FREEBIE : Celebrating Christmas With Children
Or as We Like to Call it: Immanuel's Day
Are you looking for a way to encourage your young children to know, love, and trust God this Christmas season? I’ve put together a freebie for you showing how we have celebrated over the years. Our kids are older now, but these ideas have stuck.
We wanted to dwell on the idea that God came down from heaven to LIVE WITH US! How crazy awesome is that? We call our celebration Immanuel’s Day. God With Us.
Using the Bible story as the central focus, we made or looked for decorations which connect to the story. We set up lanterns to depict the wise men who traveled from afar. Stuffed sheep adorn our piano. A large outdoor light-up angel with flapping wings sits atop our piano (who must retire this year due to the cat being overly fond of it). Tiny turtledoves represent the dues Mary brought into the Temple for what was required by the law for consecration. A set of replica Roman coins show who was in power when Christ was born. You get the idea! I could tell you more - there’s a traditional-foods-feast, and a prayer box, and more, but get your guide to read all about it!
If you stepped into my home you wouldn’t describe my Christmas decor as extravagant, but it that really important? Make your decor meaningful for your family! When my children were young I gifted them with a nativity set of their own to play with. Yes, they were porcelain, and yes, we had to glue on heads, hands, and feet a zillion times. But they learned that Jesus is at the center of the Christmas story, and that though precious, He is reachable, close, and someone we can know - not an icon to just stare at from a distance and wonder about.
I just pulled out our larger family-size Nativity set and two heads rolled out from the worn box - not bad considering last year I glued together 11 pieces. Time spent in the basement seems to separate the repaired bonds, so I’ll be reaching for the glue once again. Isn’t that just like our relationship with God? If we put Him out of sight and mind, we come unglued.
Stay close to Jesus this Christmas season. Ask for His peace as you navigate busy schedules and things-to-do lists. PRAY that the Lord will awaken your children to know, love, and trust God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength!
Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Let’s celebrate Him!
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xoxo- Rachel