Last year at this time I was frantically planning our ward Christmas party. This year, I hope to be relaxing a bit more and taking care of a newborn babe. I have worked hard in previous months to get things “done” in an easy way like shopping online, leaving the decorating to someone else, and not planning too many activities. I look forward to sleepless nights with my little baby because I hope to be nursing by a Christmas tree and thinking about what is truly important this special time of year. I hope the slower pace will help me remember the true meaning of Christmas.
One thing I want to do is to place more emphasis on Jesus Christ this year. My kids are getting old enough now to look at the ads in the mail and say, “Mommy, I want this, and this, and this, and this. Actually, I just want everything on this page.” That makes me sad, but I also know it is just part of being a kid and getting excited about Christmas. But, I want them to get excited about Christmas for different reasons too. I want them to know it is a time of peace and reflection, and it is not just all about running around and buying Christmas presents. I hope having a newborn in the house will remind us of the beauty of life, and the amazing power of God’s hands in our lives.
One way that I hope to celebrate Christmas with my family this year is by reading a scripture about Christ everyday. I got this idea here. My kids know who Jesus is, but do they know what He DID? Not really. After all, they are just 5 and almost 3. But, it is never too young to start. The idea is to read a scripture about Jesus Christ everyday in the month of December. This is a way to get to know Him better. Here is the list of suggested scriptures, although you can really use any you would like. Obviously, since our children are young, we might have to paraphrase, and adapt a bit, but it is still a great way to teach your kids all the stories of His life.
1 Jarius’ Daughter raised, Luke 8:41-56, Was compassionate
2 Sinful woman forgiven, Luke 7:36-50, Was forgiving
3 Nobleman’s son healed, John 4:46-53, Had power to heal
4 Temple cleansed, John 2:13-17, Was reverent and opposed to evil
5 Storm calmed, Mark 4:35-41, Had power over elements
6 Children blessed, Mark 10:13-16, Loved children
7 Savior dined with Mary & Martha Luke, 10:38-42, Made people happy
8 Savior suffered in Garden of Gethsemane, Luke 22:41-45, Was Submissive
9 Apostles’ feet washed, John 13:3-17, Was humble
10 Apostles chosen, Luke 6:12-13, Was prayerful
11 Christ’s wisdom advanced, Luke 2:51-52, Obeyed parents
12 Christ baptized, Matthew 3:13-17, Obeyed God’s law
13 Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:2-16, Gave counsel
14 Christ in the temple, Luke 2:42-49, Taught when twelve years old
15 The Lord’s prayer, Matthew 6:9-13, Taught proper way to pray
16 Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:5-16,Taught with stories
17 Parable of the Lost Sheep, Luke 15:4-7, Helped sinners
18 Story of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-36, Was kind
19 Promised the Comforter, John 14:26-27, Promised the Holy Ghost
20 Fishes and loaves shared, Matthew 14:15-21, Performed miracles
21 Story of Lazarus, John 11:40-44, Raised the dead
22 Mary’s visitation, Luke 1:26-33, Is the Son of the Highest
23 Christ’s Birth, Luke 2:1-11, Fulfilled prophesy
24 Shepherds visited & Wisemen brought gifts, Matthew 2:9-13 & Luke 2:12-16, Was worshipped as Savior
Jesus Christ should be central to our lives, but especially in the month of December. Sometimes, that is when we often feel farthest away from Him because of all the demands of the season. But, this year, make your December more meaningful by trying to follow these scriptures back to Him.
Related Articles:
The Ward Christmas Party- An Idea
The Ward Christmas Party- Evolution of an Idea
The Ward Christmas Party- Committees!