We’ve all heard the saying, “The world is taking ‘Christ’ out of Christmas.” But when I turn my face away from the world to examine my own life and that of my family, I’m left with the question, “What am I doing to put Christ into each Christmas?”

As a mom, it’s my responsibility to ensure that these children know who Jesus is, and that He is the reason we bring our love to the world at Christmas.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, we have an opportunity to reflect the testimony of the Christ child in all that we do, and to weave the message of salvation into young hearts by showing them the mercy of God and His love to mankind.

How can we do that? In a number of ways:

Teach them that the evergreen tree is a symbol of God, who through every season of our life remains the same God He always was and always will be.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
~ Hebrews 13:8, KJV

Show them the twinkling star at the top of the tree, rejoicing together as wise men once did in search of the newborn child.

Where is he that is born King of the Jews?
For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
~ Matthew 2:2, KJV

Trace fingers on angel wings as we recall the words of the angels…

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city
of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
~ Luke 2:10-11, KJV

Watch the twinkle of each light, reminding young hearts that we reflect the light of God to this world.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on
an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle,
and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and
it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
~ Matthew 5:14-15, KJV

Notice the shimmer of light as it bounces from each shiny red bulb, and remember the blood of Christ that was shed for our sins.

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is
shed for many for the remission of sins.
~ Matthew 26:28

Enjoy the wrapping of each present, keeping in mind the gifts that were brought to Jesus

And when they were come into the house, they saw
the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down,
and worshipped him: and when they had opened their
treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold,
and frankincense and myrrh.
~ Matthew 2:11

Hang candy canes on the tree in remembrance of the shepherds with their staffs who came to visit the baby Jesus.

And most of all, let’s continue to teach this throughout the rest of the year!

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene Schacht