🎶One of my favourite Christmas carols/ hymns is “O Holy Night” What’s yours?🎶

I was cozy in my pjs last night while everyone was sleeping and wrote a blog “Christ in Christmas: O Holy Night”. As the candles flickered, I too was experiencing a “thrill of hope” - for loved ones, our city, and the many promises for the age to come.

The lyrics to that song gets me every time. Some versions say “a weary world rejoices” where others say “a weary soul rejoices”. Regardless of our spiritual beliefs, it is important to search the scriptures ourselves and discover why the birth of Christ is deemed “Holy”, or how some are moved to fall on their knees literally (or bow their hearts with reverence in the depths of their soul).

Christmas is celebrated uniquely all over the world. I’ve connected with Christ followers throughout many nations in our travels, as well as online. I’m fascinated learning about traditions held by diverse people groups all around. Some are unique cultural /family traditions passed on from generation to generation, and others are deeply held spiritual practices or beliefs. Our world plays into “how” we celebrate (or not), my faith determines the “why” I celebrate. I won’t get into all the controversies out there to celebrate or not celebrate Christmas. I’ve heard a ton. There are some Christians who don’t “celebrate Christmas” as per the calendar date because of its historical roots of the Church being too closely linked or seeking to overshadow pagan traditions of the winter solstice. The Church of Rome began Celebrating Christmas on December 25th in the year 336 (Brittanica), whereas other areas marked January 6th (now more widely known as Epiphany as the more Holy day. The time between these two days are known as the 12 days of Christmas.

Many scholars argue the case that Jesus’ actual birthday was somewhere between the spring-summer-fall months. (For some of you, this may be the first time you have heard that. I was shocked when I heard that years ago in my 20’s.) I don’t get all hung up on “the day” as I want to focus on celebrating Christ each and every day of my life. Traditions matter though as they create sweet family memories and point to spiritual truths. Focusing JUST on the big guy in the red suit, food, elves and other man made traditions- to me would be empty…it would be missing the whole reason for Christ in the Christmas Holiday!

I grew up with both the fun silly Santa traditions AND learning about Jesus.

Our family would go to church on Christmas Eve and have happy memories of the candlelight services and singing Silent Night together. I’d feel like such a big girl when my mom would let me hold the real candle as it’s light would glow near my heart and its light radiating around my little face. In the 70’s and 80’s, Our family would make Christmas Eve “The big deal” with dinner, the Church Service and opening up presents from one another. I’d then end the day with putting out cookies along with a letter for Santa.

The next morning I’d wake up my little brother Roger (or older sister Jennifer) and run down the stairs to the fireplace where our stockings were hung to scream “Ho Ho was here!” Ya, I also continued that tradition with my kids in the 90’s.

The gospel of Jesus is meant to be experienced. As my seminary professor would say to me,:“The opportunity to “Contextualize” the gospel message of Jesus Christ is all around us if we have “ears to hear and eyes to see” (Bible Gateway verses)

I’m grateful that my parents planted seeds of faith in my life since a baby. I am also glad they incorporated other traditions as well.

Religion is humanity attempting to reach God. Jesus is God’s plan to reach/redeem/restore humanity.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15

If you are new to the faith, or are wanting to kickstart your faith in your heart and family traditions, Here are some practical suggestions of putting Christ back into Christmas in your homes this holiday season:

#1 The Word of God

Get into the Word this Christmas (and throughout the year!). If you don’t have a Bible, you can learn more about online resources by clicking here, but nothing beats holding God’s word in your hand. If you have never read the Bible, I’d suggest you read one of the Gospel accounts of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. (Mathew, Mark, Luke and John). I’d recommend reading Mathew at Christmas time and then the book of John in the new year. Starting to read the Bible can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be! God meets us where we are at and being a lifelong learner should be our goal. There are also TONS of age appropriate resources that compliment the Bible for children, teens, couples, families on any number of topics. The Bible isn’t just a history book, it is meant to be life changing as we interact with the text as one of the primary spiritual disciplines to meet God in our hearts:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12."

One of the many fabulous scriptures to reflect on, meditate on, or memorize to help put our focus on Christ at Christmas is Isaiah 9:6-7

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” I

Profound to reflect how the Isaiah 9 verse was written 700 years before the time of Jesus. The prophet Isaiah was prophesying Jesus’ birth, but also the powerful names of this Son of God/ Son of man, saviour of the world. The Bible also confirms that Jesus will return in the future and that His kingdom will have no end. Until that time, or is key to pray the a Lord’s Prayer - which includes “May your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”.

