by Debbs Hammett
Our Savior and King has come! This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.
(Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)
At this time of year when we try, yet again, to explain the real meaning behind Christmas, we may wonder if anything we say to our children actually sticks! Our children like us, live in a culture that is self-centered and driven to acquire possessions, especially during the Christmas season. Do we, as parents, have any hope of negating some of that influence and redirecting their attention?
Take heart! The seeds you plant do indeed take root, though it may take a while for you to see results. This year our oldest daughter announced that she really didn’t need anything for Christmas and would we please spend the money set aside for her gifts on toys to donate to the Salvation Army. She was also in charge of the Salvation Army bell-ringers for her church. As such she took her turn standing for hours ringing the bell and greeting people. I should mention that she is a very busy lady; married with a three year old, a seventh month old and going to college online!
She wasn’t alone ringing the bell though. Our youngest daughter and her husband were with her. This daughter is getting ready for the birth of their first child in January. She volunteers her time at the local Crisis Pregnancy Center and is doing what she can to change her world.
Am I bragging? Well, yes a little, but mostly I want to encourage you to keep pouring yourself into your children even when it doesn’t seem to have any effect. Keep right on telling them of the true wonders of Christmas and know that the Lord will take them the rest of the way.
We also have a son. We’re still waiting to see the fruit of the seeds we’ve planted in his life, but I know we’ll see that growth one day. Why do I have such hope and faith? I have two great examples of what the Lord can do. Their names are Tiffany and Megan!
“But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children.” Psalm 103:17
(Debbs and Pete, her husband of 32 years, have three grown children. They have great fun with their two grandsons and are looking forward to welcoming a granddaughter soon. Debbs has worked with the Keepers Ministry for the past year as Co-Leader and in Ministry Development.)
To read more Keepers Christmas articles click on “Christmas” under “Everything Else” !
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Thank you for sharing the quote from Charles Dickens. That makes me want to read A Christmas Carol. I have never heard mention of Christ in any tv or movie version of his story.
Encouragement i needed for today. Our children are 20, 16, and 11 and as we get a Christmas list of wants from them, sometimes i wonder, “Do they get it.” I am reminded of Proverbs 22:6 that says, “Train up a child in the way they should go, and even when they are OLD they will not turn from it.”