Teaching kids about the true meaning of Christmas can be challenging. Honestly, it can be hard for me to stay focused on Jesus in the midst of the hustle and bustle of this month! When Jonathan and I first heard about Journey to Bethlehem, I was cautiously optimistic. We hadnāt been last year, and I was a little nervous about managing three kids at an after-church activity, even if it did seem like a great idea in theory.
When we came downstairs after lunch, I was excited to see all the activities, crafts and volunteers who had worked to set up the stations. Paul (age 4) and Sarah Cate (age 2) got to make a few pieces of a nativity set from wooden blocks and enjoyed putting together birthday bags for other children. However, the highlight for us was definitely the dress-up station. Under Thad and Suzanne Kingās patient guidance, Paul dressed up as a shepherd and Sarah Cate loved being an angel. It was a special way for them to experience the Christmas story in a truly hands-on way and one that Iām confident made a lasting impression.
The Lord taught me something that day as well. When it came time to leave ā as I had feared ā Sarah Cate had a nuclear meltdown. She was crying, kicking and screaming about wanting to keep being an angel (go figure). After physically carrying her outside to the car and strapping her in, I felt a desire to have grace with her rather than only punishing her for her poor behavior. Although this is not normally my first reaction, I felt grateful that the Lord reminded me that we ALL need grace and thatās why Jesus had to come. He is full of grace and truth, and Iām thankful our whole family could be reminded of our need for Him and learn to wait expectantly during this season.
– Charlotte Marie Sturtz
As Charlotte Marie noted, teaching the kids in our lives the real meaning of Christmas and keeping them (and ourselves) focused on Jesus during this season is really hard. We all need touchpoints to remind us of who Christmas is all about and help us celebrate in ways that keep our focus on Him.
Some resources and ideas includeā¦
- Change your language ā Instead of saying (or thinking), ā__ days until Christmasā or ā__ sleeps until Santa comes,ā say (think), ā__ days until we celebrate Jesusā birthā or ā__ sleeps until itās Jesus birthday.ā Consciously changing our thoughts and words will help keep us and our children focused on celebrating Jesusā birth.
- Join your faith community each Sunday morning during Advent – Participating in the worship service and Kairos Kids gives each member of your family a chance to prepare for and celebrate Jesusā coming and refocus on why and who we are celebrating. (Yes, it may be tempting to stay home and get some items checked off your āto doā list or to say yes to one more wonderful opportunity with family or friends.)
- Read and act out the story of Jesusā birth ā Read the story of Jesusā birth together, either from a Bible (Luke 2), a childrenās Bible, or a picture book. Talk about what happened, who the people were, what they might have thought or said or done. Use some simple costumes (bathrobes, long shirts, etc.) or not and act out the story together. Take turns being different people in the story.
- Do something for someone who probably canāt or wonāt reciprocate ā Make cookies or other snack or cards or small gifts together and give to an elderly neighbor, take to a Fire Station, or give to someone who is homeless or is asking for help.Ā Adopt-a-family through CACĀ or another local ministry. Help with theĀ FOR Kidsā Christmas PartyĀ this Saturday. The opportunities are endless; ask any of the staff if you need ideas. Talk with your children about what you are doing and why; it can be as simple as, “We want to show ___ Jesus’ love because God loved us so much he gave us Jesus.”
- Light an Advent wreath together ā Using theĀ wreath guideĀ provided in your December Family Bag (or one you have), gather each Sunday (or some other time each week) to read and reflect on a part of the Biblical story of Jesusā birth and light a candle on your Advent wreath. We have provided a paper wreath in your bag or you can use one you have, make, or purchase.
- Read an Advent devotional together ā IfĀ you are with older elementary or older children (and for yourself), use the daily devotional booklet written by Kairos members. (Printed copies are available in the sanctuary gathering space; you can access and/or print each days atĀ www.kairosatlanta.org. If you have younger children, tryĀ Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of ChristmasĀ by Ann Voskamp.
- Share an Advent calendar ā There are many different Advent calendars commercially available. Some have windows or pockets to open each day; others have pieces or stickers to add each day. (If you have more than one child who is old enough to want to do the opening or adding, you may want to work out a schedule of turns before starting.)Ā Click hereĀ for a serving-oriented printable calendar.
- Host a birthday party for Jesus ā Using the supplies provided in your family bag or your own, bake and decorate a birthday cake. Throw a big (or little) birthday party for Jesus. Donāt forget to sing!
Donāt do all of these!Ā Pick one or several that donāt sound overwhelming and try it.