When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the
shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem
then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to
us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and
the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the
statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it
wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. (Luke 2:15-18)
When asked “Why
do we celebrate Christmas?” most kids will recite the Sunday School answer,
“because it’s Jesus’ birthday!” As
Christians we all know that’s true, but our culture has added so much more to
the season that sometimes it’s hard to find time and space to “fit in”
Jesus. Instead of trying (impossibly) to
keep separate the Christian side of Christmas from the secular side, I say why
not look for ways to find Jesus IN
the hustle and bustle of the season! One
of the easiest ways you can do that is by participating in the Christmas
activities we have planned here at church over the next few weeks. We have created an
Advent Calendar that can
be used with kids as a way to focus each day even for a few minutes on the
birth of Christ. We have incorporated
Hanging of the Green, Carols, Candles, and Children, and the advent candles
into our calendar so you can extend what happens at church to your discussions
at home. While it seems like one more thing you have to find time for
this season I think you’ll find your kids actually look forward to the advent
activities each day and are excited about what each day’s note will bring. This year we have added some different
activities that allow your family to simply enjoy spending time together –
something that often gets lost in this most busy time of year.
So what about
all the other Christmas stuff that goes on this season? Decorating the Christmas tree, Christmas
performances at school, countless Christmas parties, Christmas music, looking
at lights, and don’t forget about Santa!
I think there are certainly ways to incorporate Jesus into all these
activities. Listen to KLTY or another
Christian music station for Christmas music.
When you look at lights, talk about how Jesus is a light in a dark world
and how we should act like a light to others so they can see Jesus in us. If Santa visits your house, talk about how
Santa gives us gifts on Christmas but God gave us the best gift of all when he
gave us Jesus on Christmas. You could
also discuss how God gives us gifts all year long as blessings – not just at
Christmas. You could even have a
birthday party on Christmas day (one of our advent calendar activities) to
celebrate his birth!
We all know
Jesus is the Reason for the Season, but sometimes it is hard to keep that focus
each day. Make an effort to look for
Jesus in your holiday activities this season and I think you’ll find he has
been there all along!
The
savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the
City of David! Luke 2:11 (NLT)
(submitted by
Tamra Gutierrez)
