Becoming a parent really makes you rethink Christmas and it should be done in your home. What lessons do you want your kids to learn from it? Will they learn that it is all about them? That they can choose what toys they want and expect to get them? Will they be discontent because they compare their gifts with their friends' and they have an insatiable desire for more? Will they learn to be ungrateful?
Or will they learn the real point of Christmas? That mankind needed a Savior and Jesus was willing to humble himself to the point of being a helpless, dependent newborn to be that Savior for us. That Christmas is when we celebrate Jesus' birthday and it's really all about Him. That this is a season of gratitude and a time where we can adore Him.
A woman spoke last week, at a Bible study I go to, about being intentional about Christmas. If we aren't intentional about making the message loud and clear for our kids, then the world will quickly teach them what it thinks Christmas is about.
Caleb and I have decided to try a few things this year, even though Emerson is a mere 20 months old. At this young age, he is a sponge and has already learned so much about Christmas. We began a Jesse Tree Advent for the month of December. Each night we read a Bible story and hang the corresponding ornament on a small tree. All the Bible stories, old and new testament, point to Christ. We have also been playing with our nativity. Emerson loves doing this. I read a little board book that tells the Christmas story (The Story of Christmas by Patricia Pingry) and we act out the story with the people. He asks to do it all the time. Hopefully this is instilling the message to him!
Another way to help your kids with gratitude issues is to focus on giving. There are many people out there, near and far, who need. Angel tree at your church, Operation Christmas child, Compassion International (giving mosquito nets, or clean water, etc.-- you can do this here), serve at a nursing home, give to your neighbors, etc. The opportunities abound at this time of year. By helping direct your kids' attention to the need around them, they will become more grateful for what they have and will take the focus off of themselves.
You can also have a birthday party for Jesus with a cake on Christmas day. We have already been singing happy birthday to Jesus and Emerson loves it.
If we don't plan to do something, we will do nothing. Christmas season will pass and we will wonder what message we actually sent our children this year.
Yes, we are still doing Christmas trees, lights, stockings, a little Santa, and even gifts (though limited to 3). These things are not bad, but what is the main focus? How can we get the real message of Christmas across? I feel like it could be hard at times. We have 10 to 1 more Christmas books about Santa than Jesus. Christmas music that entertains kids is about Santa and Rudolph. I bought a Veggie Tales Christmas movie the other day, just so we could have one Christmas movie that is about Christ! Despite these things, I am trying to make it to where we talk about Jesus during Christmas time far more than Santa or presents. Maybe with the Lord's help, Emerson is getting the right message.
I guess the point of this post is to challenge you, like I was challenged, to be intentional this Christmas. Intentional about the message you are sending your kids. It's never too late to make changes.
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