Among all of our American celebrations and festivities, nothing compares to the Christmas season. It is a time for extravagant decorating, family gatherings, mouth-watering feasts, unprecedented generosity, family worship, and much-needed year-end vacations. Yet, how we approach this time of the year can make a world of difference in producing either frustration or fulfillment.

Two Kinds of Christmastime

The New Testament speaks of “time” in two primary ways. The first is chronos, from which we get the word “chronology.” This is the idea of continuous time that we measure in hours, minutes, or seconds. The second word for time is kairos, which is the idea of a fixed moment or a season of opportunity. The distinction between chronos and kairos is the difference between a minute and a moment. A minute is measured by seconds on a clock. A moment is measured by an experience or an opportunity.

The distinction between chronos and kairos is the difference between a minute and a moment. A minute is measured by seconds on a clock. A moment is measured by an experience or an opportunity.

In my book, The Deeper Life – Satisfying the 8 Vital Longings of the Soul, I speak of this issue extensively. One conclusion I draw is that we must learn to find kairos in the chaos of our chronos. This is especially true when it comes to Christmas. We experience a lot of chaos in the rush and insanity of the season. Yet, wisdom dictates that we look for and focus on kairos in the midst of the commotion. This is the secret to a truly meaningful Christmas.

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Looking for Christmas Kairos in all the Right Places

Practically speaking, how do we seize the moments, not just spend the minutes, as we celebrate the birth of the Savior and seek to enjoy the time we share with others?

Discovery Beyond a Date – So often we pin our expectations for a “happy holiday” on the date of December 25. Yet, as we have all learned, a lot can go wrong in just one day. The special recipe flops. One family member is sick, while another is in a foul mood. Disappointment looms in unexpected places. In truth, the proper experience of Christmas transcends a specific date. This is a season to discover new opportunities to serve, new friends to cherish, new reasons to worship with passion. Christmas opens new doors for us to value the uniqueness of a loved one, play with a child, pray for a struggling sister, or encourage a downcast brother.

This is a season to discover new opportunities to serve, new friends to cherish, new reasons to worship with passion. Christmas opens new doors for us to value the uniqueness of a loved one, play with a child, pray for a struggling sister, or encourage a downcast brother.

Generosity, Not Just Gifts – In recent years, economic realities have changed the way many people manage their Christmas gift-giving budgets. While the gifts may be smaller, they are more sacrificial. This is a good reminder that Christmas is not about the presents but rather loving, thoughtful sacrifice. In many ways, the sacrificial and meaningful gifts are more Christ-honoring than just piling presents under a tree because it is the thing to do in a materialistic culture.

Trust Above Traditions – Families love to create and capture Christmas traditions. As good as these may be – they inevitably change. Children move away, family members pass away, and the “good old days” fade away. However, Christmas is deeper than even our cherished traditions. Christmas is the “mass of Christ” – the worship of a Savior. He is not just a figure in history but also a living Lord, present and powerful in our Christmas moments. We inevitably lose many of our holiday traditions through the changes of time – but we can trust the living Christ with every thought, emotion, and concern of our life.

Christmas is the “mass of Christ” – the worship of a Savior. He is not just a figure in history but also a living Lord, present and powerful in our Christmas moments.

Anticipation Born From Reflection – When we look back at our best moments of previous Christmas celebrations, we likely do not treasure the superficial things such as food, presents, and decorations. Rather, we cherish a relationship, a moment of life-change, or an encounter with God. In my own reflections, I prize those moments when family members deeply connected with one another, served at a homeless shelter, or sang hymns to residents at a convalescent home. As we remember the holiday moments that meant so much in the past, we should anticipate and discover similar moments in the present.

Intimacy Above Activity – Ultimately, the most wise and considerate way to experience Christmas kairos is to focus on issues of eternal significance, even though all the trappings and activities can be so captivating. This year, we can give our best energies to those eternal moments with our eternal God – and eternal moments for eternal souls. Time spent in intimacy with Christ brings us back to the reality of the true meaning of Christmas. Time spent focusing on eternal souls for the sake of Christ represents the heart of the Christ of Christmas.

Time spent in intimacy with Christ brings us back to the reality of the true meaning of Christmas. Time spent focusing on eternal souls for the sake of Christ represents the heart of the Christ of Christmas.

Biblical Insight for an Ideal Christmas 

God’s word gives us solid reminders about what we should do with our time this Christmas. Paul wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15–17).

Paul reminds us to be wise, not foolish, in how we manage our moments and live our lives. Good advice for the Christmas holiday. He tells us to “redeem” or make the most of our time, because the days are evil. The idea here focuses on purchasing something, buying something back. Paul is saying, “Redeem the time.” It is not yours automatically. You have to seize it, reach for it, and grasp it. Why? Because the days are evil. Moses reflected similar wisdom: “So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Embedded in this holiday season are the subtle dangers of materialism, superficiality, conflict, disappointments, regrets, and even depression. The “evil one” would love to steal the meaning and reward of Christmas at every turn. Let us be wise in understanding God’s will for these coming weeks. Let us trust Him for the grace to seize the moments that really matter, that we might truly experience kairos in the chaos of Christmas.

Embedded in this holiday season are the subtle dangers of materialism, superficiality, conflict, disappointments, regrets, and even depression. The “evil one” would love to steal the meaning and reward of Christmas at every turn.

Copyright © 2020 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.