have nothing to do with Christmas. 

Our country was founded upon certain freedoms. One of them is freedom of practicing our religion. We are missing a great opportunity to share our faith with those in our neighborhood and communities during this special time of year! 

I would encourage people to pay attention to the message that you can send with your choice of decoration as well as acts of charity.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus should recall the heralding of the Holy Angel to the shepherds saying “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2, 9-14. This message is the first message given to the whole world that should continue to be shared through all ages until Christ returns in glory.

There is a lot of pressure put upon us to look away from the true meaning of Christ’s birth to rather embrace material possessions and focus on our wants and desires. Lots of shopping, running around and planning parties. Wouldn’t it be better if we spent more time with loved ones all year long instead of squeezing it all into a couple of days? 

Christmas should be about giving ourselves to those around us who may need our attention, like offering to drive them to church or bring them to do some grocery shopping. It may be inconvenient for us, but Jesus tells us that anything you do for the least of your brothers or sisters you do for me. 

Stop rushing around so much and take time to notice the people around you wherever you may go. 

Sometimes just a smile can lift their spirits and yours too! Many of the older population could use our help if nothing more than to spend some time with them and let them talk to us about what is on their mind. 

Moms might appreciate that you offer to take care of their children for a few hours so they can have an outing with their friends and be refreshed. 

On a more serious note, have we considered that so many around us do not even have the necessities such as food, clothes and shelter? Perhaps we can organize a food and clothing drive or help at a homeless shelter? I hope that you kept Christ in Christmas by sharing your love for him with others!

Lisa Janusa is a mother and grandmother in New Orleans and has been a St. Dominic parishioner with her husband for 50 years. A big part of her life has been spent serving God through various music ministries in St. Dominic Church and School. She is proud of her Catholic faith and is happy to share her knowledge and life experiences.