Last week at the Route 56 Christmas dinner, I read them the Christmas story from Luke 2, and we talked about it. I asked, “Can you imagine going all that way to Bethlehem with a baby in your belly?” The kids responded, “Mary got to ride on a donkey!” I then asked them, “Where does the Bible say that?” They were stumped! There are many of you who now are questioning whether I am right. Go look in Matthew and Luke, the only two gospels that record Christ’s birth, and see if you see a donkey. Here is a great video to watch that will make you read Jesus’ birth very intently. Click on the following link: http://vimeo.com/2496836.
Remember, while the minor details of the story may not be the same, it is the eternal truth of Jesus’ leaving heaven and coming to earth that is the most important. Have a Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” That is what Charlie Brown finally screams in the midst of trying to get a Christmas tree, directing the Christmas play, and managing all of the other madness of the Christmas season. Does that sound familiar? Especially with only 8 more days until Christmas! Christmas season seems to keep getting more and more crazy, and families have less and less time together over the holiday season. Instead our time is spent running to Christmas parties, shopping, and making our home look like Santa’s Wonderland!
Many families have the great tradition of reading the Christmas story as they put up the tree, on Christmas Eve, or on Christmas morning. That is a great tradition, but if it is the only time that you talk about the Christmas story then we are selling our children short. If we only talk about the Christmas story once over the holidays then you are decreasing the chance of the importance of the story truly impacting your child’s life. Many people say “Jesus is the reason for the season,” but unless we stop and talk about why this is true it is useless.
Maybe you are like me, and you feel stretched by all the Christmas activities that have been going on instead of focusing on Christ’s birth and the hope that He brought the entire world. It was Christ who came to save the world; that is the hope that we celebrate on Christmas as we anticipate His second coming. My challenge and encouragement for families over the next 8 days is to set time aside each day as a family and read the Christmas story. Then talk about its importance and come up with creative ways to show your neighbors how God loves them and sent His Son into the world. (Careful, this may require giving up another Christmas activity you were planning to attend) Here are a few examples:
1. Ask creative questions about the Christmas story. Such as, how do you think it smelled being born in a manger? How would you feel if there were no place for you to stay but a stable/barn? What is your favorite part of the story?
2. Bake and take. Bake and decorate some Christmas cookies (or another treat) with your family and take some to your neighbors.
3. Look at Christmas lights. Drive around and look at Christmas lights as a family. Talk about how you can be a light in your neighborhood and “shine like stars in the universe (Phil 2:14-17).”
4. C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S: Take the word Christmas and as a family write a characteristic of God next to each letter of the word. Example: C- Caring; H- Holy, etc…
Linus responded to Charlie Brown’s question by quoting Luke 2:8-14, “’And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ That is what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”
Many families have the great tradition of reading the Christmas story as they put up the tree, on Christmas Eve, or on Christmas morning. That is a great tradition, but if it is the only time that you talk about the Christmas story then we are selling our children short. If we only talk about the Christmas story once over the holidays then you are decreasing the chance of the importance of the story truly impacting your child’s life. Many people say “Jesus is the reason for the season,” but unless we stop and talk about why this is true it is useless.
Maybe you are like me, and you feel stretched by all the Christmas activities that have been going on instead of focusing on Christ’s birth and the hope that He brought the entire world. It was Christ who came to save the world; that is the hope that we celebrate on Christmas as we anticipate His second coming. My challenge and encouragement for families over the next 8 days is to set time aside each day as a family and read the Christmas story. Then talk about its importance and come up with creative ways to show your neighbors how God loves them and sent His Son into the world. (Careful, this may require giving up another Christmas activity you were planning to attend) Here are a few examples:
1. Ask creative questions about the Christmas story. Such as, how do you think it smelled being born in a manger? How would you feel if there were no place for you to stay but a stable/barn? What is your favorite part of the story?
2. Bake and take. Bake and decorate some Christmas cookies (or another treat) with your family and take some to your neighbors.
