Dare for More Christmas Update 2024
Hello Friends!
We all have our own way of celebrating this season, don’t we? Some of you are Hallmark Channel regulars, watching each new Christmas movie where the snow falls, the inn is saved, the happy couple kiss, and where little holiday magic (and maybe a touch of mistletoe) guarantees a happy ending. Others of you are running a holiday baking marathon, with Costco-sized bags of chocolate chips and flour taking over your kitchen counters. And then there are a few of you who are just now realizing Christmas is around the corner but are still fully confident you can pull off decorating, shopping, and all events without a hitch!
In Guatemala, families will gather on Christmas Eve for a grand dinner. Fireworks are often a huge part of the celebration in cities and towns. Traditional Christmas foods include tamales and a hot beverage made of tropical fruits and spices are prepared for the celebration. And, of course, lights, tinsels, nativity scenes, and lambs are used for decorations.
Regardless of what your holiday season looks like, I hope this season brings you moments of joy, reflection, and—most importantly—praise.
Praise is not something we think about when we think about Christmas, but I am convinced we should change that. On the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the angels formed a heavenly choir and sang to announce his birth. Did you realize that Christmas is the only holiday with songs written to celebrate it? From carolers to cantatas, we sing to celebrate this time of year.
Christmas offers us an abundance of songs for adoration, and you don’t need a choir, a piano, or even a hint of vocal talent to give thanks for the incredible gift of Jesus.
It’s okay to rock around the Christmas tree (or at least in your minivan with the windows rolled up) to Bing Crosby, Elvis, and Mariah Carey, but there are also countless songs that can draw our hearts to Him as we go about our holiday routines. So, while you’re baking, decorating, and even shopping, try adding a few songs that reflect the reason we celebrate. Here’s a great playlist to put the focus on Jesus and His arrival:
O Holy Night – Reflects the reverence and awe of Jesus’ birth.
Joy to the World – A powerful declaration of the joy His coming brings.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Celebrates the heavenly announcement of our Savior.
Behold – Phil Wickham & Anne Wilson – Calls us to reflect on the beauty of Jesus’ arrival.
Make Room – Casting Crowns feat. Matt Maher – A reminder to prepare our hearts for Christ.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – A hopeful song about the anticipation of Christ.
Hope Was Born This Night – Sidewalk Prophets – Celebrates the hope and peace Jesus brings.
He Shall Reign Forevermore – Chris Tomlin – Proclaims Jesus’ eternal reign.
Angels We Have Heard on High – Filled with the joy and praise of the angels’ song.
As you listen to these songs, let them move your heart and mind toward gratitude and wonder for all that His birth means to us.
I hope you have a season filled with friends, family, and good times. Enjoy the laughter, love, sweet treats, and the joy of extra time with those you cherish. But as you celebrate, let’s not forget the reason for it all. Because He came — we have hope, joy, peace, and love—gifts that last beyond the holiday season. So let’s sing and praise and truly celebrate the birth of our Savior, the reason for this beautiful season.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year from all of us at Dare for More!
