Our Intentional Christmas
by Terri Bonin
Wrapping paper lays strewn across my bedroom floor, while unwrapped boxes wait in line for their turn to be draped in beautiful paper and tied with elaborate bows.
Christmas—is one of my favorite times of the year, and as our days begin to be filled with decorating, baking cookies, preparing for parties, and shopping for gifts, I wonder how much True Meaning of Christmas my kids are soaking in.
It is feasible that they could grow up and continue ALL we DO without the pure heart intent of celebrating God coming to earth in the flesh. After all, those who do NOT celebrate the Christ-child at Christmas, go through the same holiday motions.
So how do I draw the distinction? How do I pass the heart of our action, the reason for the season? The purpose of celebrating?
The first thing I do is…
…talk about the wonder of Christmas with my kids. We read the Christmas story in Luke and I display nativities all over the house. I have “Look with your eyes and not with your hands” nativities for beauty, while wooden and plastic nativities welcome chubby little hands to come and play.
I tell the story WITH the nativity and explain why the kings, shepherds, and angels are present.
Intent. Purpose. Teaching.
Christmas is nothing without the Christ child, so this truth is woven into each activity we do. We read several books that make Christmas heartier than a sugar cookie hung on a tree. A few of these books explain the Santa frenzy and give them an understanding and even a deeper appreciation for the filled stockings on Christmas morning.
As you decorate your tree and bake cookies for your parties, don’t forget to take the time to sit down with your kids to read them books that reinforce the true meaning of Christmas.
Below is a short list of some rich books to read to your kids this month. There are MANY MORE to be found, but this will get you started.
Books:
The Amplified Bible – Luke 2: 1-20 (The Christmas Story)
One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham
A Child’s Christmas at St. Nicholas Circle by Thomas Kinkade
The King’s Christmas List by Eldon Johnson
St Nicholas–The True Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer and Chris Ellison
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
Merry Christmas & Happy Reading!
~Terri
