My own heart as a child was tenderized by the wonder of Christmas, even though I didn’t really understand what it was all about. But as an adult, when my sister was following me around with her big black Bible, I thought back to Christmas Eve at church: the candles, the words “Fall on your knees, O hear the Angel’s voices…” And I thought: Could it be true?
Pexels Photo by Willsantos
Did you know that one of the most fertile fields for evangelism is children? Christmas is a time to seize the opportunity and to talk to them about who that baby in a manger really is and why He matters to them. It might also be a time to choose wise gifts to give to them. I want to discuss some ideas this week, and also cause us to wonder together at the miracle of Christmas.
On a personal note, I’m practicing my talk via zoom to some of you Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 Central Time. If you didn’t sign up but are active on this blog and still want to do so, send me your e-mail before Tuesday at comments@deebrestin.com and Bing will send you a zoom invite. We will have two 40 minute sessions with a break — half of each session will be my teaching and half your comments. We had trouble finding a time that worked for the first 4 who signed up, and I realize the time we did find will not work for all.
1st Sunday of Advent:
1. Share one sight, happening, or song that brought wonder to your heart last week.
Monday: The Wonder of the Incarnation
2. Meditate on John 1:14 in these translations. Ponder and share what it must have felt like for the disciples.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV)
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (MSG)
3. Was there a point in your life when you understood the baby in the manger was the God who created the world? If so, share. Or, share how you helped another understand this.
4. In talking to a child about God’s greatest gift at Christmas, how would you explain in simple terms why Jesus left heaven and came down to “take on human flesh.”
Tuesday: Gift Giving to Children
In Paul Tripp’s Advent devotional he writes how he loved Christmas and the trimmings, but he is particularly sad for our children. “The lie being actively promoted is how their lives will be made infinitely better by possessing a particular manufactured item.” We can give them so much more and also be wise about gift-giving.
5. Based on Agur’s prayer in Proverbs 30:8, what can you learn about the amount you give to a child at Christmas?
6. Books that help children understand the wonder of Christmas are so good — I’d love to hear your recommendations for different ages. Here are my two favorites. I’d love some ideas for teens! Also, movie suggestions for children.
Toddler: This set of 5 is the very best I’ve seen for toddlers. This is volume 3, containing the Christmas story
Children (of any age)
Here are suggestions from The Gospel Coalition — I didn’t know any of them but if you do – -let us all know if you think one is wonderful: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/books-gifts-kids-christmas-2023/
7. A gift of one on one time with a child can be so meaningful — Linda Strom’s grandmother planted seeds in her young heart with walks along the swamp — which Linda remembers as a beautiful stream, because of the love she felt and the treasures her grandmother told her. Her grandmother also pictured a bright future for her – -saying one day she would get on an airplane and go to Africa as a missionary — which she did. How have you or might you bless a child you know like this?
Wednesday: Movie Discussions with Families
Hallmark movies are feel-good movies but Christ-less movies. If you watch one, talk about what is missing and how they are trying to fill their God-shaped void.
There are some wonderful movies about the Lord. I do think The Chosen’s Christmas Movie about the Shepherd is excellent for conversations. I also like to show the beginning of Jesus of Nazareth — I believe they captured the wonder of Mary.
8. Watch the above:
A. What do you like and what don’t you like and why?
B. Why is it important that we understand the virgin birth?
C. How would you explain how it happened to a teenager?
9. Many watch “It’s A Wonderful Life.” A favorite sermon of Keller’s of mine we might revisit is Myth Became Fact. He quotes Tolkien who says that every story that moves the heart does so because it points to the true story that was before the dawn of time and takes us, however shakily, toward the true harbor. In what way might a movie like “It’s A Wonderful Life” do that? And how might it be a bit shakily off?
10. What Christmas movies do you love and why?
Thursday: Getting Help with Music
I love the two specials The Gospel Coalition did during Covid — and they have become something I watch for my own heart each year.
11. Have you seen them? If so, do you recommend them or remember any particular segment?
12. Take a beloved Christmas carol you might teach to your children and explain why you chose it and how the lyrics might help them grasp who Jesus really is.
13. My two favorite Christmas albums are Michael Card’s The Promise and Sara Groves 1st one. How about you?
Friday: Getting Help with Chewing on Scripture
Tim Keller says the word meditating in Psalm 1 is like a cow chewing and chewing. It’s easy to gloss over familiar passages. To close this week I’m taking 3 that have to do with Jesus being with God the Father at creation. Chew on them and share what you see and any new insights that might help you seize the wonder. Luci Shaw’s poem Made Flesh has increased my wonder — here are a few of her thoughts I put next to a baby in the womb for you to “chew on.” I recommend Luci Shaws small book: A Widening Light — Poems of the Incarnation in which “Made Flesh” is one of many beautiful poems to increase your wonder.
14. Comments on the above image?
15. John 1:1-3
16. Genesis 1:1-3
17. Proverbs 8:27-36
Saturday:
17. What is your take-a-way and why?
90 comments
1. Share one sight, happening, or song that brought wonder to your heart last week.
~ We took eight grandchildren to the movie “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” . The closing moments in that movie were very moving. (My grandchildren ages 10 – 15 really enjoyed the movie but the younger ones (ages 4-6) were not as captivated.)
~ For years I have intended to do Operation Christmas child with grandchildren. Well, this year I finally did it. I took our granddaughter, age 6, and our grandson, age 4 (living with us) shopping to each fill a shoebox for a child somewhere else in the world. When they finished filling their boxes we delivered them to the church. A kind woman greeted them, thanked them and then invited them to come to a small table where she invited them to place their hands on their boxes and to pray for the little girl and little boy who would receive these boxes.
~ Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” album is beautiful for this season. This song titled “Labor of Love” is one song on that album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQZmni-oeg4&list=PLFDF180286B78B279&index=8
You and I are huge Peterson fans and I love The Labor of Love.
Good to know about Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
And good idea with your younger ones to do shoeboxes.
For my young grandchildren we talked about what age child they wanted to buy for. They each chose a child close to their age. We went to Walmart and Dollar Store and they selected items that they actually wanted themselves. So it was a good exercise in giving.
