Keeping the Christmas Spirit All Year Long

As the Christmas season rides off into the winter sunset and we begin a new year, we must never forget all the many ways that God has blessed — and continues to bless — us.

At Liberty University, no matter what our background or upbringing entails, one of the things we hold in common is a 2024 filled with incredible memories and God’s care even during its most challenging moments.

Few have more to be thankful for than Liberty University students. From having the opportunity to serve the local community and share God’s Word to having a blast cheering on the Flames football team to celebrating the birth of Christ with family and friends while enjoying the wonderful “Christmas on the Boulevard” concert put on by the School of Music, the last few months here at Liberty have played out like an artfully constructed short story.

And now we get to turn the page on the year and look forward to a new one — which promises to be even more exciting.

But as move forward into 2025, we should not leave behind the power of the Christmas season we just celebrated.

The meaning of Christmas is partly reflected in what it means to be a champion for Christ in that we recognize that the work we are all striving to fulfill is being orchestrated first and foremost by God Himself — not by ourselves. How good is He, then, to choose us to serve as valued participants in His work, as 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us:

“We have this treasure in Jars of Clay to show that this surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

As we enter a new school semester  it can be easy to get bogged down by the stresses of everyday demands and routines and forget the joy we enjoyed and the truths we celebrated during Christmas. As Kris Kringle famously said in the 1947 movie “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind.”

We ought to internalize the true meaning of Christmas and realize that it stands for so much more than just six weeks of singing carols, taking pictures of pretty lights, drinking hot chocolate, and pretending that we’re reliving our childhood on the “Polar Express.” It’s about how God refused to let our sinful nature stand between us and Him, choosing instead to enter our world as a humble, sinless servant and give His very life for us on the cross before being raised back to life so that sin would no longer separate us from Him.

It is because Christ did for us what we could not do for ourselves that we can joyfully be His hands and feet in serving others and pursuing excellence in all we do: in our careers, in our academic courses, in our relationships, and in our ministry activities. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

I call this the “All Year Long” mentality. That means that no matter what season we are in —  whether studying from home on a snow day, getting ready to attend church on Resurrection Sunday, celebrating the Fourth of July, or sipping apple cider at a fall festival — we need to remember that every moment we have is a blessing and a direct result of the Gift that keeps on giving, which is Christ our King, and to respond with thanks by enthusiastically pursuing the calling He has laid upon our lives.

Let us approach the challenges that 2025 will bring to us with a newfound sense of energy and gratitude, whether completing academic assignments, working as a team on career-related projects ahead of deadlines, serving others to help make our community a better place, or going on outreach trips abroad with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Whatever we do, let use have an “All Year Long” mentality of being a champion for Christ and utilize it at all times, in all places, and in all seasons — for His glory.

Interested in pursuing a fully accredited, biblically based education? Liberty University has been training students to serve as “Champions for Christ” in their respective professions across the industry spectrum for over 50 years. With over 350 residential academic concentrations, 20 NCAA Division 1 athletic programs, opportunities to serve domestically and abroad, and an unapologetic Christian worldview, your experience at Liberty University will provide an education that roots you in truth and allows you to learn, grow, and impact the culture for Christ. Apply now!