Family Discussion Guide
True Meaning of Christmas
What did the angels tell the shepherds? Luke:2:10-11 What did the Angel tell Joseph? Matthew 1:21 If Christmas is Jesus's birthday, is it more important to give Him gifts or to get gifts? Was Jesus born into wealth or poverty? Luke 2:1-7 What was the focus of Jesus life? John 4:31-36 How did He die? John 31:1-17 What does He expect of His followers? Matthew 16:24 -27 What's the point? To glorify God | Cultures’ View
How does our culture celebrate Christmas? Who is the focus? Each person is the focus, people are the focus. Their own desires. What is the focus? gifts, material things, parties, etc. What is the point? To glorify self, satisfy self. Is gift giving wrong? No! In fact it is Godlike and can be very meaningful to your family and friends but many in our culture make the gifts the main thing about Christmas which is offensive to God.  |
Glorifing and Praise God
Family Celebrations
Consider what your family traditions are that point the family toward Christ. For instance, do you have a nativity calendar? Do you make a birthday cake for Jesus and sing happy birthday to Him? You could read the Christmas story on Christmas Eve. Or, Christmas morning. You could go caroling, bake cookies or pies and give them away. Invite those who may be alone on Christmas to spend it with you. Your traditions don’t necessarily have to be service projects. What things can you do with your family that keeps Christ as the focus? Create a memory and shape a future. Inviting Friends
We all know people who Jesus came to seek and to save. Christmas reminds us that a savior has been born to us (Lk 2:11) who will save us from our sins (Matt. 1:21). Helping missionaries share Jesus is extremely important but it is no substitute for what missionaries can not do which is sharing Jesus with those Jesus has placed in your mission field. God has placed them in your field for a reason; He wants you to harvest them. Begin to pray now for those around you who are not believers and ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities He brings your way and take advantage of them. Invite them to Bring A Friend Sunday on December 11. | Deciding on an Amount as a family
There are several ways you can do this. 1. You can suggest a percentage and describe to your family what that would like to them if you chose that option. 2. You could say “Every year each of you receive (blank # of items), let’s talk about how we can glorify Jesus.” 3. You could say to your family “These are the funds we have for Christmas, how much of this should we give to honoring Christ on His birthday?” You may have some other plan! Cool. My main encouragement to you is that you include your children in the process as you will be instilling values in them that God will use to lay a strong foundation for them as they grow into dynamic Christian young people.  |
