Pointing Kids to the Cross

Many of us probably have a story book image of what Christmas should be like in our home. We may imagine warm family gatherings, cheerful children, abundant food, and enough presents to fill everyone’s material desires.

Unfortunately, our perfect image usually falls short as we become anxious about putting all our Christmas plans together, feeling the financial stress of paying for everything, dealing with squabbling children, and managing the demands of family members.

As we approach the Christmas season take time to teach your children three important P’s of biblical instruction: prayer, peace, and patience. By putting these teachings into practice we can have more joy during the Christmas season, and more importantly, we can become more Christ-like as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

Cultivate Prayer
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2.

Prayer is fundamental to the Christian life. Pray specifically for issues that you will encounter during the Christmas season. Pray for guidance about purchases you will make and for the plans you may have for spending time with relatives.

Also pray that you will be a witness to others who may not know Christ as Savior. Prayer is the way to ensure that God will strengthen and guide you during the Christmas season.

Cultivate Peace
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19.

Having peace in our families, in our church, and in our community requires intentional effort. Instead of focusing on past disagreements and differences, ask God to help you focus on things that will bring everyone closer together.

Cultivate Patience
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 .

Patience is an important Christian virtue. Ask God to give you and your family an extra dose of patience with each other and with those you come into contact with during the Christmas season.

In the weeks to come demands on yourself and others will increase significantly. These are the times when your patience will most likely be tested. Consider memorizing these three bible verses together as a family. And may these three P’s of biblical instruction help you and your family have a more joyful Christmas season!

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Kirsty Gilpin lives in Lakeland, Florida with her husband Brian and home-schools their two young children.