How Can We Avoid Losing Sight of the Meaning of Christmas?

A: You’ve already taken the first step by being aware of your problem — and not only being aware of it, but wanting to do something about it. Far too many, I’m afraid, get so busy around Christmastime that they never stop to remember what they’re celebrating.

What can you do, even at this late date? First, set aside time each day to focus on that first Christmas. When you eat together as a family, pause not only to thank God for the gift of your food, but to thank Him for His greatest gift — the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. In addition, each day set aside a few minutes to read about the birth of Jesus from the Bible. (You can find this in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2.)

Then look ahead during the next few weeks, and set aside time for something special — a Christmas concert, for example, or a Christmas pageant in your church. Make sure you also attend your church’s regular services during the Christmas season; this will help you focus on Christ.

In addition, look ahead to next year! Plan your time more wisely, so you don’t fall into the same trap a year from now. Most of all, let this Christmas be the beginning of a journey for your family that lasts all year long — a journey with Christ. The Bible says that after the shepherds had seen Jesus, “they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17).

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(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)