Nila, My husband and I are huge fans of Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb” as well. A few years back in his earlier years of touring and performing it we attended the concert at a church in a small city about 3 hours from where we live. That was our first exposure to his music. We have close friends who introduced us to him. Since the Covid shutdown we have purchased the online access each year to hear it performed in Nashville and have made it part of our Advent.
“Labor of Love” is my husband’s favorite song. I have several favorites 😊
Good to see you here Nila. 💕
Oh, Nila! I was not familiar with this album by Andrew Peterson. I found it through an app and have it playing in my home! It is so beautiful and meaningful.
I love Operation Christmas child and what a perfect idea to do with your grandchildren at the dollar store! I love how the woman at your church invited them to put their hands on the boxes and pray for the children.
Thank you for sharing all of this. I cannot wait too see the new version of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”.
1st Sunday of Advent:
1. Share one sight, happening, or song that brought wonder to your heart last week. – Our church is a collection center for boxes for Operation Christmas Child and it was such a blessing to see the multiple semis filled with boxes for kids that have never opened a Christmas present in their lives, brought to our church to drop off. Our small church had a goal of 800 boxes, we met that and beyond with 940 boxes. The generosity of those in our church and the surrounding communities is such a blessing and a hope that God is growing in the hearts of His people.
How beautiful, Julie!
What a beautiful blessings, Julie!
1. Share one sight, happening, or song that brought wonder to your heart last week.
Our family was invited to read the scripture and pray for the first service of advent today. My husband, led and Cooper and Grace read verses from Isaiah 9. I wrote a prayer and prayed. I have never felt confident about praying aloud, so it was hard for me. I was happy with my prayer and several people said they were moved. I feel the spirit of the season and am leaning into it in a way that I haven’t in a while. Thank You Jesus.
That’s wonderful, Laura. Leaning into the spirit! The real Spirit of the season.
I am so happy you prayed, Laura, even though it was hard for you. I know that it touched many, as it was from your heart. Love that Cooper and Grace read too. Thank you for prompting me to lean into the spirit of the season.
1st Sunday of Advent:
1. Share one sight, happening, or song that brought wonder to your heart last week.
—We spent most of last week in Colorado Springs, Colorado in my brother’s home. Where he lives there is a beautiful view of Pikes Peak. In the early morning as the sun would rise and illuminate the mountain it was a truly majestic sight. There was a pleasant sitting room where I was able to be alone with the Lord worshiping and just enjoying what He created.
How lovely, Bev.
Love this, Bev.
I am thankful for safety in my drive to see a daughter in Iowa, and that they seem to be doing a bit better. I felt the Lord helped me truly connect with each member of the family. I spent time with my sister Bonnie on my way home and she has deteriorated. I am praying in her new childlikeness that she might be more open to the Lord.
Thanks for sharing and thankful for a safe trip and continue to pray for sweet Bonnie🙏
I will be praying for Bonnie’s heart to be open and receiving.
Monday: The Wonder of the Incarnation
2. Meditate on John 1:14 in these translations. Ponder and share what it must have felt like for the disciples.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV)
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (MSG)
—Actually it is hard to imagine knowing a person who was perfect in all of their ways in like Jesus was. The NLT says “He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness”. They never saw Him ever waver in his love for everyone he met. Because He was God he demonstrated love perfectly. He was the most winsome person to have ever lived but yet some with evil hearts rejected Him. But the disciples like me were sinful and to see such love practiced had to be intimidating and amazing at the same time. Jesus didn’t just practice love. He was the very essence of love.
3. Was there a point in your life when you understood the baby in the manger was the God who created the world? If so, share. Or, share how you helped another understand this.
—Even though I grew up celebrating Christmas by going to church and seeing and hearing the scriptures and stories associated with the Nativity I was an adult before I truly came to understand what God Incarnate actually meant. When I was four years old my Aunt who played the piano taught me all the verses to “Away In A Manger” and I sang it at the Christmas Eve Program. I would say that was the baby Jesus I knew and that He was truly special but thankfully good teaching and preaching eventually clarified for me Who Jesus was as God and part of the Trinity. And that as God He actually was involved with Creation.
4. In talking to a child about God’s greatest gift at Christmas, how would you explain in simple terms why Jesus left heaven and came down to “take on human flesh.”
—Ok to be honest here I don’t have teaching abilities or any giftedness to teach children. My Sunday School teaching days were brief. I tend to over think what I want to say and can get far too wordy. I long to be more succinct like many of you. 🥴 I feel like I would need to use some scriptures in what I might say because I believe in the power of God’s Word. But what I wrote already seems lengthy and I’m trying to think about what age of child am I addressing recognizing a difference in younger and older kids. So here goes. Critique is welcome. 😊
—Jesus is God’s only son who always lived in Heaven with God his Father. Jesus was just like God and along with God He even created the earth and people. But the first people Adam and Eve who they created disobeyed God and that was sin. So then all people after that were sinners and we are sinners too. Jesus loves all the people he made and he saw that people were sinners and needed Him to come down to earth and be like them so he could help them. That’s when God his Father made Jesus a baby and he became human with a body like us. Jesus grew up and knew we needed Him to save us from our sins that keep us away from God. So Jesus was willing to die on the cross to take away our sins so when we die we can go to Heaven and live with Him.
I appreciate your humble preface, Bev. I think about how with the facts of life they tell you to tell children just as much as they ask for and not everything at once. I think your first two sentences are good — I might start with that and see if they can say it back or have questions.
Thankyou Dee 😊
So good Bev!!! I love the way you would explain the baby Jesus to children.
3. Was there a point in your life when you understood the baby in the manger was the God who created the world? If so, share. Or, share how you helped another understand this.
I’m ashamed to say that it wasn’t until I started this blog many years ago that I truly understood. I am trying to teach the grands this right now. It is hard to convey. Faith is also hard.
4. In talking to a child about God’s greatest gift at Christmas, how would you explain in simple terms why Jesus left heaven and came down to “take on human flesh.”
I would say something like this.
