Christmas Past, Present, and Future: The Spirit of Christmas All Year
- Amy E Smith
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
From October through December, I am in my element. By September, my house already looks like a fall wonderland—pumpkins everywhere. As soon as Thanksgiving passes, the Christmas trees go up: one big one, plus mini trees tucked into corners all around the house. And yes, I even play Christmas music year-round. My husband and kids will confirm: “Silent Night” is absolutely the soundtrack of a random July morning.
There’s something magical about the holidays. But recently, the Lord reminded me that Christmas was never meant to be limited to a single season. As I prayed and studied Scripture, He showed me the story of Christmas in three parts: past, present, and future. And together, they tell an even bigger story—one we are invited to live every day.
Christmas Past: God With Us—Even Before Bethlehem
Exodus 25:8“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”
When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He didn't leave them to wander alone. He commanded them to build the Tabernacle so His presence could dwell among them. Can you imagine the awe of seeing His glory fill that sacred space? It was a glimpse—an early whisper—of Christmas. Long before angels sang over a manger, God was already coming near to His people.
Every story in Scripture points toward Jesus. Even the ones that seem disconnected are threads woven into the tapestry of redemption. Christmas Past reminds us that God has always desired to dwell with His people, and it prepares our hearts for the moment He came as Emmanuel—God with us.
Christmas Present: The Savior Who Stepped Into Our Story
This is the part of the story we celebrate every December. The Gospel of Luke tells us of Joseph, Mary, the manger, the angels, the shepherds, and the miracle of Christ’s birth. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us—our Savior stepping into our world to rescue us.
Last year, I overheard a woman say, “Christmas is over,” days before December 25th had even arrived. My heart sank. Christmas doesn’t fade like wrapping paper or end when the calendar turns.
Christmas is a reality, not a season. It is good news meant to shape our lives long after the lights come down.
Christ came—and that changes everything.
Christmas Future: The Hope of His Return
Acts 1 tells us that just as Jesus ascended into heaven, He will return again. And that is our blessed hope!
Christmas Future reminds us that the story isn’t finished. One day, Jesus will come again—not as a baby in a manger but as the victorious King. Just as we prepare our homes for December 25th, we are called to prepare our hearts for the day He returns.
That means living with expectancy, walking in obedience, being filled with the Spirit, and pointing others to the hope we have in Christ.
Living in the Spirit of Christmas All Year
So, let’s not pack away the joy of Christmas with the ornaments. Let’s carry it with us daily:
The wonder that God came near.
The gratitude that Christ was born.
The hope that He will come again.
His promises are sure. He came before—and He will come again. For me, for you, and for all who belong to Him.
That is the true spirit of Christmas. And it’s a spirit we can live in—not just seasonally, but joyfully—every single day of the year.
Reflection & Action
What is your favorite holiday, and what makes it meaningful to you?
Do you experience joy during Christmas—or sadness when it passes?
How might you keep the wonder of Christ’s birth alive in your daily routines?
What steps is the Holy Spirit prompting you to take to prepare your heart for Christ’s return?
