By Gabriela Calvi – Epidemiologist Salubrista Podcaster “Good Morning Health”
What does the holiday season have that turns some events into lovely and welcoming memories that we cherish all our lives? Without a doubt, this is the season of anticipation and celebration! I have no doubt that each of us have our own Christmas traditions, decorate the outskirts of the houses with lights, the aroma of a delicious ham bread, gifts, the sound of bells, the Christmas tree, but the spirit of Christmas is the same everywhere in the world. Whether in Texas, Florida, or Brazil; Whether in Mexico or Puerto Rico, the birth of our Savior inspires people to do good.
In most homes, people exchange gifts, visit others, and do the good thing to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. In some shops they place boxes to donate food and/or toys to be delivered to the families most in need. In the Ivory Coast, every Christmas Eve, instead of giving gifts, people bring unresolved conflicts to their leaders, who spend the rest of the day trying to resolve those conflicts between families. Tradition explains that these people want peace and harmony to dwell in every home in the village during Christmas, because they celebrate the birth of Christ, who was born with the express purpose of bringing peace to the world.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a chance to travel to Bethlehem? But there is really no need to travel to the Holy Land to make a difference or approach our Savior. Christmas is a time to focus on the gift we will give the Savior by constantly loving and helping others. That way, Bethlehem won’t be too far away for anyone. It is up to us to make Christ part of our lives.
I would like to share with you a tradition that will transform your home into one that believes not only in the magic of Santa, but also in the reality of our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the real reason behind our celebration.
Starting December 1, you can start by reading one scripture a day while burning a Christmas candle. To make this activity more meaningful, you can add special background music. Make sure you turn off the rest of the lights inside your house. Enjoy a night of candles appreciating angelic music in the background. This time of scripture reading will increase your knowledge and love for Christ during this wonderful time and help you bring Bethlehem – Christ to your Christmas.
| Day | Reference | Jesus Christ |
| 1 | Luke 8:41-56 | He was compassionate. |
| 2 | Luke 7:36-50 | Forgive |
| 3 | John 4:46-53 | Power to heal |
| 4 | John 2:13-17 | Reverent |
| 5 | Mark 4:35-41 | Power over the elements |
| 6 | Mark 10:13-16 | I love children |
| 7 | Luke 10:30-42 | It made people happy |
| 8 | Luke 22:42-45 | Sacrificed by others |
| 9 | John 13: 3-17 | He was humble. |
| 10 | Luke 6:12-13 | He prayed to God |
| 11 | Luke 2:51-52 | He obeyed his parents |
| 12 | Matthew 3:13-17 | He obeyed God’s laws |
| 13 | Matthew 5:2-16 | He gave advice |
| 14 | Luke 2:42-49 | I teach when I’m 12 |
| 15 | Matthew 6:9-13 | He taught to pray |
| 16 | Luke 8:5-16 | He taught through parables |
| 17 | Luke 15:4-7 | Helped sinners |
| 18 | Luke 10:19-36 | It was kind. |
| 19 | John 14:26-27 | He promised the Holy Spirit |
| 20 | Matthew 14:15-21 | Performed miracles |
| 21 | John 11:40-44 | Resurrected the dead |
| 22 | Luke 22:39-46 | Atoned for sins |
| 23 | Luke 1:26-33 | The Son of God |
| 24 | Lucas | Born in Bethlehem |
Good Morning Health gives you this new tradition, so that you can put it into practice in your home. I’m sure that if you bring Bethlehem home through reading, it will help you make those two emotions anticipation and celebration become the fundamental principles of your Christmas experience: anticipation for a Christmas filled with the Spirit of Christ, and celebration in honor of the miracle of His birth.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