”Jesus came from heaven because God wanted Him to save us. Remember how Adam and Eve disobeyed? They made it impossible for us to be with God. Jesus came as a baby, in the flesh and bones, just like us! He (God) knew we would have to trust Him, to understand, so He made Him a person that we could trust. He taught the people goodness and love. He had to take our sin by dying on the cross so we are able to live with Him forever.”
How encouraging that you got it from the blog.
You actually have children right there with whom to practice. See my note to Bev above and try that. I think you have a good start.
Monday: The Wonder of the Incarnation
2. Meditate on John 1:14 in these translations. Ponder and share what it must have felt like for the disciples. – To be a part of those who were with the One and Only had to have taken their breath away. They must have been paralyzed in awe and wonder to see such magnificent glory right there living among them. Walking, breathing, speaking with the Son of the Father. What a blessing it must have been to them.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV)
The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (MSG)
3. Was there a point in your life when you understood the baby in the manger was the God who created the world? If so, share. Or share how you helped another understand this. I don’t think I ever thought that deeply in to just who Baby Jesus really was when I was growing up. I have thought about Jesus as an adult and how he had to be fed, changed and taught how to do things just like any other child. But with God as his father, it was to a much bigger degree. I think for some it’s kind of hard to take baby Jesus out of the crib, just like we need to take him off the cross. He is no longer in either place, but both places are so important to remember the impact they had on our lives today. I will definitely have to think about how to explain this to a child when it comes up. Thanks for this question, Dee, it’s made me really think about Jesus’ life.
4. In talking to a child about God’s greatest gift at Christmas, how would you explain in simple terms why Jesus left heaven and came down to “take on human flesh.” – Another great question. When sin entered into the world from our disobedience, God had to send Jesus, His son who didn’t have any sins in his life to take our place. He walked with us by being ahead of us and took care of all our sins so we could be with God forever. And he did this by dying on the cross in our place. Are sins were laid on him and buried with him at the cross. God loves us so much that he didn’t want to be without us in heaven. Jesus saved us because he also loves you and wants us to be with God forever.
Julie, I think this is a very insightful statement.“I think for some it’s kind of hard to take baby Jesus out of the crib, just like we need to take him off the cross. He is no longer in either place, but both places are so important to remember the impact they had on our lives today.”
You are right and I agree that was a very good question to think about.
I love your “He is no longer in either place — the crib or the cross.”
What thoughtful answers, Julie. Amen to Dee! He is neither in the crib or on the cross! Love this!!
Tuesday: Gift Giving to Children
In Paul Tripp’s Advent devotional he writes how he loved Christmas and the trimmings, but he is particularly sad for our children. “The lie being actively promoted is how their lives will be made infinitely better by possessing a particular manufactured item.” We can give them so much more and also be wise about gift-giving.
5. Based on Agur’s prayer in Proverbs 30:8, what can you learn about the amount you give to a child at Christmas?
“First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.”
Proverbs 30:8 NLT
—I see this scripture as important for bringing balance to our own lives and the lives of our children. We should not lie in the aspect of giving false perceptions of what is really important. Focusing on excessive materialism leads one to think that is most valuable and that is a lie. The writer speaks to having balance by not having too little and not having too much. All we ever really need in life is to just have our needs met. Excess serves no purpose. Jesus spoke to that in his example of the Lord’s prayer teaching the disciples to ask for just the needs of the day. Give us this day (today)our daily bread (needed sustenance). Children gain their values by observing our values which should reflect God’s values.
7. A gift of one on one time with a child can be so meaningful. How have you or might you bless a child you know like this?
—Having a large family of 12 grand children with 4 now married and their ages 8 to 31 many of them are living great distances away from us. It has been challenging to experience time together with them individually. But over the years God has given us occasional opportunities and we have continually looked for ways to be with our grand children and love on them. Last winter we spent 3 months with our Texas grandkids which is 1,000 miles away from us. We plan to go again for 3 months this winter right after Christmas. By going down and staying for the extended time we are able to speak love and encouragement into the lives of our adult grandchildren who live there and our 7 great grandsons are getting to know us as we love on them. All in all God has blessed our relationships with our family and we treasure the one on one times we have been privileged to have with some of them over the years. I have had some sweet individual times with granddaughters and my husband with grandsons as well. They all know we love Jesus and he is most important in our lives. We always try to encourage them toward faith in God. That is the heritage we desire to give them.
Your extended visit gives me inspiration to chew on. For mine are spread from Seattle to New York.
I love that you have that extended time with your family in Texas. You get to really know one another. I know three of my grandchildren well and the other three from afar. How I pray for ways to connect with them. I do stay in touch by text and have offered them plane fare to come visit. How I pray that they will.
Bev, I love this…Children gain their values by observing our values which should reflect God’s values.
1. Share one sight, happening, or song that brought wonder to your heart last week.
One sight in my neighborhood, filled my heart with joy. In East Coast has a tradition of having a candle in every window in the front (and often all of the windows) in their homes during Advent. I don’t know if any of my neighbors are Christians, but nearly every home in my small neighborhood has the candles. The seem to emphasize this over lots of outdoor house lights. I did this to my home too. It feels as though we are lighting a candle awaiting the Savior. I don’t know the history of this tradition, but I will look it up.
I also heard Silent Night and O Holy Night. Both of these beautiful Christmas songs speak to my heart. I love reading the history of the Carols (and also the hymns). Their rich history is so meaningful to me and it is something that the modern “chorus” songs don’t have.
Oh I love this, Patti. Window candles awaiting the Savior.
Yes Patti 🙂 I too love to read the history of some of the Christmas songs. Have you read “Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas” by Ace Collins? I especially love the long and fascinating story behind O Holy Night! Here is a very small excerpt via youtube that describes the culmination of what happened after many turbulent years with this controversial and beautiful song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1mkqSycrp0
Loved that story of O Holy Night — had not heard it!
Nila, Yes! I have that book right next to me right now! I love that book! Thank you for the link!! There is such wonderful history in the Christmas carols and old hymns!
Patti love this post and I always sang Silent Night to my kids and grandkids when they woke up in the night as I rocked them back to sleep.
Oh, I love that Julie! There is a children’s book on the story of Silent Night too. 🙂
Good idea Julie!