3. Look at Christmas lights. Drive around and look at Christmas lights as a family. Talk about how you can be a light in your neighborhood and “shine like stars in the universe (Phil 2:14-17).”
4. C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S: Take the word Christmas and as a family write a characteristic of God next to each letter of the word. Example: C- Caring; H- Holy, etc…
Linus responded to Charlie Brown’s question by quoting Luke 2:8-14, “’And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ That is what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”
Thursday, December 10, 2009
What Would the Wisemen Bring in 2009?
In 2009, there are so many cool toys to choose from for your child, and it is hard to figure out which ones are appropriate, fun, and will not get thrown to the side. If the wisemen had to choose today, which toys do you think they would bring along? Here is my crazy list of different things (and a Zhu Zhu pet is NOT one of them) that I think they might bring!
1. Seeds Family Worship: Great way to memorize scripture. It is Bible verses put to music, but it is done in a way that will not drive parents bonkers! It also comes with 2 CD’s, one for you and one to give to a friend! This is an awesome way to teach your child to think of others by giving out one of the CD’s. (If you give it to a non-believer, it is a great way to share the gospel)
3. The Bible: God’s Word, it does not get any better than this! Impacts lives in so many ways! Millions of readers cannot be wrong and it is so popular that they are trying to sneak it into some countries!
1. Seeds Family Worship: Great way to memorize scripture. It is Bible verses put to music, but it is done in a way that will not drive parents bonkers! It also comes with 2 CD’s, one for you and one to give to a friend! This is an awesome way to teach your child to think of others by giving out one of the CD’s. (If you give it to a non-believer, it is a great way to share the gospel)
- Where can I get it: www.seedsfamilyworship.net/
- Cost: $12.99
- Age: Any age, but especially Kindergarten and up.
2. Devotional Books: Great way to start teaching your child about daily time with God. You can look at some at the local Christian bookstore, but here are a couple of websites that have been suggested to me. D6 devotional magazines (https://www.d6family.com/store/magazines), CBH Ministries (http://www.cbhministries.org/kfk/home.php)
- Where can I get it: Almost anywhere
- Cost: Few bucks to a lot!
- Age: Any age, but you will need to read it to younger ages
- Where can I get it: Mardel’s, Amazon.com, Target (Sometimes), CBD.com
- Cost: $25-$30 (Amazon.com- $19.86 + Shipping)
- Age: 9 & up
- Where can I get it: Mardels; Amazon.com; www.hillsongmusic.com;
- Cost: CD’s- $8.99 to $12.95; DVD’s- $12.99 to 14.99
- Age: Kindergarten to Adults
- Where can I get it: www.yancynotnancy.com
- Cost: CD- $14.95 (20 songs); DVD- 24.95 (12 songs)
- Age: Toddler to Kindergarten
7. Veggie Tales: Great movies that teach some great biblical principles to talk to your kids about. It is great stories that your kids will love and age appropriate humor that even adults will enjoy (Really, the title of “Lord of the Beans” is humorous enough!). Mardel’s has some for as cheap as $5 and up for the newest releases.
- Where can I get it: local Christian bookstores, CBD.com, Amazon.com, Target, WalMart
- Cost: $5 to $14.99
- Age: Any Age
- Where can you get it: Target, Walmart, Best Buy, almost any electronic store
- Cost: $199 or bundles at $269+
- Age: 5 years old to 100+ years old
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thanksgiving Family Activity
Two weeks ago as I was flipping through the radio stations, I could not believe what I heard! It was CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Say it ain't so! Since the end of October, I have been bombarded with Christmas commercials on television and the news talking about early Christmas specials at stores. Often times it seems that Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday. I want to encourage families this Thanksgiving, to really stop and take time to thank God for all the blessings He has given you and your family.
