It’s Christmas time, get ready for parties, nativities and nonstop action. The church goes into overdrive at this time of year as communities celebrate together and in the home we all feel like we need to employ an executive assistant to help us through.
In the business of this all how can we keep Christ at the centre of our thoughts and our children’s minds.
Here’s 5 quick thoughts to help you this season.
1. Tell the story.
This is a great time of the year to tell the story. I’m not talking about the nativity story, I’m talking about the big story of God, of which the nativity is a part. Talk through with your children how God the Creator saw our sin and came as a baby to be our Saviour. But don’t stop there … Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sin and is coming back again in glory. The whole world is groaning – longing for this time when God will make all things new. Let’s also long for Christ’s return!
2. Make moments for encounter.
Christmas is all about the incarnation – the moment when God became man to be with us. It’s easy to simply go through the motion of carols and plays, minced pies and more and forget the principles of children’s ministry that have allowed your children to grow with God – knowledge of the Bible, times of prayer and space to encounter God.
3. Think outwards.
Christ became a baby as part of God’s master plan, set in motion at the start, for us to be reconciled to God. Plan a time to lead your children out of the church building and your family home to share Jesus’ love with those in the community. What better time of the year could there be to do this, when everyone is thinking about Christmas together.
4. Plan rest.
With relatives coming round, and a never-ending list of jobs to do it can be hard to stop but plan in times of rest. This will help you to be fresh for all that needs to be done. It will also help you to be more available and understanding to your children instead of weary. Don’t feel guilty for taking time each week just to stop, rest and be with the Lord.
5. Trust the rhythm of the year.
Finally, keep things in perspective. This one month can be all consuming, but don’t worry if you don’t have time to do everything you would like to do. There are busy seasons and quieter seasons, go with the flow for this season, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead you into all God has for you even as another year approaches. For our children those background items of the nativity scene and play, pausing to pray at the dinner, singing happy birthday to Jesus, or whatever traditions you have built into your home and church become part of their faith forming memories and journey with the Lord.
Whatever you do, whether Christmas is a time of joy or heartache, rest or hard work, keep Christ at the centre of it all.
‘And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.’ Colossians 3:17.
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