TUESDAY ~ Gift giving to children ~
We have seven granddaughters and three grandsons ranging from age 4 to 15.
I wanted to give the girls something that would stimulate their mind and heart to trust our Lord. Maybe its because I am getting older and the bottom of my hour glass is much heavier than the top. I wanted to find a way to remind them of what is true. The main idea is from Isaiah 43:2 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are Mine.” I ordered hand made bracelets with their names. I am giving them each a heart locket necklace with this verse reference inside. And each one will have this verse in a very small be-jeweled frame . I want them to know that He knows their name and that He sees them and hears them.
My gifts for the boys are still being figured out ~
Nila, what a great gift, and I also love that verse. The book of Isaiah has been on my mind a lot, so I need to start to study it in a deeper way.
What a wonderful idea, Nila!!! The perfect verse!
Nila I love your idea! Did you have to have them custom made or are they available online somewhere?
Laura,
The lockets were not custom made. I will just put the verse reference inside each locket in tiny print or on a tiny card inside each tiny gift box. I did have custom made bracelets made for each granddaughter with their name woven in. (Pura Vida takes custom orders. It took one month to receive my order but the bracelets just arrived and are beautiful.)
Laura,
The lockets were not custom made. I will just put the verse reference inside each locket in tiny print or on a tiny card inside each tiny gift box. I did have custom made bracelets made for each granddaughter with their name woven in. (Pura Vida takes custom orders. It took one month to receive my order but the bracelets just arrived and are beautiful.)
Tuesday: Gift Giving to Children
In Paul Tripp’s Advent devotional he writes how he loved Christmas and the trimmings, but he is particularly sad for our children. “The lie being actively promoted is how their lives will be made infinitely better by possessing a particular manufactured item.” We can give them so much more and also be wise about gift-giving.
5. Based on Agur’s prayer in Proverbs 30:8, what can you learn about the amount you give to a child at Christmas? – We don’t need to over give, we need to give just what is needed. This is so good. This came more apparent to me when I was a single mom of two boys. I didn’t have a lot of extra money to buy things for them. They got a little and what was needed. But what made it hard was them seeing how much more their friends were getting. When ‘Santa’ gave them so much and my boys got little. This was a huge eye opener and made me think more about how they were seeing it. Like Santa didn’t love them as much as the other kids. I didn’t want to burst their belief in Santa, who doesn’t like Santa, but as they were getting older, I told them what it was really about. The important thing about Christmas being the birth of Jesus.
6. Books that help children understand the wonder of Christmas are so good — I’d love to hear your recommendations for different ages. Here are my two favorites. I’d love some ideas for teens! Also, movie suggestions for children.
Toddler: This set of 5 is the very best I’ve seen for toddlers. This is volume 3, containing the Christmas story
Children (of any age)
Here are suggestions from The Gospel Coalition — I didn’t know any of them but if you do – -let us all know if you think one is wonderful: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/books-gifts-kids-christmas-2023/ – I haven’t seen any of these before either, but it is a very helpful list. I love giving books to my grandkids every year. How could they not like to read since their grandma loves to. 🙂 On a side note, as I was browsing this list and scrolling down, I found another article that jumped out that may help a new friend of mine. Thank you, Lord, for this list for kids and for me seeing this extra article at the end. God is good!
7. A gift of one-on-one time with a child can be so meaningful — Linda Strom’s grandmother planted seeds in her young heart with walks along the swamp — which Linda remembers as a beautiful stream, because of the love she felt and the treasures her grandmother told her. Her grandmother also pictured a bright future for her – -saying one day she would get on an airplane and go to Africa as a missionary — which she did. How have you or might you bless a child you know like this? – None of my grandkids are near us since we moved to Tennessee, but I pray the time I am with them that they will feel my love for Christ and for them. We talk or video call as much as possible with the schedules of everyone. Logan is our grandson who is 11 and has a very hard time knowing how to handle his emotions. He is very smart beyond his 11 years and it’s hard for him to realize that others may be right, and he may be wrong, but usually he isn’t. I showed him love and hopefully understanding when he was here for two weeks. We tried talking to him about the love of God, but he didn’t want to hear it which saddens me because he had been so excited to go to church with us before. I can only continue to pray, love and reach out with open arms to him and all my grandkids. God will hold them tight until they see how lovingly and gracious He really is.
That is so sad about Logan, at just 11, to be so resistant. Are his parents too? Will pray for Logan!
His parents seem to be a bit more open to it. I really think Logan’s ‘smarts’ hurts him to a point. He dissects everything to get to the bottom of how it all started. I will say, he does think about what you say and will just file it away.
Oh, dear Logan. I will pray for him!
Thanks Patti for praying for him. We appreciate them.
2. Meditate on John 1:14 in these translations. Ponder and share what it must have felt like for the disciples.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV)
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (MSG)
I cannot imagine what it must have been like to see the glory of God. Even reading these passages and looking at a night sky, always gives me a sense of deep awe and wonder. Did they know and understand what they saw? For Mary, she knew in her heart. What was it really like for her to ponder this gift that God had given her to be the mother of the Messiah. It is a humbling thought. Seeing the wonder in the sky of the Star. They knew it was something beyond their comprehension. The supernatural glory of God in a baby in a manger. Humble and pure from eternity through eternity. It is truly hard to our human minds to grasp. I thank God that I can still have a sense of wonder when read the Christmas story, when I hear the Christmas carols and take the days of Advent to reflect and soak in that our Mighty God came to earth, as a baby, to save our wretched and selfish souls for His kingdom. We only need to give our lives to Him. I need to do Christmas every day. How I am praying for my first year on the East Coast, to have Christ (not gifts) be the focus and center of the Celebration.
3. Was there a point in your life when you understood the baby in the manger was the God who created the world? If so, share. Or, share how you helped another understand this.
As a child, I loved the stories and carols of Christmas, and I truly believed in Jesus. I cannot remember when that realization came to me. I remember telling my mom that I loved to pray, but did not understand the words of the “rote” prayers, even the Lord’s Prayer, as a child. I wanted to know what the words meant. My mom and dad just told me that prayer was talking to Jesus and I could talk to Him in my own words. 🙂
4. In talking to a child about God’s greatest gift at Christmas, how would you explain in simple terms why Jesus left heaven and came down to “take on human flesh.”
