9 Steps to get In the Christmas Spirit and Shine God’s Light This Season

The holiday season can feel magical—or heavy and overwhelming. Many Christian women enter December exhausted, distracted, or disconnected from the joy they hope to feel. But getting in the Christmas spirit doesn’t start with decorations, busy schedules, or perfectly wrapped gifts—it begins with Jesus Himself.

To truly experience His joy, we must prepare our hearts before Him, reflect on the gift of His blood and body, and open ourselves to His presence. When we do, Christmas transforms from a season of stress to a season of wonder, peace, and spiritual refreshment.

Prepare Your Heart at the Feet of Jesus

Mary shows us the way in Luke 10:38–42. While Martha was busy with tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and simply receive. Jesus said she had chosen “the better thing,” because presence with Him restores what busyness cannot.

As Christian women, we can do the same by slowing down, quieting our hearts, and focusing on Jesus—especially as we celebrate His birth. Christmas is a reminder that God gave us His Son, and taking time to reflect on this miracle helps our hearts align with His love and purpose. Part of this preparation also includes participating in communion in remembrance of His body and blood (Luke 22:19), which reconnects our hearts to the sacrifice that makes this season meaningful.

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Christ-Centered Traditions That Extend Joy

Christmas traditions are more than habits—they are ways God designed for us to remember His faithfulness and spread light to others. God gave Israel feasts and gatherings to anchor faith and pass it to future generations (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). Jesus reinforced this at the Last Supper, saying, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).

Today, traditions like putting up lights, displaying nativity scenes, singing carols, sharing meals, attending Christmas Eve services, and participating in communion help us center our hearts on Christ.

These practices don’t just refresh us—they stir hope and joy in those around us, reaching hearts that may be weary or in darkness. Neuroscience shows that anticipation of goodness releases dopamine, priming the mind and heart to receive joy, gratitude, and hope.

Be a Light in a Dark World This Christmas

Christian women have a unique opportunity to manifest God’s light in a dark world. When we generously give, invite, celebrate, and extend love, we create environments of belonging, safety, and hope, which cast out fear and restore broken hearts (1 John 1:5, Matthew 5:14–16).

Our homes, gatherings, and acts of kindness become vessels for His presence, demonstrating His love tangibly to those who may feel alone or fearful.

Even small gestures—sharing a meal, singing with someone, or welcoming a neighbor—can illuminate God’s light and bring spiritual renewal. When Christ-centered joy flows through us, it impacts more than our own hearts; it restores, encourages, and inspires others to believe in His goodness.

Related Article: 4 Tips To Let Your Light Shine & Brighten Up This Dark World!

9 Practical Steps to Get in The Christmas Spirit for Christians

Even small, intentional actions can reawaken your joy this season:

1. Sit with Jesus daily. Quiet your heart, meditate on His love, and remember the gift of His body and blood.

2. Attend all Church services. Gather with your church community to get in the spirit, then celebrate and receive the presence of Christ.

3. Bring Christ into your home visually. Put up lights, set up a nativity scene, or display meaningful symbols of His birth.

4. Sing and celebrate His goodness. Christmas hymns and carols train your heart to feel gratitude and hope.

5. Pray for peace, love, and expectation. Ask God to awaken joy in your home and in the hearts of those around you.

6. Evangelize wisely. This time of year, people are more open to kindness and generosity, and your love can plant seeds of faith without question.

7. Give generously. Remember the orphans, widows, and poor as Scripture commands (James 1:27). Your giving extends God’s light to those in need and can transform lives.

8. Engage in spiritual warfare through prayer. Many mental health challenges have roots in broken families, lack of belonging, or absence of safety and love. Your prayers for people during the holidays, words of encouragement, and positive actions can literally shift someone’s brain and change the course of their life (away from the traps of the enemy).

9. Reflect and remember. Take quiet moments to meditate on God’s faithfulness and the joy He brings.

When we prepare our hearts before Jesus, participate in remembrance through communion, center our traditions on Christ, and intentionally extend light to others, Christmas becomes more than a season—it becomes a living demonstration of God’s love in a dark world.

As Christian women, we shine like a city on a hill, and the darkness cannot overcome the light we carry (Matthew 5:14–16). This season, sit with Jesus, shine His light, and let His presence transform your heart and the hearts of those around you.