(Based on a tape from Barbara Cook)
What concept of Christmas are your children growing up with? We need to talk with our children about the events of Christmas and at a much deeper level than Santa and the reindeer. This is what Deut. 6:6-7 says
“And these words which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
We are told to talk about God’s word at ALL times, to teach our children while they are doing other things. This is just what we can do at Christmas, teach them the Christmas story as we are going about the normal activities of Christmas.
Christmas Cards: Cards can be a great way to teach children. As they arrive talk to the children about them. Why are those men riding on those funny animals? Why are those men lying on the ground looking up into the sky? Even a 2 or 3 year old can soon tell the Christmas story by being allowed to play with the cards and sort them as to the angels, shepherds, wise men, manger scenes, etc.
Advent Wreath: A great way to prepare your family and children for the Christmas season. Light one candle the first Sunday in Advent and then 2, 3, and 4 each succeeding Sunday in Advent, lighting the center on Christmas Eve or Day. Advent Calendars can also be fun and a teaching tool for children.
Christmas Tree: The tree can be a beautiful symbol of the changeless beauty of our God. We choose an evergreen tree as a picture of the faithfulness of God. It is green and lovely no matter what the weather brings. So our God is faithful, trustworthy- no matter what the situation in our lives. Read Hebrews 13:8 when you bring in the tree. Also Matthew 28:20 and Romans 8:38-39
Decorating the Tree: Why do we decorate the tree? It is because we are happy Jesus was born. Lights, tinsel, and bright things all represent joy. Read verses about Joy: John 15:11, Matthew 25:21, and Romans 14:17.
Christmas Carols: Sing them as a family, talk about what they mean, or use them during family devotional time. The Brynestad family had a great time as a family singing carols in the car. I remember when the Tobiasons lived in Puyallup and we would go there for Christmas eve, we would sing continuously the half hour drive. Starting with one child and then each would have to start another song, until we had to stop because no one could thing of a song. But by then we had arrived.
Wrapping Gifts: Great time to talk about the joy of giving to others and God’s gift to us- Jesus. Great opportunity to read John 3:16 and talk to the children about giving Christ as a gift- themselves. Wonderful time to lead a child to Jesus at whatever age they are ready to respond.
Angel and Star: As you put the angel or star on top of the tree talk about what it would have been like to have heard all those angels singing as they appeared to the shepherds. And just to think we will be able to hear and see them in heaven ourselves someday. Talk about the star that guided the shepherds to Jesus.
Nativity Scene: Wonderful way to teach the story of Jesus. It is better if it isn’t a costly scene so the children can move the people around and really pretend they are there.
As children ask questions- don’t make reckless guesses. Look up the scripture, use a concordance if necessary. Show them how to use it. Children need to know the difference between legend and historical fact.