When my girls were little, one of my biggest challenges this time of year was not letting Santa Claus overshadow Jesus. Add to that the conflicting expectations a mismatched couple can bring to Christmas and sparks fly! Those early years were really tough sometimes.
You see, my sweet hubby turns into a big kid at Christmas and it’s hard not to get swept away by his enthusiasm. Plus there’s so much media focus on advertising and sales, our kids wind up resembling the Bernstain Bears’ Green Eyed Monster.
The truth is that our challenge comes all year long. If we wait until Christmas to teach the message of why and how Christ came, we miss our biggest opportunity to build the foundation of Christ in our children’s lives. We miss the chance to teach them that Christ is our greatest gift all year long.
I know sometimes it can seem hopeless, like you’re not getting through to them, especially if your opportunities are limited. But trust me, you are. God sees our efforts and adds his presence to the mix. He wants our children to know who He is too, and He’s working in ways we may not realize until a precious moment of revelation.
I have one such moment that I’m going to share this Friday on our Intentional Marriage program. I hope you’ll tune in to my televised edition of this theme-Santa Claus, Jesus and Kids. I have a wonderful story to tell you about one Christmas morning that still lives vividly in my heart and mind. I think it will inspire and encourage you as well.
And don’t forget about the meme! We’re still building your stories into a book, so be sure to come back Friday to tune into The Intentional Marriage and to share your Christmas story as part of our meme.
Praying and believing,
Dineen
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