Let us remember Him!
"Christmas means giving. The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave His life. Without giving there is no true Christmas, and without sacrifice there is no true worship" - Gordan B Hinckley.
In the midst of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the excitement of gift-giving, it's essential to pause and reflect on the true reason behind the Christmas season—the birth of Jesus Christ. Nurturing a connection with Christ during this time becomes even more significant when shared with children, allowing them to understand the deeper meaning of the holiday.
Storytelling and Traditions:
One powerful way to introduce kids to the story of Christ's birth is through storytelling. Whether it's reading the nativity story from the Bible or using creative methods like puppet shows, involving children in the narrative helps them grasp the significance of Jesus' arrival. Establishing traditions, such as reenacting the nativity scene or crafting ornaments with biblical symbols, can further anchor Christ at the center of Christmas celebrations.
Advent Calendars and Daily Reflections:
Advent calendars provide a wonderful opportunity to count down the days leading to Christmas while focusing on Christ. Each day, families can engage in short reflections, prayers, or discussions centered around the biblical events leading up to the birth of Jesus. This daily practice not only builds anticipation but also deepens children's understanding of the spiritual aspects of Christmas.
Service and Acts of Kindness:
Teaching children the values of compassion and service aligns with the teachings of Christ. Encourage acts of kindness, such as volunteering as a family, donating to charitable causes, or creating handmade gifts for those in need. These experiences instill a sense of empathy and reinforce the idea that Christmas is a time to share Christ's love with others.
Caroling with a Purpose:
Transform the tradition of caroling into a meaningful activity by selecting hymns and carols that emphasize the Christian message of Christmas. Singing songs that recount the story of Christ's birth not only fosters a sense of joy but also serves as a beautiful way to keep Him in the forefront of holiday celebrations. Our kids love to sing, especially Christmas songs, they will sing at the top of their lungs and we love it. This last year they have all fallen in love with the song "Noel" Their favorite line is "Come and see what God has done" It makes my heart fill with joy to hear them sing about God and his Son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer and Reflection Time:
Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, set aside quiet moments for prayer and reflection. Creating a peaceful environment where children can express their thoughts, ask questions, or simply meditate on the spiritual significance of Christmas fosters a personal connection with Christ. This practice reinforces that the holiday is not just about festivities but also about a profound, spiritual journey.
Gifts to Remember
When my husband and I just had two little kids, we realized that we had no rhyme or reason for our gift giving to our kids, just they want this, they need that, oh his brother has one more gift than him... we better get him 1 more thing. This went on and on until the amount of gifts was out of control along with most of the gifts being not meaningful and needed. When discussing this with some of my sisters, one of them mentioned that they do 3 gifts.
1- Something they NEED
2- Something they WANT
3- Something SPIRITUAL
I fell in love with this idea. It helps keep the out of control, no reason why, shopping under control along with it brings Christmas right back to Christ, as he received 3 gifts from the wise men.
We have found that this helps our family keep Christmas fun and bright yet under control. And of course, Santa finds his way to our kids every year ;)
So if you're looking for a way to help keep your Christmas more simple and focused on Christ, try keeping it to Three gifts!
Conclusion:
Incorporating Christ into Christmas celebrations with kids involves intentional efforts to weave spiritual elements into the fabric of the season. Through storytelling, traditions, service, caroling, and prayer, families can create a rich tapestry of experiences that not only celebrate the joy of the holiday but also honor the true reason behind it—Jesus Christ. May these shared moments of faith and reflection deepen the understanding of the sacred nature of Christmas for children and instill in them a lifelong appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of the season.
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