“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” —1 John 5:3
You shall not leave Christ out of Christmas (see John 15:5).
You shall not let Santa Claus take the place of Christ, lest Christmas become a fairy tale rather than a sublime reality in the spiritual realm (see 2 Peter 1:16).
You shall not value your gifts by their cost, for many shall signify love that is more precious than silver and gold (see 1 Peter 1:18–19).
You shall give yourself with your gifts. Your love, your personality, and your service shall increase the value of your gifts a hundred times over and the one who receives it shall treasure it forever (see Romans 12:1).
You shall not neglect the needy. Let your bountiful blessings be shared with the many who will go hungry and cold unless you are generous at Christmas (see Proverbs 19:17).
You shall not burden those who are service-workers. The salesclerk, the mail-carrier, and the caterer shall have your kind consideration (see Hebrews 13:2).
You shall not neglect your church. Its Christmas services are planned to help spiritualize the Christmas season for you, your family, and your friends (see Hebrews 10:24–25).
You shall prepare your soul for Christmas. Truly most of us spend too much time and money getting gifts ready, but few seconds in preparing our souls (see Matthew 24:44).
You shall be as a little child. Christmas is the day of the Christ Child; not until you have become in spirit as a little child are you ready to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (see Luke 18:16–17).
You shall give your heart to Christ. Let your Christmas list have Christ at the top and your heart as your gift. In so doing, you are as the Wise Men of old and you shall truly find yourself born again on Christmas Day (see Matthew 2:1–2; 6:19–21).
FURTHER READING: Matthew 22:34–40
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