In a year where the economy is down and people are losing their jobs or getting salary cuts, there is still so much to be thankful. As a part of thanksgiving this year, I would like to encourage all families to participate in this activity. Parents, first do this activity without your children around. You can do this activity individually or with your spouse. Read Psalm 107:1 & 1st Thessalonians 5:18. Meditate on these verses for a little while. Then take 10 minutes and write a list of what all you are thankful for this year. Do not worry about a number, but just sit and make a list. It can be things as simple as the air you breathe. Pray and thank God for everything. If you did this activity individually, let me encourage you to share your list with your spouse.
Then sometime during the week of thanksgiving, sit down with your children, read the same verses and do the same exercise for 5 minutes. (For younger children, you can have them name 5 things they are thankful for, one for each finger.) You can make the list together as a family or individually and then share together.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
In a year where the economy is down and people are losing their jobs or getting salary cuts, there is still so much to be thankful. As a part of thanksgiving this year, I would like to encourage all families to participate in this activity. Parents, first do this activity without your children around. You can do this activity individually or with your spouse. Read Psalm 107:1 & 1st Thessalonians 5:18. Meditate on these verses for a little while. Then take 10 minutes and write a list of what all you are thankful for this year. Do not worry about a number, but just sit and make a list. It can be things as simple as the air you breathe. Pray and thank God for everything. If you did this activity individually, let me encourage you to share your list with your spouse.
Then sometime during the week of thanksgiving, sit down with your children, read the same verses and do the same exercise for 5 minutes. (For younger children, you can have them name 5 things they are thankful for, one for each finger.) You can make the list together as a family or individually and then share together.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Splink- What?
Splink? Jeff, are you making up words again? Maybe this is another one of those crazy acronyms that pastors seem to have the gift of coming up with! Actually, “Splink” is not another USEFUL acronym.
George Barna shares in his book Revolutionary Parenting that the typical family spends less than one hour a week talking about spiritual matters. Only one hour a week! A question that some parents struggle with is how do I bring up a conversation about God?
Splink is a free website that equips you with creative ways of interacting with your children so that you can have more spiritual discussions. Some weeks it will have a fun craft, an interesting question, or a story. Click on this link (http://www.d6family.com/splink/) and you can sign up to receive weekly emails with these creative activities to do together as a family. There is also a link to it on the right underneath "Family Friendly Websites."
George Barna shares in his book Revolutionary Parenting that the typical family spends less than one hour a week talking about spiritual matters. Only one hour a week! A question that some parents struggle with is how do I bring up a conversation about God?
Splink is a free website that equips you with creative ways of interacting with your children so that you can have more spiritual discussions. Some weeks it will have a fun craft, an interesting question, or a story. Click on this link (http://www.d6family.com/splink/) and you can sign up to receive weekly emails with these creative activities to do together as a family. There is also a link to it on the right underneath "Family Friendly Websites."
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Family Thanksgiving Outreach Opportunities
One of the greatest things that you can do as a family is to volunteer together. At CBF this Thanksgiving, there is a new outreach and service opportunity for your family to do together. This year, CBF is participating with Spoken For in "Operation Relief Center" (ORC) Thanksgiving Baskets. The goal at CBF this Thanksgiving season is to fill 50 laundry baskets full of non-perishable items and if possible, include a $20 donation for the turkey and pie. Your family can also participate with this opportunity by helping to deliver baskets on Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a great opportunity for your family to serve together, give back to other families and begin the discussion of what all you are thankful for this year.
Another opportunity this Thanksgiving is "Operation Christmas Child." If you would like to participate in this as a family, please contact Kim Brown (mkjecbrown@verizon.net), or you can go to the Samaritan's Purse website (http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/) for information and the nearest drop off location. The collection dates are November 16-23.
Another opportunity this Thanksgiving is "Operation Christmas Child." If you would like to participate in this as a family, please contact Kim Brown (mkjecbrown@verizon.net), or you can go to the Samaritan's Purse website (http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/) for information and the nearest drop off location. The collection dates are November 16-23.
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