The Parents Coach - column By Timothy Smith  |  www.ParentsCoach.org

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"Get Connected In 20 Minutes A Week"

A weekly family activity adapted from:  52 Family Time Ideas by Timothy Smith ©2006

Draw Closer To Your Kids as You Draw Your Kids Closer to God

Bethany House Publishers

Main Point: Christmas is about being close. God wanted us to be close to Him, so He sent His very best - Jesus.

1. Materials Needed: Candle, match, shoebox, wrapping paper, ribbon and Christmas cards from friends and family. Optional: birthday cake and candles.  

2. Warm up: Say, "Christmas is about being together. We can't be with everyone we love. We send Christmas cards to remember and care about others. God's Christmas card was Jesus.                                                           What are some ways Jesus is like a Christmas card?"

(He brings good news, He expresses love, He wants to be with us, etc.)

 4.   Bible Reading: Read aloud John 8:12

Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow Me you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."  NLT  

5.   Activity: Prayer Box

Decorate a Christmas Card Prayer Box. On December 12 or 13 and every day until Christmas, chose one of the Christmas cards that you have received and place it in your Christmas Card Prayer Box and place it on your kitchen table. Before meals, take out a card and pray for that family as you thank God for your food. You may want to mention something specifically that is mentioned in the card or letter. Example: "God, thank You for the Robinsons and we pray for the dad, who is recovering from being in the hospital. Heal him and give them a joyful Christmas. Thanks for this food, Amen."

Variation: You may select twelve families and make your own card that represents each by using their family photo or an index card with their names, ages and address on it.

What should we do?

1. Family Discussion:
   1. After you pray for the family represented by their card, Ask, "What do you know about this family? Do you remember the last time we saw them?" And other similar questions.
   2. On December 24 or 25, celebrate that Jesus has come by reading, as a family, the following script:

PARENT: Jesus has come! He is our Savior of hope, the Shepherd of peace, God's gift of love and the baby that brings the world joy. Light the candle.

CHILD: (Lights the candle) Why do we light this candle tonight?

PARENT: Because Jesus is the Light of the World, who brings light and joy into the darkness.

CHILD: Why is Jesus different?

PARENT: Because He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, forever and ever.

CHILD: Jesus is Lord.

PARENT: We don't have to stumble in the dark. Jesus leads the way because -

ALL: Jesus is the light of the world! Happy Birthday Jesus!

C. Conclude by talking about birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations that use candles and light as part of the festivities.

Option: You may chose to serve a Happy Birthday Jesus birthday cake with candles at the end of your Family Time.

7. Today's Slogan: "Jesus is the Light of the world."

Adaptations for

Younger Children: Have the youngest child in the family make the Christmas Card Prayer Box with wrapping paper and ribbon wrapped around a shoebox. You may need to help with the cutting and gluing; but leave as much of it as possible to him. You may want to cut a whole in the top or remove the top.

Teens: Ask, "What are some ways spiritually lost people stumble?" "How can we be a light to them?"

Prayer: "Dear Father God, thank You for sending your precious Son to be our sacrifice. We know You did this because You love us. You want us to be together - to be close. Help us to love and know You more this Christmas. In Jesus' name Amen."

©2009 Timothy Smith

Timothy Smith, M.A., is a family coach, author and speaker from Southern CA.

www.ParentsCoach.org  He provides coaching in-person and via Skype®; as well as conferences, seminars and retreats.  

Blog: www.ParentsCoach.wordpress.com

Twitter: ParentsCoach

tim@ParentsCoach.org, Tel: 805.376.3500