I think this is a hard question! God loves us so much, He saw and He knew we needed His help. He sent His Son and He was perfect. He came and experienced life on earth like we do. He lived His life the way God wants us to live ours. This is why He can hear a child’s prayer and understand. He is perfect Love and He loves us no matter what we have done, so He will listen with a loving heart to the prayers of any one, especially a child.
Rabbit trail: Scott Peck did a book that does not explain Jesus, but it is a sweet story of a child’s wonder and of her seeing God’s love through a snowflake. It is a very old book, but a good story for 6-8yr.olds.
I think artists like you, Patti, have a deeper appreciate of the Lord’s artistry.
5. Based on Agur’s prayer in Proverbs 30:8, what can you learn about the amount you give to a child at Christmas?
Just enough. This is so hard in today’s world of material things. Every few years when our kids were little we would take a Christmas trip to get the focus off of the gifts. This is the year for us to do it again. We still have small things we give but I’m hoping the emphasis will be on the time together. Maybe playing cards, games, etc. and being together.
6. Books that help children understand the wonder of Christmas are so good — I’d love to hear your recommendations for different ages. Here are my two favorites. I’d love some ideas for teens!
These aren’t Christmas books, but they are books about being pure. I got the idea from Nancy DeMoss Wolgulmuth.
The Princess and the Kiss
https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Kiss-Story-Gods-Purity/dp/0871628686?dplnkId=059f9999-49f9-418b-952b-071357654918&nodl=1
The Squire and the Scroll
https://a.co/d/fcZNnVP
I like these suggestions for older children, Laura. Important values that can lead to conversations about God.
5. Based on Agur’s prayer in Proverbs 30:8, what can you learn about the amount you give to a child at Christmas?
We live in a time and a culture where it is hard to find and to give meaningful and lasting gifts. I love books and I do believe they are a lasting gift that can be life changing, if children are encouraged to read them. Gifts can easily become the focus of the day when there are too many.
6. Books that help children understand the wonder of Christmas are so good — I’d love to hear your recommendations for different ages. Here are my two favorites. I’d love some ideas for teens! Also, movie suggestions for children.
Now that my grandchildren are older, I have given them study Bibles, like the Evidence Bible. I have many Christmas books that are children’s books. I don’t think there is such a thing as having too many Christmas books. I also try to send a book with meaningful values, like “Make Your Bed” by Admiral William McCraven for my grandsons. One of my favorite books is “A Walk One Winter Night” by Al Andrews. It gives me good chills each time I read it. It is a short adult picture book. It is a beautiful message about the birth of Jesus, in our hearts.
7. A gift of one on one time with a child can be so meaningful — Linda Strom’s grandmother planted seeds in her young heart with walks along the swamp — which Linda remembers as a beautiful stream, because of the love she felt and the treasures her grandmother told her. Her grandmother also pictured a bright future for her – -saying one day she would get on an airplane and go to Africa as a missionary — which she did. How have you or might you bless a child you know like this?
Oh, I love this from Linda. Thank you, Dee. How I pray I can be that kind of grandmother. It truly is about building a loving relationship.
I think the one on one gift of time is the best gift ever. And to tell and write to our grandkids about how we see their wonderful traits, especially their love for God and others…and every deed that do can be life changing for themselves and for others. The idea of a Christian legacy is something I try to explain to them, especially when they do something for Jesus or for others. Ronny and used to talk about this and he did it with his students. Maybe it is too sophisticated a thought for little ones, but it can change the world. There is a book called “The Butterfly Effect” by Andy Andrews. It is really an adult book and a short read, but demonstrates how every thing we do can change the world over time. It can open up discussions that lead to Jesus.
Wednesday: Movie Discussions with Families
8. Watch the above:
A. What do you like and what don’t you like and why?
—It is well done but after going back to Luke and reading the account I would still tend to think that he came to where she lived and approached her with what was a formal but unusual greeting. Not just a vision of sorts. But I realize that was possible. What he said in his greeting troubled her and he responded by reassuring her to not be afraid because of God.
I appreciate in the clip that she heard and perceived her messenger and the message to be from God. And she accepted it. For me that is a picture of faith. She chose to place her faith in God’s Word as it was given to her. I think too it reflects her understanding of the coming Messiah and the prophecy surrounding him.
I did wonder as I watched and still wonder what she experienced as the Holy Spirit filled her being and the Most High God overshadowed her. In Psalm 91:1 it says “those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” There had to be a peace and joy in her own spirit surrounding those events.
B. Why is it important that we understand the virgin birth?
—Because it ties directly to the holiness of Jesus. As the son of God he was without the inherent sin of man’s flesh. Mary’s body was host to the incarnation of Jesus. He had to be perfectly sinless in order to be the perfect sacrifice for our sin.
C. How would you explain how it happened to a teenager?
— I realize that our culture views having babies by a teenager as unacceptable. But to apply that to when Jesus was born is a lack of understanding both of the culture and the realities of the times in which Mary lived. In that time when a girl reached child bearing age it was considered time for her to be prepared for marriage. In her culture she would have begun preparations toward that end. Mary had already been “betrothed” or engaged to be married to Joseph. I think teenagers in that time were far better taught and prepared for the responsibilities of life than in today’s world particularly in the Jewish culture.
I too wonder what she experienced when the Holy Spirit overshadowed her!
Love the Psalm 91 reference, Bev. Yes, what did she experience. It had to be profound.
I wrote something similar to your #8. But I wonder if Mary’s spirit leapt like John the Baptist did in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary approached?
7. A gift of one on one time with a child can be so meaningful — Linda Strom’s grandmother planted seeds in her young heart with walks along the swamp — which Linda remembers as a beautiful stream, because of the love she felt and the treasures her grandmother told her. Her grandmother also pictured a bright future for her – -saying one day she would get on an airplane and go to Africa as a missionary — which she did. How have you or might you bless a child you know like this?
