Yes, it’s the last month of the year 2020. December is a month awaited by many especially children, Christmas time. It is also a time to remember or looked back what had happened for the past months and a time to plan for the year 2021. For the past months we are facing with tremendous trials, troubles, problems and natural calamities (individually, in the family, in the community and in our country).
But how we can celebrate this season in the midst of the pandemic? The question that many are asking.
Let’s pause for a moment and contemplate on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior and Lord (Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”). He came to this earth to die willingly for our sins on the cross. Yes, that’s right, because He loved us so much (John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”)
So, amidst the presents / gifts, amazing Christmas decorations and Christmas lights, very relaxing Christmas music and Christmas parties around remember that JESUS is the reason for the season. It is Jesus Christ birthday! The best gift that we can give to JESUS is our life and the Lord require us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
Thus, it’s worth celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, that’s in the course of trouble times or pandemic time we are continuously experiencing His goodness and faithfulness in our life. Each day is a great blessing from Him. Let’s thanks God for it.
One way to celebrate Christmas in the midst of pandemic is to initiate an online Christmas party with families and friends.
1. Set a date and time to meet online.
2. Prepare the following
a. Program flow
sample:
I. Opening / Welcome Remarks
II. Opening Prayer
III. Christmas Worship Songs
IV. Christmas Word of Encouragement
V. Christmas Reflection
VI. Games / Video presentation / Virtual Exchange Gift
VII. Online Raffles
VIII. Closing Prayer
b. Games
Sample games:
A. Individual game
“Bring me” concept is simple and the variation are endless. The game master will randomly ask for an objects / items. The first person who can take a picture and post on the chat box will be the winner.
” What’s in the box?” the game master will prepare boxes with something inside it, she will give some clue of what’s inside the box. The first who can chat the right answer will get the prize.
“Bible Drill: Find the Word” the game master will prepare some words that comes from the bible (so the participants will ready their individual Bible with same version as what the game master will use). Example: Game master: What is the 16th word in Isaiah 9:6? The participants will open their bible and look for the 16th word in Isaiah 9:6, the first person who will type the right answer in the chat box will be the winner. In this verse the 16th word is GOVERNMENT.
B. Group game
“Group Christmas caroling” the game master will break the group (it’s easy if you are using zoom app) and assigned a Christmas song and tune. Give the group 10 minutes to meet in the breakout rooms and practice for their presentation.
c. Online raffles (you can use the use online random name picker application)
d. Prizes that many can enjoy (you send the prices through any available courier in your place)
e. Video presentation with Christmas song (Optional: Pictures that remind you of God’s goodness in year 2020 or memorable time that give impact in your 2020)
f. Virtual exchange gift or exchange of encouragement (word of encouragement to all)
May this article will help you to have an enjoyable Christmas online celebration. Pandemic or social distancing can’t hinder us to celebrate this season.
It is my prayer that you will have a CHRIST-centered Christmas celebration and a blessed 2021 to come!