christmas Archives

A Different Type of Christmas

What does your ideal Christmas morning look like?

For many years, the Dalys began in the pre-dawn dark around 6:00 A.M. Jean and I would hear the scampering sound of little feet running down the hall towards our room. Bursting through the door, Trent and Troy would leap onto our bed, urging us to get up and come down to the tree and all the presents that seemed to have mysteriously appeared overnight.

Little did they know we had gotten to sleep only a few hours earlier, just after the bikes had been assembled, the last present was wrapped, and the stockings filled.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christmas, holiday December 23, 2019 by Jim Daly

Unwrapping the Real Christmas

Christmas is all about the baby Jesus. We celebrate the truth that “unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

The Creator of the universe cloaked Himself in flesh and blood and submitted Himself to the care of human parents as a vulnerable, dependent child. It’s the ultimate expression of humility.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Unwrapping the Real Christmas,” British evangelist Canon J.John has a challenge for you this Christmas: as you celebrate the baby Jesus, allow your heart to consider the rest of His life as well.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, christmas, holidays December 13, 2019 by Jim Daly

New Song Featuring Youth Choir Proclaims the Real Meaning of Christmas

“Sitting in the darkness they saw a great light. The doors of Heaven were opened wide. How much more … does God love you?”

That’s the opening line to the joyful new Christmas single, “How Much More.”

Sung by the Georgia Youth Choir, the song is filled with Biblical imagery and hope-filled reminders of God’s immense love for us.

It seems every year, winter brings out those who can’t get enough of Christmas – and those who can’t wait for the music to stop playing.

For those of you who may not hold Christmas music in very high esteem, especially those songs that are overplayed, “How Much More” is a new track you just might enjoy.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christmas, holidays December 11, 2019 by Jim Daly

How Advent Changed My Perspective on Christmas

Years ago, a friend asked Asheritah Ciuciu if she was excited that the Christmas season had arrived.

“Actually, no,” she said.

Christmas had both a joyful side and a dark side for Asheritah. She and her parents lived in Romania for ten years during the communist regime while her father pastored five churches – one officially recognized church and four underground churches. They lived under intense persecution and death threats.

Asheritah’s childhood Christmases had so many hard memories that she grew up wanting the season to be over with as soon as possible.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, christmas, holidays November 29, 2019 by Jim Daly

Getting Organized for Christmas

Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas?

It’s not if you hope to have a smooth December and enjoy a stress-free Christmas season. That can be tough to do if you’re not organized.

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy. A time for us to reflect on our Savior who came as a baby in a manger and soon took upon Himself the sins of the world.

Instead, we get caught up in all the “stuff” of Christmas: the lights, the decorations, the shopping.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: broadcast, christmas, family, holidays November 12, 2019 by Jim Daly

Reflecting on Christmas Memories

By now, you’ve already seen It’s a Wonderful Life two or three times (and if not Jimmy Stewart and the gang, then maybe Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, or A Christmas Story and Ralphie’s quest for a Red Rider BB gun in spite of every warning that he’d shoot his eye out).

That’s why on a special edition of our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Reflecting on Christmas Memories,” we’re sharing Christmas stories that you’ve not heard before.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, christmas, faith December 24, 2018 by Jim Daly

The Christmas Pajamas I Never Forgot

What’s the most thoughtful Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Technology gifts tend to top the “most popular” lists these days. From iPhones to iPads, video games to flat screen television sets, holiday giving can be an inordinately expensive undertaking – if you’re so inclined to follow current trends. According to Gallup, the average American will spend $885 on gifts this year, and a third will shell out more than a $1000.

At the risk of dating myself, Christmas gift-giving looked a lot different back when I was a child.

Topics: Current Events Tags: christmas, faith, family December 19, 2018 by Jim Daly

Embracing the Reality of Christmas

Christmas is one of the most special times of the year. That’s partly because of the lights, the decorations, the parties, and the presents that we exchange.

But those things can also distract us from the true meaning of Christmas. On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Embracing the Reality of Christmas,” we’ll hear from author Al Andrews as he shares a dramatic reading called “A Walk One Winter Night.”

It’s about a Christian man who feels Christmas has become just another holiday, more of a burden than a blessing.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christmas, faith December 14, 2018 by Jim Daly

The Lure of Hallmark Christmas Movies

Are you a fan of the predictably poignant but proudly and admittedly syrupy and sappy Hallmark Christmas movies?

The Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise, which dates back to 1951, is the longest running prime time series in television history. Although the specials have evolved over the years, the concept of using feel-good entertainment to market a company’s products has to go down as one of the most brilliant moves in the history of retail sales promotion.

Topics: Uncategorized Tags: christmas, faith, family, Hallmark, movies November 28, 2018 by Jim Daly

Relishing the Christmas Season

Alexandra Kuykendall knew she had to do Christmas differently.

Her job required a significant amount of her time, and her children and husband wanted a good chunk of the rest. Add to that visitors who were staying in her home and the usual accoutrements of Christmas – food, gifts, decorations, etc. – and she was overwhelmed.

After the holidays, even a non-committal, “Fine,” felt like a lie when friends and co-workers asked her, “How was your Christmas?”

She encountered something all of us go through at one time or another at Christmas.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, christmas, faith, holidays November 23, 2018 by Jim Daly