Q:
Our two children are getting very excited about Christmas right now (which is understandable, of course). But how can we help them also see the real meaning of Christmas, without sounding like we're against all the things that excite them about the holidays?
A:
You have put your finger on a problem I’m afraid many people have at this time of year—and not just children. The problem is this: In the midst of all the glitter and busyness of Christmas, it’s easy for us to lose sight of its true meaning.
That’s why the most important thing you can do is to point your children beyond the excitement and the gifts they will receive to something even more exciting: God’s gift of His Son for our salvation. As the Bible says, “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The gifts we give at Christmas are a reminder of an even greater gift: God’s gift of Jesus.
Perhaps you could begin by reminding them why we celebrate Christmas. Christmas, you should teach them, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago, and without Him there would be no Christmas.
Then help your children understand why Jesus’ birth is so important and why we celebrate it today. The reason is because Jesus wasn’t just a great person—He was God in human flesh. Why did He come? He came to show us God’s love by taking away our sins. Put Christ at the center of your family’s life, not just this Christmas season but throughout the year—beginning today.