One of my favorite things this time of year is the glow of a fire and a decorated Christmas tree. I am currently enjoying both as I write. I am hesitant to share…but, I have a confession to make and it is controversial. My tree has been up since October. I know, many of you might be judging me right now, but let me explain. When the tree goes up, it is like a magnet for the souls in this home. Everyone is drawn to the living room to linger and be together. It brings some magic to our family and the kids, big and small, want to gather in one space more often. When I discovered this, I had no shame in decking the halls well before what society says is acceptable! I love having all my people move toward each other.
Recently, I have thought about a Christmas tree’s ambiance and my biggest hope for my kids—for their hearts be drawn to Jesus. More than the glow in the living room, I want them to be captivated by their Savior. Amid all the Christmas traditions, we are intentionally centering the DNA of our home on Christ with the hope that someday Truth will be planted deep in their hearts and souls as adults.
I am aware this may not be the Christmas everything clicks for all my kids. I’m not expecting that my 11-year-old will look more forward to a nightly devotional reading more than riding the Polar Express with the unlimited hot chocolate. But we will still do the devotional reading even if a few kids roll their eyes or doze off to sleep and will still ride the local train wearing our pajamas. We are playing the long game by making gospel deposits day by day, year by year believing (and praying) they are DRAWN to Jesus as they mature and grow. So this Christmas, my goal is to focus on faith AND fun.
With the hustle and bustle of this season how can we, as parents, create family traditions and core memories that point our children back to Jesus? I am challenging my family to make gospel connections with Christmas, Jesus is everywhere…Let’s find Him!
Here are some easy ideas that could be incorporated in this season:
- Eat a meal by candle light—let you light shine. Matthew 5:16
- Hang Christmas lights or go see Christmas lights in the neighborhood—I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. John 8:12
- Volunteering/serving—Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40
- Nativity hide & seek—Shepherds or wise men move around the house looking for Jesus. Luke 2
- Caroling or videoing song for grandparents—Shout for joy to the Lord. Psalm 98:4
- Bake a birthday cake for Jesus—For God so loved the world, He gave His only son. John 3:16; Psalm 100-Make a JOYFUL noise!
- Gifts—Reminding them, Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17
- Baking bread (sourdough, banana bread, etc)—Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11
- Hot chocolate bar—Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6; How sweet are Your words to my taste. Sweeter than honey to my mouth. Psalm 119:103
- Kid led dinner prep—Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Holiday activities do not have to be hard or stressful. The important thing is to point it all back to God’s Word, character, and His son so our kids are drawn to TRUTH! Play the long game this Christmas!!!!
Melissa Houston
K-1 Women’s Director
