Celebrating Jesus All Month Long

Now that Thanksgiving has passed and December is around the corner, many people start focusing on the next big holidays during the last month of the year —Christmas. While this date is intended to be about the celebration of the birth of Christ, oftentimes, the hustle bustle of parties, shopping and feasting redirects the focus. However, Fellowship Square offers tips to maintain the reason for the season and celebrating Jesus all month long.

Decorate | Instead of putting out commercial Christmas decorations, consider a classic and traditional nativity set. According to Smitsonianmag.com, St. Francis of Assisi staged the first nativity set in 1223. The manger with hay was originally set up in a cave in Grecio, an Italian village, using live animals. Villagers were invited to view the scene and St. Francis spoke about the story of Jesus’ birth. To date, the scenes represent the worship of Jesus Christ at Christmas time versus secular commercialism.

Donate | Generosity is important year round, but those in the position to give can truly make a magical Christmas for those less fortunate. Consider donating supplies (such as blankets, socks, water bottles, etc.) or time to a homeless shelter. Or pick up a tag from one of the Salvation Army’s Christmas Angel trees at locations around the valley and give a gift to a child that may only receive that one present this year.

Pray | The power of prayer is not solely a religious practice and it has no bearing on politics, so it’s a wonderful way to unite people throughout the season. It’s also a wonderful way to bring Jesus back to the forefront of the holiday month. Gather with friends and loved ones to pray for one another in the name of Jesus.

Celebrate | On Christmas Day, consider a birthday cake in lieu of pumpkin pie or sticky toffee pudding, and sing to Jesus for his birthday! After all, it is all thanks to Jesus why Christmas continues to be a worldwide tradition and celebration and unites people, families and loved ones across the globe on December 25.

Fellowship Square encourages residents, caretakers and everyone to relish the season and celebrate Jesus throughout the month of December, and especially on Christmas Day. Happy Holidays!