Remembering Christ this CHRISTmas???

"Behold... 
I bring you good tidings of great joy."  ~ Luke 2:10

A few weeks ago I ordered a hands-on Christmas Nativity called, "What God Wants for Christmas." It finally came in and the boys were thrilled! The kit has 7 gift boxes, each containing a small figurine inside. Every day we continue to open a new box as it continues to share the true meaning of Christmas. The first box has the Angel, Gabriel, and it tells of how he revealed to Mary the exciting news that she would give birth to baby Jesus.

My kids thoroughly enjoy opening each box as I read along the Christmas story. They get super excited to open the gift and sometimes can pay little attention to the message that goes along with it. Sometimes I have to stop and remind them why we are doing this activity and bring them back to the truth of CHRISTmas. Sometimes, even as adults, we need that sweet, gentle reminder as well. We can get so focused on the opening of gifts (or lack there of) that we completely miss the story Jesus Christ.

Our family has decided this year will be different. I want my kids to see Christmas as an opportunity to outreach and share, with others, who Jesus really is and the impact He can have on your life. OK so my kids are only 4 and 2,  but I know if I will just investigate a little that there is plenty of ministry opportunities EVEN with kids so young :) I want them to play a part in telling others of the hope we have in Christ. This is a celebration not just of His birth but of His whole life as well.

Would you like this CHRISTmas to be different for your family too?? Think of what a treasure it will be someday to have those sweet memories of doing outreach together as a family. Yes gifts are great but they rust and eventually are thrown away. This year challenge your family to reach out to the lost and remind them of the ultimate "gift" they can receive this CHRISTmas? A gift that will be eternal and forever impact their life,

So what are some practical ways we can do this?

Dr. Bob Barnes' of "Parenting Today" ( a radio broadcast on ReachFM daily at 2:45pm) , referenced the website below


http://happyhomefairy.com/2010/12/08/how-to-have-a-christ-centered-christmas/

on great tips of how to keep a Christ-centered CHRISTmas. Be sure to check it out!!!
If you know any other creative Christmas outreach ideas not listed there please feel free to share in the comment section of this blog post :)

What will your family do to remember Christ this CHRISTmas? Pray and ask Him to lead and guide you ... you just may be surprised! Think of how meaningful your Christmas can be if you focus on serving others this Christmas... offer a "gift" to him this year.