I’m not sure if this counts, but my husband and I travel with the grands a lot. We love to see our beautiful country up close and personal. We used to have our boat in Maine and would go there on the weekends. We would sleep on it. It was fun. We go to Florida each spring break to our time share. We swim and play together. It’s also fun. We usually drive everywhere we go. It’s hard but also time together. Cooper has even been to Canada and met Diane here on the blog! Spending time together is important.
Those trips DEFINITELY COUNT – -HUGE!
Time is love. The BEST gift we can share. I love this, Laura!!
Memories are the best gifts I think.
1st Sunday of Advent:
1. Share one sight, happening, or song that brought wonder to your heart last week.
The study for this week is so timely for me as my husband, a few parents, and I are preparing for a Children’s Christmas program next Sunday. We had our initial practice last week and wonder filled my soul as I led the kids through the Christmas story in sign language and narration. These kids are our future generation. As I looked at each child, ranging in age from 3-13, I marveled at how unique and special they are all in their ways. I pray they will come to know the love of Christ.
What precious gifts you are teaching these children, Bing.
So good, Bing! Children are the fertile field of evangelism. Time so well spent.
Wednesday: Movie Discussions with Families
Hallmark movies are feel-good movies but Christ-less movies. If you watch one, talk about what is missing and how they are trying to fill their God-shaped void. – I used to watch Hallmark movies all the time, but I don’t really watch them anymore. They are always the same story line, different place and different people that all end with a happy ending. They all seem to have whatever it is that helps them fix their own problems. They never seem to turn to God for guidance or help. But sadly, we don’t always get a happy ending. Things don’t always turn out the way we would like them to. They just seem fake to me now.
There are some wonderful movies about the Lord. I do think The Chosen’s Christmas Movie about the Shepherd is excellent for conversations. I also like to show the beginning of Jesus of Nazareth — I believe they captured the wonder of Mary.
8. Watch the above: the beginning of Jesus of Nazareth
A. What do you like and what don’t you like and why? – Watching this opening, I think if anyone was to walk in and see her, they would think she is crazy. When you look at Luke 1:26-38 it appears to be more figure like and with an audible voice. I never thought of this before until watching this clip again. It really couldn’t have been a person coming to her, but more spirit or sensing that someone was there with her. Just like feelings I get when I’ve done something I shouldn’t or when I need to be doing something and I’m not. I get a sense or thought in my head that I feel is from God. My thinking on this clip is it’s a long conversation to have in your head. But it made me realize to really consider the thoughts that I have and look deeper into them and sense the presence of God along with them.
B. Why is it important that we understand the virgin birth? – I think we really need to make ourselves and others aware that we as humas are not qualified to carry and birth the Savior of the world. We are too sinful in nature and deed and only a virgin and the Holy Spirit who is unblemished, untarnished could carry out this miraculous deed. We needed an untarnished Savior, one who is free from sin to take our place, or it wouldn’t have made a difference. Anyone of us could have been placed on that cross if Jesus didn’t come to take away our sins.
C. How would you explain how it happened to a teenager? – Oh man, Dee you are really making us think this week :). If I was talking to a teenager who is a Christian, I think it would be much easier to explain how Mary was righteous and sinless in God’s eyes and was chosen to carry our Savior, but no human male qualified to be his father, so the Holy Spirit, part of the Trinity was needed. If I said this same thing to a non-Christian teenager, I think they would look at me dumbfounded and think I was crazy.
9. Many watch “It’s A Wonderful Life.” A favorite sermon of Keller’s of mine we might revisit is Myth Became Fact. He quotes Tolkien who says that every story that moves the heart does so because it points to the true story that was before the dawn of time and takes us, however shakily, toward the true harbor. In what way might a movie like “It’s A Wonderful Life” do that? And how might it be a bit shakily off? – I never watched It’s A Wonderful Life. I’ve seen only bits and pieces and not long enough to even be able to comment.
10. What Christmas movies do you love and why? – My favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas. I have a place in my heart for our troops and it makes me sad to think they are away from loved ones but brings me joy to see how they all come together from different parts of the country as one. And it shows how much respect and love they have for one another to do what they can to bring peace and joy in a time of sorrow.
Love your thoughtful answers, Julie!! Amen, These are tough questions to ponder!
So true on Hallmark.
Love making you think! 🙂
Interesting on White Christmas.
Just heard a review of the new movie on Mary streaming on Netflix. Mary, rather than Jesus, is honored. Gabriel appears to Mary’s mother to tell her Mary is going to be born!!!
Interesting on the Mary movie. I’ll have to look for it and see what it’s all about.
Thursday: Getting Help with Music
I love the two specials The Gospel Coalition did during Covid — and they have become something I watch for my own heart each year.
11. Have you seen them? If so, do you recommend them or remember any particular segment? – I don’t think I’ve seen either of them. Are they part of what’s above in Thursday’s clip?
12. Take a beloved Christmas carol you might teach to your children and explain why you chose it and how the lyrics might help them grasp who Jesus really is. – I mentioned in one of my other answers that I used to sing Silent Night to my kids and grandkids as I rocked them back to sleep. I just feel hope and peace knowing that all is calm, and our Savior was born, and at birth he was Jesus, Lord at thy birth. From the very beginning, from his very first breath, he was our Savior and Lord. Everyone that got a glimpse of him knew that everything would be ok, and that glory and peace were ours through Jesus.
13. My two favorite Christmas albums are Michael Card’s The Promise and Sara Groves 1st one. How about you? – I don’t have a favorite Christmas album, but I love having my Christmas music pop up while I listen to Pandora on shuffle mode.
Yes, Julie — that’s one short clip. It’s mostly music, but also a couple of narrations like that one.
8 A. What do you like and what don’t you like and why?
Mary does seem a bit frightened and overwhelmed at first. I can imagine it would be totally overwhelming. I liked that the room was filled with light and filled with the Holy Spirit.
B. Why is it important that we understand the virgin birth?
It confirms the truth of the scriptures and the foretelling of the birth of the Savior from the Old Testament. It was truly a miracle. God incarnate.
C. How would you explain how it happened to a teenager?
She was chosen by God for this very purpose. She was pure and untouched. God knew her heart.
