Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

Luke 15:23b

It’s Christmas Party time!

Some people love ’em, and some people hate ’em, but if you find yourself invited to one (or lots) of these gatherings, here are four common mistakes to avoid:

1. Don’t RSVP to the Wrong Revelry.

   “When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned”-Exodus 32:19

   Not all parties are equal. Make sure you don’t find yourself celebrating the wrong thing, like the Israelites did in the wilderness! It’s one thing to eat, drink, and be merry. It’s something else entirely to make idols of materialism, excess, and disengagement. If you stray too much from the true Spirit of Christmas, your riotous fun could become something profane. If you think an event is just an excuse for debauchery or decadence, it’s okay to make other plans.

2. Don’t Try to be the Life of the Party.

   “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -John 10:10b

   Imagine being invited to a baby shower. You show up, and just as the mother-to-be starts unwrapping gifts, you jump up and start shouting “Look at me! Look at me!” Christmas isn’t YOUR birthday. If anyone is the life of the party, it’s got to be Jesus, so leaving room for him is just good manners. That doesn’t mean you can’t be festive, funny, or flamboyant. Just don’t try to upstage the guest of honor.

3. Don’t Show Up Empty Handed.

   “God loves a cheerful giver” -2 Corinthians 9:7b

   It is customary to bring something to a party. A bottle of wine, a cheese ball, a gingerbread-scented candle, etc. Those are all fine contributions, but the giving doesn’t have to stop there. Bringing some Christmas cheer can draw people together. Cleaning up afterwards is a welcome gift. Your time and attention can keep things from feeling superficial. Parties aren’t just opportunities to grab some free grub or pick up a paperweight from your boss. Beyond what you’re getting out of the experience, what are you contributing?

4. Don’t Stand in the Corner.

   “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.”-Acts 18:9b

   Sometimes, partying is the last thing you want to be doing, but there’s no way around it. There’s a temptation to hang out by the punch bowl and bide your time. Think of party conversation as a white elephant exchange. You’ve got a tiny piece of your life to share, and there may be even one person there who has something to share in return. There’s some vulnerability involved when you allow yourself to be the “real” you, and it will take some energy to find a way to engage, but you’ll leave with the knowledge that you didn’t hide your light under a bushel.

A good party (or even a so-so one) can be an opportunity for fun and festivity. They can also crowd up a calendar, so choose wisely which invitations to accept.

Ultimately, how we show up at these gatherings reflects how we bring Christ’s Good News into the world. Let’s make sure that wherever we go, we’re celebrating the kind of life He came to give us—full of grace, generosity, and genuine connection.

With Christmas in your heart, you can trade in that awkward event…

for a night of

comfort and joy.

Have a great week,

Mitch