We are each called to keep Christ in Christmas

Merry Christmas! 
Advent is over, but the Christmas Season has just begun! 
The weeks leading up to Christmas are extremely busy. We can get so distracted with lists and parties that it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the Advent and Christmas seasons. In all the hustle and bustle, as good Christian stewards, we are called to keep Christ in Christmas. 
We spend so much time and effort preparing for Christmas that once the presents are unwrapped and the dishes are done after the big family gathering, we feel like it is all over.  While the decorations in the retail stores have moved on to Valentine's Day, Christmas does not end until Jan. 6, when we celebrate Epiphany. Keeping Christ in Christmas means we get to enjoy those decorations a little bit longer. After all, the Nativity is a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what Mary and Joseph experienced when Christ was born. 
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them”  (Luke 2:19-20).
Christmas is the season of Jesus’ birthday and gift-giving, but what could we possibly get for God?  While our wish list may be long, all God wants is for us to love Him and one another and be a good steward of the gifts He has given us. Stewardship is returning a portion of our gifts to God. The gifts we are called to return are our time, talent and treasure. We return these gifts not because God or our church needs them, but because we feel an overwhelming need to show our love and gratitude to God. 
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
We can keep Christ in Christmas by being a good steward of His presence in our daily lives throughout this Christmas season. Consider setting aside a special time to read and discuss the Christmas story with your family in the Gospel of St. Luke 1:5-56-2:1-20.  
There is no better way to start the New Year than to attend Mass on Jan. 1. New Year’s Day is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. I prefer to think of it as a Holy Day of opportunity rather than obligation. May God bless each of us throughout the Christmas Season and the New Year! 
Happy Birthday Jesus!
­­— Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.