As parents of faith in this world, we have a job during Christmas. It’s our most important job, our responsibility, but in its true essence, it’s our privilege.

We plan: we take pictures for a family card, we check addresses, we shop online and we shop in person, we make multiple trips to the grocery store and then we bake, and we cook, then we bake some more.  We order matching pajamas for the family to wear on Christmas morning, too cute.

We pull out holiday bins and we sort. We decorate the mantle, the house, the front porch and we hang lights. We watch Instagram ideas about Christmas decor and then we decide that we really want to “up our game”! We talk about Christmas tree options. Do we want a real tree this year or do we want to use one that already has lights- and use it for several years? We talk about how much fun it is to pick out a real tree, but then we worry about allergies or the mess.

We make plans with our families and the folks we love. We call, text, email, and check with extended family to see if we can keep up family traditions or start new ones. We communicate with almost all of our favorite people, because, well, that’s what we do at Christmas!

We talk about which Christmas Eve service we will go to. We try to plans meals and gatherings around this….it’s a challenge, but we know worshipping the Christ child is a priority for our family.

All of these things are GOOD. They bring us joy and they bring back treasured memories and create beautiful new ones. But all of these things can distract us from the true purpose of Christmas: celebrating the birth of Christ, the Messiah, the Savior, the King of Kings. 

In the midst of all of this, we must talk to our kids about Jesus. We can READ the story of CHRIST to our kids. In between the events and the errands and the celebrations, it’s our job to teach our kiddoes about the real reason for Christmas. Have conversations, just you and the kids. Every day, use something, an advent calendar or a book or a prayer, and intentionally talk about JESUS instead of gifts, gatherings or Santa. It’s important that as we share about the birth of Jesus, that we also talk about His purpose. Talk about His reason for coming, the gift He brings.

This Christmas is going to be a challenge for our family, as we have recently suffered great loss. But, in the midst of our loss and grief, I am so thankful that my kids know Jesus. They know the story of HIs birth and His reason for coming to the world. They know what Christmas is all about. This Christmas I am more grateful than I have ever been for this baby born in a manger. This Christmas, let’s give our kids the gift of understanding JESUS above all else.

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