What’s your favorite Christmas album? Mine is “Christmas Songs” by Frank Sinatra. Listening to Christmas songs gives me a sense of childlike wonder and excitement. But if you are like me, the wonder and excitement of celebrating the birth of the savior too often turns into a blur of busyness, a mad dash to survive the calendar than an opportunity to slow down and rejoice in King Jesus. So, how can we slow down, breathe and truly treasure Christ this Christmas?
The answer begins with our hearts.
First, remember why Jesus came. Christmas is more than celebrating a baby in a manger — it’s about celebrating why that baby came. Jesus wasn’t born just to start a holiday tradition. He was born to fulfill God’s rescue mission. As Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus came to give the ultimate gift: “How much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17).
We treasure Christ when we remember that he left the glories of heaven to enter the messiness of our world — our sin, our brokenness, our pain. He became one of us to free us from sin and death. When you sit by the fire or gaze at the Nativity scene, pause and reflect: The king of kings humbled himself to heal your soul. That’s a treasure worth pondering over and over.
Second, rearrange your priorities.
The holidays have a way of showing us what we truly treasure. If we’re not careful, the good gifts of God — family, food, gifts and fun — can take the throne that belongs to Christ alone.
Jesus reminds us: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). The question isn’t whether we celebrate Christmas, but how we celebrate it. Are we consumed by what we can get, or are we captivated by what we’ve already been given in Jesus? This Christmas, rearrange your schedule and priorities to make room for what matters most: time with Jesus.
Start your day with scripture. Read the gospel accounts of his birth in Matthew or Luke. Pray together as a family. Tell your kids and grandkids not just about Santa Claus, but about the savior who satisfies. Make space for Christ.
Third, rest in the good news.
One of the greatest ways to treasure Christ is to rest in him. We live in a culture addicted to performance and perfection — even at Christmastime. We want the perfect tree, the perfect meal, the perfect family photo. But when we make Christmas about us, we miss the heart of the season. The gospel says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus came to rescue you from the weight of your striving. He came so you could rest — not just from your busyness, but from your soul’s restless search for meaning. This Christmas, receive that rest. Lay your burdens at his feet. Sit in silence. Worship him. Treasure him.
Fourth, reflect his love to others.
When we treasure Christ, his love overflows to those around us. Don’t let Christmas become just about receiving — make it about giving. Share your time, resources and heart with someone who feels overlooked this season. Invite a neighbor to dinner. Call a friend who’s grieving. Remember the lonely, the hurting and the poor. You reflect Jesus when you love others the way he has loved you.
In a world full of distractions, Jesus remains the greatest treasure. Don’t miss him this Christmas. Fix your eyes on the giver of grace. Let the wonder of His love sink deep into your soul. And as you do, may you discover what the angels proclaimed long ago: “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”
Jesus is the gift we all need. He’s the treasure worth everything. Let’s slow down this season and truly worship him.
The Rev. Derwin L. Gray, who played football for BYU from 1989-1992, is the co-founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church in South Carolina and the author of “Lit Up With Love: Becoming Good News People To a Gospel-Starved World.”