Preparing Hearts For Christmas

Christmas is an exciting time for kids! Lots of activity, decorations, and fun--even sometimes, snow. However, I found myself concerned this year for their hearts. It is also a very commercialized, materialistic holiday in America. I see it breeding selfishness and greed in my children. I began to pray about this, and saw an opportunity for training before presents!

We have talked about a godly heart in receiving gifts and appreciating other people's gifts while avoiding hearts of jealousy, greed, and selfishness. We memorized two verses to help with these ongoing discussions:
A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. Proverbs 28:25 NIV
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

Another great verse is:
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3

This is such an important discussion for this time of year, but as a life lesson also. How often do we as adults complain about another person having a bigger house, nicer car, more well-behaved kids, special talent, or blessing from the Lord? We ask, why not me? The opposite is what the Bible calls us to: You should not covet, Rejoice with those who rejoice!

Parent-Kid Dates

In an attempt to gain wisdom in raising our children within the context of ministry, I was asking advice of a veteran missionary. Their family had a wonderful routine of validating the children as they were growing. We have no adopted these Dates, and the kids love them!

We have chosen one night of the week as a standing Date Night. Each week, the kids and the parents rotate. Each child has an opportunity to spend time with an alternating parent--alone, having his/her very own dedicated time.

An example would look like this:
Week 1 - Dad - Child 1
Week 2 - Mom - Child 2
Week 3 - Dad - Child 3
Week 4 - Mom - Child 1
and so on....

Our kids talk about their date for several days before their turn. We set a dollar limit and let them choose where they want to go. It helps us, as parents, to connect with our kids!

Christian Biographies

We have read a few books for children that have short biographies on missionaries and other Christians. They are a wonderful way to learn history of the church and world as well as geography. It is sometimes disconcerting and threatening when reading about countries that are hostile towards Christianity. But it is very encouraging to see God work in miraculous ways, and to learn from the character of those who have gone before.

One of my favorite series is by Dave & Neta Jackson called Hero Tales. There are several books in the series. Each biography is divided into four short sections; the first is a general overview and the remaining three are focused on individual character traits with discussion questions and Scriptures following. I love reading about these people! It's my favorite part of our schooling day!