Faith, Family, and Friends

I can’t get enough of Christmas. I start decking the halls long before American Thanksgiving and leave my tree up until Valentines Day—those shiny red bulbs still look festive in February! For me, Christmas is about three of my favorite things: faith, family, and friends. So who can blame me for stretching the season?

On to a few of my favorite things!

Faith
Packed with traditions and symbols, Christmas is prime time for sharing your faith! Try one of these suggestions for helping your congregation share in The Story.

Trade Traditions
During Advent invite church members to share simple ways they celebrate the savior at Christmas. Create a bulletin board where people can post ideas for others to try at home, or encourage families to share two minute testimonies during worship.

Study Songs
I love the song “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emanuel,” but I was a teenager before I understood what “ransom captive Israel” meant! Boost kid’s faith vocabulary by taking a minute to unpack the unfamiliar terms in the special songs of the season. You’ll see kids key in to worship when they understand the words!

Share Stories
Storytelling draws people of all generations together and gives kids (and adults!) the chance to see the genuine faith of others. If your church uses an Advent wreath in worship, consider the wonderful storytelling ideas from this Reformed Worship article by Robert and Laura Keeley (authors of The Quick and Easy Christmas Dramas).

Family
Christmas isn’t all plumb pudding and parties. For many kids and families this season is full of sad memories, strained relationships, and serious stress. Look for simple ways to help them feel at home with their faith family this season.

Cultivate Community
Consider pairing kids up with an adult or teen secret pals who will leave notes and treats leading up to Christmas. The special attention will make the season exciting and might spark a lasting friendship between generations. Prep the pals to pray for their kids and to keep gifts small and faith-focused.

Skip the Solos
Look for simple ways to bring everyone together during Christmas. Are the youth working on a special project? Ask what the kids can do to help. Is there garland to be hung? Create Advent art together. Casting for the Christmas play? Enlist leaders and single adults—what kid wouldn’t want to share the spotlight with the pastor? Notice someone missing? Gather carolers to sing some cheer to homebound church members.

Friends
Christmas is also a great time to connect with your community through service and celebrations that cultivate Christian compassion in your kids.

Celebrate Christ with a Cause
A few years ago the GEMS girls’ club at my church threw a baby shower to build anticipation for the coming of the King! They invited everyone in the congregation to bring baby gifts and to celebrate with cake and games. The presents were given to a center for women in transition, where new moms felt Christ’s love in a very practical way.

Try a teddy bear drive to collect cuddly friends to pass on to kids going through tough times. Police officers often keep bears in their cars to comfort kids they encounter in traffic accidents or a domestic disputes. Check with your local police department, children’s hospital, and Ronald McDonald house to see how you might help. Kids get most excited about causes they connect with!

Give a Global Gift
Connect kids to the world by collecting coins during Advent to save for a special Christmas gift. Check out the new gift catalog from the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee or Heifer International and encourage your kids to challenge the whole congregation to help them send a sheep, cow, or pig to a family far away!

I hope one of these ideas will spark your excitement for the season to come!