Who is this Christmas all about for your family?
I know the Sunday School answer is “Jesus.” I also know that personally in our own family there have been years that December has been so filled with school events, parties, decorations, buying gifts, concerts, final exams, etc…, that by the time we actually got to Christmas I knew the gospel had not been our focus.
Several years ago, this conviction led to Familyadvent.com. This site has become a tradition most years since. This year we are revisiting the theme from that very first year, “Who is Christmas All About?” The whole point is to give families an opportunity to spend five to 10 minutes a day re-focusing on WHO Christmas is all about.
What is it?
Families are so busy during the holiday season that it is challenging to take time to focus on what matters most. We all want our children to recognize that Christmas is about Jesus. This resource gives families an easy and fun way to take a few minutes each day to focus on Him.
Each day families go to familyadvent.com and click on the number that coordinates with the date. They will then be linked to a devotional for that day. Each devotional includes:
– a few verses of Scripture to read together (there are also links where you can read it online and even have it read to you)
– some discussion thoughts and questions
– a suggested activity to do together
– usually some online activity, either a video to watch together or a game to play (please know that we have no control over other content that YouTube links or promotes)
– a prayer prompt for your family
When Does it Start?
The first devotion will be posted on December 1. A new one will be available each day through December 25. You can click back on previous days, but you can’t jump ahead. It adds to the suspense/fun for the kids.
Who Can Use It?
Anyone! Any family should find it helpful in focusing on Jesus through the Christmas season. Most content is geared toward families with preschool and elementary kids, but you can tailor it to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will it take to do this?
We recommend that families block out about 15 minutes a day. You can make it as long or as short as you want.
What if we miss a day?
Not a problem. Just jump right back in. You can go back and read the missed day if you want, but you can also just keep moving ahead. The important part is to NOT QUIT.
What if we don’t want to do the activities or don’t have time?
That is absolutely fine. Just DO SOMETHING. Just reading the verses with your kids is huge. We know not every family can or will do every activity. Again, that is fine. Just do as much or as little as you want. Just do it!
I hope that this resource is helpful to your family and/or your ministry. Most importantly, I hope that you do whatever connects best with your families to point toward the gospel this Christmas season.
This article originally appeared here.
