What kids should know about Christmas

Christmas comes with fondest memories and for many kids, Christmas celebration is centred around similar experiences – early morning prayers with the family, the rush to the Christmas tree in the living room, unwrapping of gifts, carols all week and into the New Year, and of course, chicken or turkey.

Parenting Coach and founder Galparenting place, Abimbola Olayinka, noted that as kids grow – just as we grew too – Christmas takes on more meaning. They become more interested in the details that make Christmas such an important celebration. How did the virgin birth happen? Why are the lyrics of carols primarily about the birth of Jesus?

Olayinka said that while children shouldn’t be denied the fun, joyful experiences of singing songs, sharing gifts, or even lighting firecrackers, you could always sit with them and read through the stories about the birth of Jesus. As you celebrate this year. Here are five things to teach your kids about Christmas:

Christmas is about Jesus Christ: When Mary welcomed her son, Jesus, she didn’t overlook the importance of His birth. We shouldn’t, too. Mary knew that the birth of Jesus was not an ordinary experience. This was confirmed when shepherds sang His worship, and wise men came to present gifts. She “pondered these things in her heart”.

(Luke 2:19). Jesus Christ came as a gift from God to man. Remind them that Christmas is the celebration of this birth.

Jesus existed before Christmas: Do your kids think that Jesus’ existence began on Christmas? Jesus existed before Christmas as the Son of God the father. Ponder the words that John shares with us, how that, ‘In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God’ (John 1:1), and ‘…the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…’ (John 1:13). Before the virgin birth, Jesus existed as God with God the Father. However, his human form began when Mary conceived a child, but Jesus lives forever as the Son of God.

Christmas teaches us to love others: We know that the birth of Jesus was a result of God’s love towards us. Likewise, God wants us to love one another. It isn’t enough that we celebrate the season for ourselves, we must make efforts to extend this love to others. Encourage love practices. Can your children give gifts? Let them give. Can they invite friends for a meal? Let them. Importantly, love shouldn’t be expressed during Christmas alone. It’s an all-year attitude.

We can trust God always: Joseph, Mary’s husband, trusted God with the birth of Jesus. Even though they had to embark on an unplanned trip, he believed that God would keep both the Baby and His mother safe. Your children can trust God in all situations. In school, with friends, in the choice of their career.

God watches the heart: During Christmas, everyone has the same focus – Jesus, carols, and family meals. Teach your children that God doesn’t discriminate. He receives all with a sincere heart. He desires that we – and our children – relate with one another based on the heart, not the appearance. Teach them to be kind, to respect and honour all men.

“As you celebrate the nativity story this season, let your children embrace the spiritual truths of Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season,” Olayinka added.