Talking About Advent: Christ

Today marks Christmas Eve, or Christ’s mass. Take time this holiday to remind your family of the true meaning of Christmas, that it’s all about a sweet baby boy who came into the world to bear the weight of our sins  and to die to take the punishment of our sin for all who would receive it. As John 1:13 says, “To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” [ESV]

Many churches spend time reading the Christmas story, but  it’s important  for you to take a moment with your kids and help them understand and reflect on God’s gift to us, even though they’ve heard it before. Each year try to highlight something new for them;  show by example that even in a story they  have heard many times, something new can be found. We know that the Word of the Lord is a living book, and the Spirit of God will always reveal new things if we are willing to learn them.

For example, one year focus on who and why the shepherds were at the birth. What’s the significance of that? We all sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing, but why is that important? It’s important because of one of Jesus’ titles: King of kings. Jesus wasn’t born in a mighty palace, attended by servants and announced to a whole kingdom. He was announced to the average man, the shepherds who were awake in the fields with their sheep. Stress how terrifying the angels appearing would have been to the shepherds. There they were, looking after their sheep, probably taking turns as to who was sleeping, and suddenly a bright, shining, flying person appeared in the sky and announced in a loud voice: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be or all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David [Bethlehem] a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” [Luke 2:10-12] If that wasn’t enough, the Bible records then a ‘multitude’, which means ‘a large number’, appeared and began singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” [Luke 2:14] Amazingly, the shepherds  appear to go immediately  to Bethlehem to find the child. What an example of obedience!  Highlight to your children that the shepherds  found everything as the angels told them. Luke records that the shepherds left glorifying and praising the Lord and telling everyone about what they witnessed. The shepherds learned the truth that God can be trusted; what He says is true. This account is in Scripture to illustrate to us that we can trust God.

As your children get older, let them express their thoughts. Try to ask questions so they learn how to analyze the text themselves and listen to the Holy Spirit for themselves. You might be surprised at what God reveals to them that you might not have thought of before.