9. Many watch “It’s A Wonderful Life.” A favorite sermon of Keller’s of mine we might revisit is Myth Became Fact. He quotes Tolkien who says that every story that moves the heart does so because it points to the true story that was before the dawn of time and takes us, however shakily, toward the true harbor. In what way might a movie like “It’s A Wonderful Life” do that? And how might it be a bit shakily off?
I think “It’s A Wonderful Life” shows that each of us has value and purpose.
10. What Christmas movies do you love and why?
I always like “A Christmas Carol” and “Narnia”. Both show hope and redemption, though there is no reference to Christ in “A Christmas Carol”, there is redemption and hope. I especially love ” Narnia” because it does point to the true story!
Narnia — esp Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe would be a great one to watch with grandchildren and to talk about!
Ok, once I’m done reading this 3-book series, I’m jumping into Narnia. It’s been coming up a lot. 🙂
8. Watch the above:
A. What do you like and what don’t you like and why?
I like the light which represents the angel. However, I want him to talk! It makes me uncomfortable that it’s as if she is talking to nothing. The Bible does give voice to the angel because he says to not be afraid and gives her the information. Not sure why it’s silent 🤷🏻♀️
B. Why is it important that we understand the virgin birth?
To know that He really came from God, not man.
C. How would you explain how it happened to a teenager?
I guess (maybe) a teen would be open minded and have more faith than an adult who was more “jaded?”
9. Many watch “It’s A Wonderful Life.” A favorite sermon of Keller’s of mine we might revisit is Myth Became Fact. He quotes Tolkien who says that every story that moves the heart does so because it points to the true story that was before the dawn of time and takes us, however shakily, toward the true harbor. In what way might a movie like “It’s A Wonderful Life” do that? And how might it be a bit shakily off?
I haven’t really watched that movie completely through (!). But I do know the premise of it. George is a rich man who doesn’t know God. He ends up knowing Him when he is down on his luck. I think that is the more “truthful” part. Not sure of the shaky part though. The ringing bell where an “angel gets its wings?” Or is there an “angel” portrayed by a man in the movie? Not sure.
10. What Christmas movies do you love and why?
All time favorite is White Christmas because of the dancing (of course). The characters are trying to do a good deed by helping their old General from army days. Nice sentiment.
Second is “A Muppet Christmas Carol. They are adorable and the music is awesome! Love Michael Caine too. It’s the original Scrooge who learns that people are more important than money. Another good message.
White Christmas is mine too Laura, pretty much for the same reason 🙂
Oh, yes! “White Christmas” is one we always watch too! Love it! And I love love love “A Muppet Christmas Carol”. It is sweet!
Thank you for the reminders of these Laura and Julie!
11. Have you seen them? If so, do you recommend them or remember any particular segment?
I watched some, one year. My favorite was the “Christ” piece by Poor Bishop Hooper. I have shared it with others.
https://youtu.be/SXyrGGGIZSM?si=b1ClwG-MGdhAWe05
12. Take a beloved Christmas carol you might teach to your children and explain why you chose it and how the lyrics might help them grasp who Jesus really is.
The grands and I are singing this Saturday for our yearly Christmas concert at church. We have been practicing one of the pieces that I am singing; “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” It a very gospelly version and we have had fun with it. it tells the story of the greatest night in history. Thank You Jesus, for giving us eternal life. Thank You for taking our sins on Yourself. The alternative is too ghastly to imagine. Amen.
Go, tell it on the mountain,over the hills and everywhere.Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
While shepherds kept their watching over silent flocks by night,behold throughout the heavens,there shone a holy light.
Go, tell it on the mountain,over the hills and everywhere.Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
The shepherds feared and trembledwhen lo! above the earthrang out the angel chorus that hailed our Saviour’s birth.
Go, tell it on the mountain,over the hills and everywhere.Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
Down in a lowly manger our humble Christ was born,and God sent us salvation,that blessed Christmas morn.
Go, tell it on the mountain,over the hills and everywhere.Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
When I am a seeker,I seek both night and day.I seek the Lord to help me, and He shows me the way.
Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.
He made me a watchman upon the city wall, and if I am a Christian,I am the least of all.
Go, tell it on the mountain,over the hills and everywhere.Go, tell it on the mountainthat Jesus Christ is born
13. My two favorite Christmas albums are Michael Card’s The Promise and Sara Groves 1st one. How about you?
I don’t typically listen to any one artist, rather many. I love the Carpenters; her voice is amazing. The other group/song that makes me smile is For King and Country, Little Drummer Boy. I love their whole “shtick!” They have a movie of their Christmas concert this year. I have not seen it. Yet!
13. My two favorite Christmas albums are Michael Card’s The Promise and Sara Groves 1st one. How about you?
—Without a doubt “Behold The Lamb” by Andrew Peterson is one of my top favorites. My husband and I listen to it every year. Since the Covid year we have listened annually to his simulcast with family and close friends who introduced us to Andrew Peterson’s music so many years ago.
And being a Nebraskan we have to listen to Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis as well. 😊 His Christmas albums are a delight to listen to.
Friday: Getting Help with Chewing on Scripture
14. Comments on the above image?
—The image is mesmerizing in its serene beauty. The child is resting in peace and perfection. How can it be that the God of the universe submitted Himself to a tiny body “small-folded in a warm, dim female space”?? I say that with wonder.
15. John 1:1-3
—Jesus created everything there is that is physical and at the point of his own conception he entered into his creation where a physical body was created just like all others with a beginning that was truly flesh. The mystery of it is so very deep.
16. Genesis 1:1-3
—“The light of the World eclipsed in amniotic gloom.” The phrase that comes to my mind is “veiled in flesh”. In Genesis the light of Jesus was the first light that illuminated the world.
When God said let there be light it was his light that was loosed upon the world. Then he subdued his light for a time in a fleshly human body at the incarnation.
17. Proverbs 8:27-36
—This is fascinating to me in that I have never thought of these verses as the person of Jesus speaking. I have viewed that proverb only in the context of Wisdom being the voice talking there, knowing all wisdom is from God, but it takes on a whole new light to see it as Jesus speaking and being in concert with God his Father as part of Creation.
