Holidays With Jesus: ChristmasExemplo

A beloved Christmas tradition that has been carried on – and much loved – for years and years is sending Christmas cards to family and friends. 

The very first Christmas card recorded as being given was in 1611. 

Sir Henry Cole (along with illustrator John Callcott Horsley) sought out to popularize Christmas cards in London in 1843, and Queen Victoria and the British royal family were known for sending out cards in the 1840’s as well.

In 1873, a company called Prang and Mayer, began creating Christmas cards in Britain, and Christmas greeting cards finally got their start in America the very next year in 1874.

In 1913, Joyce Hall, and her brother Rollie, brought their creativity to the table and began creating much more personalized greeting cards.

Their company is widely and well known today as Hallmark.

Hallmark became extremely successful during World War I, with family and friends wanting to send Christmas cards to their loved ones who were away fighting in the war.

Today, Christmas cards are sent to treasured family and friends, and sometimes, a family newsletter or photo is included.

Who doesn’t love to receive Christmas cards? It’s fun to receive cards and to know that family and friends care, especially around the holidays. It’s even more fun to send Christmas cards out to loved ones.

Something I have enjoyed and loved to do throughout the years is place all of the Christmas cards I receive in a special box.

Throughout the entire year, I rotate the Christmas cards, as I take the cards out each day, and pray for each person and family who sent the cards.

Christmas cards have such sweet, special meaning. Having the great privilege of praying for my family and friends throughout the year make the cards that much more purpose-filled and meaningful!

Who all can you send a Christmas card to this season? Whether it’s an actual Christmas card, a digital card, homemade card, heartfelt letter, social media greeting, or holiday newsletter, why not share Christmas greetings and Christ’s love with everyone you know this Christmas!

Prayer: “Jesus, thank You so very much for your great gift of communication. It is a delight to be able to share with our family and friends Christmas greetings and Your love! Thank you for the gift of being able to read and write, and have the freedom and ability to convey all of the warm feelings we have towards our loved ones – especially this time of year. I especially thank You, Lord, for giving the Ultimate Christmas greeting and Love Letter ever: Your beautiful Word, the Bible! Jesus, help us to see those around us who may need written and verbal words of love, kindness, and encouragement. May we never become so comfortable that we take for granted our family, friends, church family, and especially You! Precious Jesus, I know there are many who are hurting this time of year because they would love to talk to someone they greatly love, but their loved one is now celebrating Christmas with You. May You comfort and deeply love their heart as only You can! Please meet their heart needs this Christmas season. Please give us fresh ideas of how to extravagantly love our family, friends, those who are hurting, and You! Jesus, I pray this in Your wonderful, beautiful name, Amen!”

Activity #1: At the end of Christmas, place your Christmas cards in a box and commit to praying for your precious loved ones throughout the year.

Activity #2: Consider what type of Christmas greeting you’d like to send your loved ones this year...Christmas card, digital card, homemade card, heartfelt letter, social media greeting, holiday newsletter, or a special phone call. Truly seek to make others feel extra special as you share Christ’s and your extravagant love with them! Spend time with Jesus and talk to Him as you prepare each greeting!

Activity #3: Create a beautiful Christmas card, special letter, or birthday card for Jesus. Extravagantly share your love with Jesus as you celebrate the amazing gift of Him and His precious friendship! Be sure to read His Ultimate Love Letter to you, too! Also, be sure to still meet with Jesus each night by the Christmas tree. There’s no better time than tonight to cozy up to Jesus! :)

This devotional © 2018 by Kim Niles/Grief Bites. All rights reserved. Used by permission