A Christmas tradition

For us Christians, Christmas is a celebration of JOY. It’s a time to focus on the Lord. –not only His birth, but the purpose of His birth. And it’s particularly important to highlight the meaning of Christmas to our children.

There’s a wonderful tradition that a friend of ours initiated with her family. Before the distribution of the Christmas gifts, she called her children to the table for a birthday cake for Jesus.

There was a single candle at the center of the cake representing the light of Christ (Jn 8:12; Jn 12:46). And each of the children were given a small candle to light from that candle (Mat 5:16). One by one they shared a sentence or two about their love for the Lord and placed their candle on His cake (1 Jn 4:19). When done, they ALL blew out the candles together and sang Happy Birthday to the Savior (Lk 2:13-14).

God wants us to celebrate and enjoy our faith.

Sadly, many wonderful Christian holidays have been overshadowed by commercialization and secular themes. But we can focus on the true meaning by creating special family traditions.

We have an INCREDIBLE MIRACLE to celebrate at Christmas “for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Is 9:6. You may also read together the purpose of Christmas.

Here are some ideas that you could do with your children that might help you focus on Christ this Christmas:

1.Don’t overspend.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6).

2.Have a gratitude attitude (Ps 107:1).

This will go a long way in dissolving holiday blues.

3.Share with the needy.

Visit a nursing home, buy gifts for a needy family, or bring a meal to a shut-in. You’ll be “lending to the LORD–and he will repay you!” (Pro 19:17; Mat 25:40)

4.Celebrate Christ’s birth with someone who is lonely or facing difficulties. “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” (Lk 14:13).

5.Pause and pray for those who don’t know the Lord (Phil 4:6; 1 Thes 5:17).

6.Sing, recite Scripture, rejoice!

“Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Eph 5:19).

7.Pray for persecuted believers (Heb 13:3).

The Christmas season often brings increased persecution.

8.Take a gift or plate of cookies to unsaved neighbors with a meaningful card. Make “the most of every opportunity” (Col 4:5).

Share these ideas with others for a more purpose-filled Christmas.

Be BLESSED this Christmas with more meaning in your celebration.