What could be more important than celebrating the birthday of Jesus? Christmas is a great time to talk about the birth of the Savior, especially with your children as well as others. So here are a few ways to share about your faith using the traditions of Christmas.
1) Baking
We can give plates of cookies and candies to others and use that as an opportunity to share the sweet message that Jesus—the salvation of the world—was born in Bethlehem. Consider making a birthday cake for Jesus and singing “Happy Birthday” to Him. I did that when my sons were little and love that the tradition carries on with my grandchildren.
2) The Nativity Set
Nothing gives a better visual reminder at Christmas about the humble beginnings of Jesus. Years ago, when we bought our nativity set, I purposely got one that was unbreakable. My three sons played on the floor for many hours with the figures from that set, with Mary and Joseph arriving after the innkeeper told them he had no room for them and the sheep and camels galloping in to see the baby Jesus.
Now my grandchildren do the same when they’re at our house. On Christmas Eve when our family reads the Christmas story from Luke 2 together, the children place the figures in the stable as the story is read. I love that they’re getting a hands-on illustration of the gospel.
3) Christmas Carols
What could be better than praising the One who came to give His life for us? I was at my son’s house earlier this week making candy with my grandchildren. It brought tears to my eyes as I saw the expressions on their sweet little faces as they sang the words to “Noel” from Chris Tomlin’s “Adore” album. Teach these songs about Christmas to your children. You’re planting seeds of faith that will always stay with them.
4) Gifts
We can give gifts to others in His name. Whether it’s taking a pot of poinsettias to a nursing home resident, purchasing gifts for a single mom who can’t afford to buy things for her children or providing the funds for Christmas dinner for an orphanage in Africa, we can do these things as our gift of love to Him.
5) Decorations
We often decorate extensively for other birthdays so why shouldn’t we make it even more festive when we’re celebrating the birth of the Savior? The tree represents the cross where He gave His all for us. The candles in the windows are a symbol of the light of the world. The nativity set gives a visual of the Christmas story. The red of the poinsettia is a reminder that He came to shed His blood for us, the greatest gift ever given.
6) Christmas Cards
By finding cards with a message and a Bible verse, we can share our faith as well as brighten the lives of others—especially the military, single parents and senior citizens who might not have anyone sending things to them.
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, there’s nothing better than keeping Him at the center of it all. After all, He truly is the reason for the season. And using the traditions of Christmas to plant those elements of faith in our children will carry that message to future generations who need to hear about Him.
