Just a few words and thoughts from my blog today....
If there was ever a time when I believed this to be true about making family traditions that bring you closer to Jesus, I would have to say it is this year.
This year when my husband is no longer with us, when my kids are now adults, when 2 of them with their families, live in other states.
And when one of those-my son-probably is not a Christian.
How I wish I could go back to re-do some of the mistakes we made in bringing up our kids.
Oh, for a good part of their years, we were in church and participated in those things about Jesus and His birth that the church did. We were involved with the youth during some of those years, and the kids knew we believed in all that the Christmas season was about His birth.
But somehow, we missed it about having our own traditions that would bring Him closer to us as a family.
It was too much about the other parts of Christmas. The tree, the gifts. The food.
And now that time is probably running out for me as I get older, it is something that I want to try to include in the family celebrations that I have now with those that are left. With those that are willing.
Because sadly, one son in another state has no interest in Jesus or why He came to save us from our sin.
And so, he has not taught own 2 sons those things that he learned so long ago. Not to my knowledge anyway. Because you see, he doesn't talk to me about spiritual things.
And so, I wish to convey to you today, how important it is to not only participate in those things about the Birth of our Savior in your church, but then to bring them home to show your family that you truly believe in Him.
I know that there are just 10 days left to come up with some things that you can add to your family traditions. However, I believe it is so important to show our families more than just the fun things of the season, and even those things about Jesus that will be in Christmas programs at church.
I think it is important to do it while we still can. When they will still listen. While it can make a difference perhaps.
There are ideas on the internet, there for this purpose. So, I encourage you to find some that will be meaningful for your own family to make this season more faith-filled, a somewhat less worldly than it has been in the past.
While your family is still with you.
As you may read this and think I am sad today, yes. I am a bit sad. And regretful.
But I am not hoping to put my sadness into your own plannings for Christmas.
I also truly look forward to Christmas this year. It will be the 3rd year after I lost my husband and the first time that I am more happy than sad.
For this year, I have already been working on a project that has brought meaning to me personally and I pray it does for my family that I will be spending it with.
Just one thing has brought back the joy that I have had other years and can be the same for you, if you will find it among all the ideas that other people have shared.
As for me, mine is a secret until Christmas day. The family know I have something special for that day, but they have no idea what it is. And I can't wait to share it.
Hopefully, it will be an special addition to our celebration this year. And next year, Lord willing, we will add some other tradition to the day that we celebrate the fact that yes, Jesus was born to save us from our sin.
Thank you my Friends, for allowing me to speak with you on my thoughts today. May they encourage you to find new traditions for your own family to add more of Jesus, and less of the world into your own celebrations.
Have a blessed day!
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