A list of things you need to do this Christmas that will bring you closer to Jesus and will help you live the true meaning of the holidays.

Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most special times of the year. It is the season where we choose to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

While the holiday itself represents the birth of a miracle, the reality is that it can be a joyful time for many but a challenging one for others. Whether you are in a season of merry bliss, or in a season of trouble, here is an evergreen list of things you need to do this Christmas that can help you remember and cherish the real significance of it all.

1. Exercise your Faith

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). When we put our faith in Jesus, not only he saves us and gives us purpose, but he also heals us as we walk with him every day. Exercising your faith is choosing to trust him no matter what your circumstance looks like.

2. Express Hope

Because Jesus was born and lived a perfect life, we have hope for a better future. One day we know God will restore his perfect kingdom on earth. But, even now, every day we live with the expectant hope of progressing to become more and more like Jesus himself.

3. Live in Love

Paul implores love as the greatest gift to mankind which must never be forsaken. God is love and the birth of Jesus is the embodiment of his love. Love leads in sacrifice and compassion. Love is humble and sincere. Make sure to live out of love during this season no matter people’s attitude towards you. You don’t know how much a difference it can make to show love in someone’s life.

4. Pray

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says we should “pray without ceasing.” Prayer is our lifeline to the love Jesus gives. We repay Jesus’ love by connecting to the father through prayer so that he can help us share his kingdom and the love of Jesus to others. Who can you pray for today?

5. Bible Study

God’s word is the fertilizer for our faith. We learn of Jesus’ birth in the Bible. God’s word set the stage for a marvelous that started in a little manger! This Christmas, take some time to engage in the truth of God’s word.

6. Journal

When we can’t speak the words, a journal is a great alternative for expressing ourselves to God in prayer. Also, if you are enjoying this holiday season, take note of all the beautiful things happening around you every day. You might discover the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you in a new way.

7. Get a Volunteer Gig

Compassion is at the heart of Christ. And his example is remembered across the world every year. Christmas is the perfect time to allow God to soften your heart towards those who are hurting. Compassion is our calling.

8. Share a Meal

Meals bring us together in a way that is often unexplainable. There are also very few pleasures that surpass a good meal. Christmas also represents a season of blessings and prosperity. As we honor the birth of Jesus, we can give thanks for God’s providence and share what he gave us with others.

9. Spend time with your Community, Friends, and Family

There’s just something about the holidays that urges us to gather around our friends and family. This holiday season, lean into the urge to get plugged into the community. Perhaps our spirits simply recognize the holidays as a sacred time to honor God by honoring our community and being intentional about the time we spend with them.

10. Get to know Jesus

Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus, as the Son of God, is that which everything in our current reality hinges on. He came to the world to give his life so that we could have eternal life. But he didn’t only come to save us, but to be with us. The question is, will you start a lifelong journey with him today?

Celebrate Christmas in community! Join us for Christmas with VOUS Sunday December 19th and Christmas Eve candlelight services Friday December 24th.