Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes Nehemiah 4:14
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP
Parents– Scripture makes it very clear that you are the primary disciplers and teachers of worldview to your kids (see Deut 6 and Psalm 127:3) It takes time and intentionality to pass on your way of life and following Jesus to your kids.
The holiday break is a great time to have deeper conversations, build relationship connections, and talk about your family’s beliefs and traditions Be sure to take some time to slow down, ask open-ended questions, and give plenty of time to listen to each response Be interested in knowing what your kids are truly thinking – not just listening for a “right” answer.
RIGHT NOW MEDIA
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Ask open-ended and follow-up questions during the discussion.
What are the best things that have happened to you since last Christmas? What was your best Christmas ever?
What’s the most meaningful Christmas gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special? Is there a back story? What was the most appreciated Christmas gift you’ve ever given? What made it so special? Is there a back story?
What was your favorite Christmas tradition as a child? What is your favorite Christmas tradition now? What traditions will you set for your own family?
Why do you think people started celebrating the birth of Jesus? (How can you support this idea?)
Why do you think Jesus chose to come to earth as a man? (How can you prove that is true?)
Why do you think Jesus was born in a manger instead of a palace? (What does that tell you about who God is?)
GCA provides all families free access to Right Now Media which has a streaming video library of discipleship materials including Bible studies and other resources. Sign up for free here.
FORYOURFAMILY FIGHT
BIBLICAL WORLDVIEWCOUNSELOR’S CORNER WITH LINDSEY MCKOWN
It’s officially the holiday season my favorite season It really is However, with that said, there are parts of this time of year that can be really hard My mom, who has always been the keeper of traditions in our family, the baker of all of the BEST Christmas goodies, and the “picker-outer” of everyone’s favorite Christmas gifts, hasn’t initiated a tradition, baked a cookie, or picked out a gift for my children (her favorite people ever!) for several years Though I am blessed to still have my mom here (and living near to me), Alzhiemer’s has changed her brain and caused an unwanted shift in our family–and that shift becomes all the more apparent around the holidays I share this because I know I’m not alone Loss can often feel magnified during this season In addition, 64% of individuals with pre-existing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues report that the holidays make their symptoms worse (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Specifically for children and teens, the holidays also create an abrupt change to routines, which is usually celebrated and joyfully anticipated, however, it can be really hard on their nervous systems So, yes, regardless of age or stage of life, the holidays bring a spectrum of emotions
There are some things that we can do that will not only help in regulating the nervous systems of our kids but can also encourage their hearts and minds during this season
1: Quality Time and Limiting Screens: Instead of letting screens be the main babysitter/source of entertainment for break, this is a great time to intentionally spend time with your kids Quality time reminds your kids that you enjoy them and that you’re in their corner
2: Family Traditions: Don’t underestimate the power of traditions Family traditions can be a comfort to kids during the holidays…something they look forward to and can count on. Even one or two meaningful traditions can be enough. It is so tempting (to me included) to want to adopt all of the cool traditions that we see and hear about on social media, but sometimes doing too much not only can cause extra stress, but it can also keep us from remembering what is most important.
3: Serve: As Christian parents, we have the opportunity to model what it looks like to see beyond ourselves. Serving as a family this time of year can be so powerful. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45. “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways ” Psalm 119:36-37
4: Check our own attitudes and priorities: It’s sadly so easy to fall into the trap of making this season about what WE can do to make this season special instead of taking the time to reflect on all JESUS did to make this season one that we celebrate. When your kids are grown, they aren’t going to remember every single activity you did around Christmas in the year 2024–and they certainly won’t remember every gift they received. Instead, they’ll remember the peace and joy that they felt and the fact that they were pointed to Jesus throughout the Christmas season.
Whatever the circumstances/emotions you or your kids find yourselves experiencing this Christmastime, my prayer is that you experience quality time together and find ways to genuinely celebrate the birth of our Savior. After all, THAT is what Christmas is all about.
FORYOURFAMILY FIGHT
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