Let’s create good and healthy memories! An excellent family devotion during the Christmas season is to pray for the senders of the Christmas cards we receive each day.
Years ago a Bible study leader recommended we read the Christmas story from Luke 2 to small children every day between December 1 and 25. We did this. Remarkably, the kids did not tire of hearing the same story again and again. In fact, they enjoyed the repetition! Soon they were reciting with me. The following year we did it again.
What to do on Christmas day with the extended family? Once the gifts are opened and tummies are full, what next?
We enjoyed talent shows—with one rule: Every family member had to take part! They could sing, dance, recite poetry, tell a story, juggle oranges, play an instrument, show off their gymnastics, recite Scripture, read Scripture, etc.
My father played guitar and although he’d begin leading us in Christmas carols, he’d end up singing his favorite oldie, “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” Dad typically sang off pitch, but we loved him and loved his singalongs.
I remember the violin duets I did with our daughter and the musical ensemble when my husband would join in on his recorder. We’d inevitably make mistakes and there would be laughter and fun.
One year we put on a family Christmas Pageant with cousins. Today our grandchildren are doing the pageants and will invite neighbors to attend. They make it an event, serving hot chocolate and cookies. How sweet it is to see a newborn grandchild asleep in the manger. Because of Covid-19 this year, it’s something best done outside, weather permitting.
Want the script? Here it is from my 2018 Christmas post: https://www.kathleensfaithwalk.com/raising-kids/christmas-pageant-script/
- Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19
- DEAR LORD OF LORDS – by Kathleen:
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.]
How beautiful Kathleen. One can feel the joy and love in all that you do. You are such a treasured blessing.
Thank you my friend. These memories can be life changing and hopefully my sharing of them will encourage others to do likewise.
Kathleen, I believe Christmas traditions are priceless for the family. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are seriously deviating from what we typically do on Christmas morning with our six children and our grands. Thanks to technology, we can do a virtual gathering to keep some of the family tradition.
I agree, Pastor Frank! Our family activities this Christmas will be limited to outdoor on the patio with a fire in the pit. And yes, we so love FaceTime!