I love verses 30 & 31.
“I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!”
Jesus can truly rejoice with humanity because He is truly one of us.
I love that line from Hark the Herald: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Deity — that, I understand, is Charles Wesley 2nd favorite hymn. The first is And Can It Be?
Friday: Getting Help with Chewing on Scripture
Tim Keller says the word meditating in Psalm 1 is like a cow chewing and chewing. It’s easy to gloss over familiar passages. To close this week, I’m taking 3 that have to do with Jesus being with God the Father at creation. Chew on them and share what you see and any new insights that might help you seize the wonder. Luci Shaw’s poem Made Flesh has increased my wonder — here are a few of her thoughts I put next to a baby in the womb for you to “chew on.” I recommend Luci Shaw’s small book: A Widening Light — Poems of the Incarnation in which “Made Flesh” is one of many beautiful poems to increase your wonder.
14. Comments on the above image? – I have to remind myself that Jesus was born from a womb, just like we were. His conception may have been different but he was born with flesh and blood. Born into a world of chaos and sin and would bring him to his ultimate death on the cross for us. He was born with a purpose in place and already known. I was born and still wonder sometime what my purpose is.
15. John 1:1-3 – Jesus was, is and will always be a part of this world. The trinity was always there. It’s hard for some to believe that everything they see was made from God with Jesus. Science is good and has helped us to grow and develop, but people just can’t believe that the world was created by someone they can’t see. I don’t remember who told me it, but the said when people doubt that God and Jesus are real, they ask that person if they believe they have a brain. The person will of course say yes, and they will respond back, well you can’t see your brain so how do you know for sure. It has made me think and see things so much differently now.
16. Genesis 1:1-3 – It’s all created by God. The world had no form or light. He changed the shape of the world and created the light so we would not be in darkness. The Holy Spirit of God was right there hovering over the water and seeing along with God that it was all good.
17. Proverbs 8:27-36 – God’s Word is amazing and so enlightening. If we pause and slow down to read it, we will see the presence of the God and the forward motion to Jesus. It all points to Jesus. His purpose, his mission, was to save the world and all of us in it. But there will be those who continue to turn away from him and it won’t be for a lack of trying. Jesus is patient, kind and all loving and he was there from the beginning. He saw before he was even born, all that was happening and why He had to come and save us.
Good analogy with the brain.
I love all of your responses Julie! We cannot see the wind either! We cannot see “love”. But we can experience these things! I love that the world has design. This truly speaks of a creator!
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs to listen to by the Sidewalk Prophets called “What a Glorious Night” It is a very upbeat song that starts with the scripture from Luke read by a child from Charlie Brown’s Christmas.
https://open.spotify.com/track/5bqOOAX09ooVoHIQRCrdIV?si=oVKqNHNVQXKTUi8EcmxIjw
Thank you for the link, Bev. This is really cute!!
14. Comments on the above image?
Is it real or computer generated?? It’s looks unreal to me. So cool though!
Years ago, Dee asked us to memorize this passage (1-14). I had been reading through the bible that year and had just read Proverbs 8. When I read these verses to begin memorizing, I was struck that I had read this before but couldn’t remember where I had read it (in the Bible). Then I realized it was in Proverbs 8! As I started to research I got the best idea I have ever had with respect to choreography. I was dancing, at the time, with a young woman who was into improv modern dance. I am a more classical ballerina. I thought she could choreograph the OT Proverbs scripture and I could choreograph the NT John scripture and we could go back and forth between the two scriptures. We used 2 readers, one for John and one for Proverbs. We had about 10-12 dancers and it turned out to be the best thing I have ever done! Here is the Proverbs scripture. I am going to try to find the video from the service and I will post it for you to watch. we did it for our 125th anniversary back in. I think 2015.
““The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth, before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world. When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep, when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.”
Proverbs 8:22-31 ESV
15. John 1:1-3
God the Father, and God the Son have always been together! I thought of this (choreography) as a swirling, dusty “mess” with calm in the center of the swirl. I had three dancers “pass” the Word to each other. We all ended in a diagonal line with our heads and hand lifted to heaven.
16. Genesis 1:1-3
I love the idea that God, the Spirit, hovered over the dark surface and waters and then there was the light.
17. Proverbs 8:27-36
Hahaha! I hadn’t looked at the scriptures before I wrote the post above! I only go to 31 in the dance. Again our three-fold God is together from the beginning.
My favorite part of the dance is “…I was daily His delight…”
I remember I loved your dance! And I too love — I was daily His delight
Monday: The Wonder of the Incarnation
2. Meditate on John 1:14 in these translations. Ponder and share what it must have felt like for the disciples.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (ESV)
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (MSG)
3. Was there a point in your life when you understood the baby in the manger was the God who created the world? If so, share. Or, share how you helped another understand this.
I have been in awe at the wonder of the Christ child in a manger being my Creator to an increasing degree as I grow older. But I believe that the penny dropped fully in this blog. This is where “the wonder it all” (George Beverly Shea) has fully sunk in. Kind of like Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice when she was asked when she knew she loved Mr. Darcy. (Smile). Her reply:” I don’t know. It has come on so gradually.” Indeed, God has been patient with me. The truth of the Word, as magnificent as our Creator condescending himself to becoming flesh, dwelling here on earth in human form, dying for me makes my heart swell in gratitude and often brings tears of gratitude.
4. In talking to a child about God’s greatest gift at Christmas, how would you explain in simple terms why Jesus left heaven and came down to “take on human flesh.”
I do not remember how I explained this to our daughter when she was a child. I have used the Navigator Wheel illustration before with adults. And the Cru’s 4 spiritual laws.
This is a good question, Dee, and much to ponder on. I guess it depends on how old they are. “Jesus is God in heaven. He looked down on earth and saw that people are not being and doing what He thinks they should do. This is called sin and has separated us from God the Father’s love. Because God does not want us separated from Him, He sent His son to pay for our sins. So, Jesus left heaven and came to earth and became human like the rest of us so He could die for our sins so we do not have to be separated from God.
https://youtu.be/MyCUBRPb_QU?si=i2LbY3YdpFjptW47