Creative Ways to Invite Jesus Into Your Gathering on Christmas Day

We're almost there. 

We've made our lists, checked them twice.

Put that elf on many a shelf.

And now we're counting down the last few days before

Christmas.

As Christian parents and grandparents, it's not only our duty but also our sheer delight to pour our faith into our children while they are young.

The world will give us some resistance, but in our homes we are kings and queens and we get to choose how we spend our time together.

Here are a few creative ways you can invite Jesus to be the center of attention at your celebration.

1. Read the Christmas Story. Before anyone pulls a bow off of anything read the Christmas story. For fun dress up the children and let them act the story out as you read it from the Bible. Luke 2.

2.  Let Santa leave a devotion to do together. If you are okay with the fun of Santa, put him in a place of worship so that your children understand that even Santa knows Christmas is all about Jesus. 

Show your children this picture.

And then read this note from Santa.

Dear (names of your children),

  I so enjoyed the treats you left me, they were yummy! I hope you enjoy the gifts I left under your tree. 

  Could you do me a big favor?

  Please look at this picture. It was made a long time ago when I got to bow at Jesus' manger.

  I love to remember that Christmas isn't mostly about me. It's ALL about Jesus.

  I bring gifts, but there's not a single gift I could give you that would even come close to the gift God gave all of us when He gave us Jesus.

  Jesus was God's very own Son. He came to earth as a little bitty baby. He grew up to be a great man who taught people how much God loves us. He told us how to live and He did things that only God could do; like walk on water, and make the wind be still, and heal the blind, and even bring people back to life after they were dead. 

  Then, Jesus died on a cross so that we could be forgiven for all the things we could ever do wrong; and all the ways that we ever could or would or might mess up. God raised Jesus from the grave where they put Him, and He came back to life. 

  When Jesus did this, He proved that He was God; and that everything He says is true.

  I accepted Jesus into my life and asked Him to forgive me for all the ways that I've messed up. I thanked Him for forgiving me and for making a way for me to know His Father.

  Jesus taught me that His Father is now my Father, and just like you are family with each other--we are family with Him too.

  Please remember that today is when we celebrate Jesus' birthday. This day is all about Jesus. 

  I am so glad that Jesus loves me.

  I am so glad that Jesus loves you.

  Ask your mom or dad to pray and thank God for Jesus. I look forward to visiting your house again next year!

  Love, Santa

3. Send your teen/young adult "children" on a scavenger hunt. Some of you have known me for a long time. Others of you might just now be getting acquainted. For those that have followed me for a long time know that there was a painful season in our lives when we were estranged from one of our daughters.

After many years of being apart at Christmas, (and our daughter's bondage to the cycle of domestic violence), she came home. 

I wanted to do something that would make Christmas meaningful, and take her mind off the terribleness of having to give her preschool daughter to her ex at noon on Christmas day.

I created a scavenger hunt that took all 3 of my children back in time. I sent them to places where I had memories of spiritual milestones in their lives. 

They had a great time re-living the memories, sharing the experience together, and rebuilding valuable relationships with each other as they galavanted all over the county forgetting all about the difficult child exchange I volunteered to do.

And, their journey was saturated with Scripture and spiritual truths I wanted them to ponder. 

I hope these ideas will trigger some of your own. I'd love to see how you give Jesus the center of attention in your Christmas celebrations, please find me on facebook or instagram and post your pictures.

Merry Christmas my prayin' people!