Let Christ be the Center of Your Family's Holiday Season

Although most people know that Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth, it is easy to get swept up in everything else that the Holiday Season entails. This year, try some new ways of keeping Christ first and foremost. One way is to brush up on the story itself. The Biblical account of Christ's birth is located in Luke Chapter Two. Families can also have fun and bring the story to life by acting it out. Also, locating the little town of Bethlehem on a map can make the story much more realistic. It is also relevant to discuss what the town of Bethlehem is like today. Families can also use the Christmas tree to remind them of Christ's light and to shine Christ's light in the world. For example, every time a family member gets the opportunity to shine the light of Christ, they may get the opportunity to hang an ornament, star or light upon the tree. This will serve as a reminder that Christ's light shines in and through us. Also, families can do devotions and readings about Jesus being the Light of the world, found in John 8, 9 and 12. Matthew 5:14 also reads that Christians are the light of the world and reminds us to shine Christ's light. Another way to put Christ first this Christmas is by sharing "What God Wants for Christmas." Celebrate the birth of Christ as well as what God wants for us. Study and read together the type of life and hearts God desires us to have. Another idea to keep the Christmas "Christ-centered" is by having a gift box for Jesus. Come up with a list of things you and your family wants to give to Jesus and write each item on a slip of paper. For example, patience, love, service, time, and gifts to the less fortunate are things that your family could do together. Also, spend time as a family writing a Christmas carol of your own. Include what Christ means to your family and why Christmas is so special. Another way for families to keep Christ at the forefront of Christmas is by adopting a child through organizations like Bridges of Hope or Compassion International. Show your children that you really care about their spiritual well being as well as that of other less fortunate children around the world. Parents are also encouraged not to buy Christmas presents for their children that are culturally bound. For example, if a child receives a gift that they really wanted because it was popular in their culture, they will start to idealize and value the things that their culture values. In other words, buying the latest and greatest toy may seem to make your child happy for a period of time. However, the message that they are being sent is that their culture's values are the most important. While gift giving can be a beautiful way to express Christ's love, be careful not to play into the culture too much. This is especially true concerning music, video games, DVDs and other forms of entertainment. Look for things that will encourage your children to seek after Christ, even if it is not what they have been begging for. There are plenty of great Christian books, magazines and CDs that will bless your child and help to turn them towards Christ instead of being pulled into an ever increasing culture. Guideposts for Teens and Brio are great Christian magazines for kids. There are also dozens of devotional books and novels that are Christ centered. Try these gifts instead of the popular toys this year and see how your child is changed. They may not have the excited reaction that is typical when receiving the most popular toys. However, their lives and hearts may just be changed for the better. Also, by giving gifts that are not necessarily popular, you will continue to instill values into your children, teaching them that the things of this world are not always the best choices. Your children will also begin to value the things that you do, and hopefully they will be encouraged to seek His kingdom and righteousness above all of the materials set before them.