Final Checklist for Christmas

ONLY THREE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS and right about now you are beginning to panic you may not finish all the things you have to accomplish before Christmas. There are only 24 hours in a day, so I decided to help you narrow down your final checklist for Christmas.

• Have you prayed like you should? Prayer is more than just saying ‘thank you God’ and ‘please God’ during the day. Prayer is spending time allowing your heart to interact with God on a deep level. It doesn’t always mean more words, but it does mean more time during this season. For the next three days, stop worrying about presents and menus, and spend time talking to God in the quiet of your heart. Stand or sit in front of your icons (or stop by the Church) and remind your heart why Christmas is so important. Believe me, you won’t find peace in a completed shopping list. Peace only comes from a relationship with God.
• Have you fasted like you should? The Church asked us to begin fasting for Christmas back on November 15^th. Have you fasted yet? For some people the Nativity Fast is ‘impossible’ with all the holiday parties, but without fasting we are just another social butterfly going from party to party. If you haven’t fasted, or if you have barely fasted, for the next three days, I invite you to fast ‘one notch’ above your normal fasting practice. Consider this a gift to God. You are giving Him your body in exchange for His gift of salvation.
• Have you helped like you should? Charity is an important part of every Christian life. During the holidays when so many are left alone to ‘fend for themselves’ they need your help. Fasting is only a diet, and prayer is only talking, if both don’t lead us to help other people. If you have not yet spent time helping this season, it isn’t too late. If there are no agencies near you, consider a donation for Christmas. Of course, you should always make an extra gift to your local parish for Christmas. Whatever you choose to give, remember your gift is how you express your gratitude for the gift God has given you this Christmas.
• Have you attended Church like you should? Many people forget to include attending Divine Liturgy as part of their holiday plans. “Sure, we’ll stop by the Church and light a candle,” isn’t that same as planning to arrive on time and attend the entire Divine Liturgy. Did you know Christmas services include special services similar to Holy Week? Most every local parish has services known as Royal Hours of Christmas on Christmas Eve, either in the morning or sometime during the day. This service is similar to the Holy Friday morning service. If you have never ‘offered God your time’ by attending this service, it is a great ‘new thing’ to do this year. You may even want to make it a tradition. Many people spend all day Holy Friday in Church. You can plan the same for Christmas Eve.

Prayer, fasting, charity, and worship are the ‘four corners’ of our Orthodox Christian life. Of course, plan to receive Holy Communion and if you have time (it may be too late for this last one) try to go for Holy Confession.

There is so much more to Christmas than presents and menus. Good thing you still have time to finish your last minute checklist and prepare your soul for the gift of Christmas.