For Christians, the core reason for Christmas is to honor the birth of Jesus.
Surveys by the Pew Research Center show that today’s young adults are not likely to recognize Christmas as a religious holiday or attend Christmas services. They tend to be ignorant or skeptical of the virgin birth. This isn’t surprising since both the religious and non-religious celebrate Christmas much the same: gathering with family, exchanging gifts, and taking part in the tradition of Santa and elves “visiting” their homes.
Consequently, understanding of the Christian Christmas has declined considerably nationwide. Whether future generations accept and experience Christian Christmas traditions depends on us. They must be so personally important that we carefully transfer them to to our children.
Here are some suggestions to enjoy and share a Christian Christmas with your young ones: Always include Jesus in His own birthday celebration! A Happy Birthday Jesus cake, complete with candles, is a great reminder to both adults and children of the meaning of Christmas. If your church doesn’t have a Christmas Eve service, conduct a short worship service in your home. In recent years, my dad has honored us by reading the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20; creating for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the memory of hearing about Jesus’ birth through his voice. Reading in unison, or having each person read a few verses involves the entire family.
Christmas caroling stirs old memories and creates new ones!
Driving or walking from house to house and seeing the delight on people’s faces makes the effort worthwhile.
We all enjoy exchanging gifts with friends and family. A new tradition might include giving gifts to a needy family or benevolent organization; with each family member foregoing one personal gift. Encourage children to donate toys to a homeless shelter, orphanage or struggling family. Involve the entire family in shopping for staple food items for someone in need, leaving the gift anonymously.
Share cooking and baking traditions with your children. Decorating can be a time of family togetherness, and an opportunity to remind your children of the true reason for the Christmas season.
Since Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, let’s be diligent to tell our children and others why Jesus came to earth, fully human! The angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Let’s use this Christmas season to announce that true, eternal peace is experienced only by receiving God’s acceptance through salvation in Christ Jesus.
“The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid…I bring good news of great joy…for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Christ the Lord! This is how you’ll recognize Him:
you'll . nd a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a
manger. And after He had appeared in human form… He carried His obedience to the extreme of death on the cross!
Therefore, God has…freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Luke 2:7-12; Philippians 2:8-11) Contact us to learn more about God’s great gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. As we step into 2024, thank you for partnering with me in the battle to restore and strength-
en families. In. nite Grace Ministries provides the opportuni- ty for emotional freedom to many struggling with depression, anxiety, self-hatred and broken relationships. Jesus purchased freedom with His life! Your involvement enables me to teach even more hurting people how to enjoy the freedom of matu- rity. Your year-end . nancial gift to In. nite Grace Ministries reduces your tax liability while providing hope and healing to many. Call 580-774-2884 or mail your tax-deductible donation to PO Box 466, Weatherford, OK 73096; postmarked by December 31.
