The gospels of Matthew and Luke narrate the story of Christmas for us but they state the details of Christ’s birth in a matter of fact way. It simply says, “Mary gave birth to a son and called his name Jesus.”

But try to imagine with me that scene some 2,000 or so years ago. This young couple and all of the uncertainty surrounding the birth of Jesus, the immaculate conception and what family member and others thought about them. And now they find themselves in another town, not in the comforts of their home, not with loved ones, but in a manger. Possibly surrounded by animals and all of the smells associated with that.

Then there’s that moment when Jesus came in to the world. Can you hear his cries. Imagine the reality that Mary and Joseph had no idea that first breath Jesus took, would be the first breath that changed the world forever.

You and I as disciples have been transformed because of that first breath. That leads us to the third “R”, we need to REDEEM this Christmas season, buy it back from what it’s become for us. If it’s consumer-driven, hurried and frenzied we need to exchange it for devotion to the One who drew that first breath and changed our life for His glory.

In the eBook, 3R’s To Keeping Your Sanity During the Hectic Holiday Season,  I outline three ways we can REDEEM the Christmas holiday.

1 — Serve others. There may be homeless shelters in your town, your church may be doing something. It’s a great way to reflect what Jesus was to us. He came as a servant.

2 — Keep your regular church attendance and giving rhythm. You’re worshipping together with the family of believers, journeying through this Advent season together and growing in your affection and love for Jesus together.

3 — Keep gift giving simple. We’ve been given the greatest gift ever. Let’s not get caught up in the consumer aspects of the holiday.

Let’s REFLECT on Christ. Let’s REPENT of wrong thinking and let’s REDEEM this season for what it’s worth. May your love, affection and devotion for Jesus ever increase and may you marvel at the beauty of the Christmas story once again.