I wrote a 60 page statement of faith assignment as required for my seminary degree. I expanded on this theological truth “All Scripture is inspired by God and is the authoritative guide for faith and practice. (2 Tim 3:15-17). Interpretation of Scripture is within the church community as guided by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; John 16:13) “. If you'‘d like to read that paper, feel free to reach out, I have included that in a recent blog post “Belief, Worldview, a Statement of Faith- on November 12th, 2022

If you are more of a visual learner (which I would say is my primary learning style), you might enjoy resources from the Bible Project. Here is one of their blogs on “The Birth of Jesus: Making the Impossible Possible”, or one of their short animated videos below “The Birth of Jesus: Luke 1-2):

#2 Reflecting on Faith, Hope, Love, Peace

Look up scriptures on the Biblical themes of Faith, Hope, Love and Peace. Consider creating your own advent candle lighting traditions.
For inspiration, read my blog from December 25th, 2020 “Pandemic Christmas Letter: The Advent Continues” as I share some scriptures related to Faith, Hope, Love, Peace. You can light then the weeks leading up to Christmas, during the 12 days of Christmas between Dec 25 and Jan 6th, or anytime really throughout the year!

#3 Watch The Chosen and Their Christmas Special!

Watch some incredible Christmas movies as a family or by yourself to remind you of the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ! Some of my favourites:

The Shepherd- By The Chosen

Christmas with the Chosen- Livestream from December 12th

#4 Other Christ Centred Christmas Movies

Sure, I like nostalgic or silly Christmas movies that make us laugh, cry or relive memories from our childhood. At the same time, if you want to encourage your family to put the Christ Story into your traditions as.a couple, as friends or as a family, Christ Centred Christmas movies are a great conversation starter Sometimes it is good to have a Bible close by and a notebook and pen close by in the event someone in the room has a question. It’s good to mark it down and either address that question together, or come back to it later Other movies to note: The Nativity Story (2006), The Heart of Christmas (2011), and some fun and meaningful cartoon movies great for kids of all ages: The Star (2017), Veggie Tales: the Best Christmas Gift (2019). These are just a few among many great ones!

#5 Meaningful Traditions/ Activities

Learn about God’s purpose for heavenly beings. On December 25th, 2019, I wrote “Angels: Reflections on God’s Messengers” and December 24th, 2019 I shared about my experience playing an angel in a secular made for TV show in the 90’s: “On a Wing and a Prayer” (haha)

If you are crafty (or want to be crafty)- there are TONS of books, websites, blogs- podcasts etc to help inspire crafts that help inspire faith in Christ- including this one I stumbled upon: 30 Christ Centered Christmas Activities for Kids (By Bombshell Bling)

#6 Christmas Services/Programs/ Concerts

Last year I LOVED watching the children’s musical online this year from my local church, “An Out of the Box Christmas”. I especially loved the Angels as cheerleader

I feel at home in MANY churches in my city and various cities we’ve travelled to over the years. If you don’t have a church to call “home”, I encourage you to reach out to one in your community where Christ Jesus is honoured, God’s word is taught and the Holy Spirit is alive and well.

PLUS, you can enjoy tons of great Christmas musicals and programs like the one above with Hillsong in Australia, Christmas programs or concerts like TBN’s recent concert with Micheal W. Smith .

#7 Crank up the Christmas Tunes!

What was your favourite Christmas song growing up, how about now? I listen to both the fun nostalgic ones as well as the deep soul-cry- worshipful ones that honour my Saviour- Jesus Christ. O Holy Night- Silent Night- Little Drummer Boy, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World, What Child is This? O Come O Come Emmanuel, Go Tell it on a Mountain, Away in the Manger, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and so much more.. One of the albums I am listening to is The Chosen’s Christmas Special- Click here to listen on Spotify!

O Holy Night

“O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees - Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine -Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name”

https://www.jodikozan.com/blog/our-christmas-letter-2021

O Holy Night!

As a mom to grown kids and now grandkids, I enjoy Christmastime in what it stands for. I’m up late writing this, reflecting on this year’s Christmas. We face-timed our parents and our daughterJaclyn, who was unable to join us this year for unforeseen reasons:) We hold our loved ones close regardless if they are with us in person or not. We have our own traditions from our own childhood we have carried over and we have started new ones too. Sure we did the gingerbread house, I love baking all things sugary awesomeness. Bring on the turkey, ham, sweet potatoes and all the fixings. We put up a tree and hung the stockings, and guess what. Santa will still visit at our home. Why? it still brings me wonderment when I see a kids eyes light up with joy. Someday, I pray our grandchildren will also come to know their Creator with some excitement and wonderment. Seeing Christ in Christmas, seeing Christ in our everyday lives is truly a journey of faith. Without that “O Holy Night”, I would not have had the “Chains break” in my life and for me to fall on my knees as my weary soul rejoices today and seeks to do so everyday. Thank you Jesus!

However you choose to Celebrate Christmas now and in the future, I encourage you to look (or keeping looking) to Christ as the source for what your soul aches for, hopes for, dreams for in this weary world. (Cuz in reality, gals like me figured out looong ago, that my chatty Cathy doll, inchworm, Barbie, boom box or anything wrapped under the tree/stuffed in my stocking Christmas morning was a momentary joy, here today- gone tomorrow). Christ Jesus is God’s gift that keeps on giving from now until eternity!

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Christ in Christmas- O Holy Night