Don't Forget Jesus

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The holidays. A time of faith, family, reflection, and remembrance. I'm afraid though, in modern America, they will often resemble little of this and more of rushing, to-do lists, sales, and making everything “just right.” We lose the focus of their true meaning.

The holidays should be a slower-paced, relaxed time celebrating Jesus and spending time with family. Today, I have one goal: to encourage you and your kids to remember Jesus this Christmas season.

There are several ways to make Jesus the center of your planning, meals, and family time. Let's take a look at some.

Reading about Jesus

Read the story of the Birth of Christ (Luke 2).
Read Old Testament prophecies and New Testaments fulfillments.
Read the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1).

We actually do all three listed above. One fun way I enjoy these with my family is to act out the Luke 2 story. Everyone having a part and taking on the voice and persona of each character keeps it interesting and engaging.

My oldest likes to read Old Testament prophecies of Jesus' coming and birth while I read the corresponding fulfillment in the New Testament. For the genealogy of Jesus, we like to make family trees from Abraham to Jesus. We have a ball trying to choose which person is pronouncing those Old Testament names correctly.

Remembering Jesus

Assemble a Jesse Tree (discuss the prophecies of Jesus' coming).
Build a Nativity scene (discuss Jesus' birth).
Make a Trinity snowman (discuss the triune nature of God).
Make an Advent Calendar (discuss Jesus' coming into the world).
Listen to Christmas music about the Promised Child.
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with Melk the Christmas Monkey.

We celebrate with a Jesse Tree each year. My favorite Jesse Tree e-book is by Carissa. She also has calendar connection cards that we use with our wall calendar in our homeschool. We like all the reminders we can have about Jesus. This year is the first time trying Melk the Christmas Monkey. I've read over the lessons and I am very excited about what I see. It's a very creative and enjoyable time to spend connecting with your children and teaching them more about God.

Serving like Jesus

Fill an Operation Christmas Child shoebox.
Serve the homeless or in a soup kitchen.
Write a deployed soldier a Christmas letter.
Share a Random Act of Kindness.
Bake cookies or treats for a neighbor.

What are some ways your family remembers Jesus during Christmas?

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