Come this time of the year, there’s always a lot of talk about the “true spirit of Christmas” that everyone needs to have. But before we can actually have it, I think that this statement begs that we truly answer the question, “What is the true spirit of Christmas?” And as parents, how can we pass that spirit on to our children during this special time of the year
I believe that the true spirit of Christmas can and should be found primarily in and through the true meaning of Christmas – God giving His Son as a gift to the world. Here are some simple ways to help your family understand this in the coming weeks leading up to Christmas. As a family, emphasize:
A Spirit of GENEROSITY…
On Christmas Day, God gave the world the greatest gift, His only Son, knowing the great cost that this gift would require. Yet, God in His love, willingly made this ultimate sacrifice of generosity for us.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
While giving requires a receiver, and it is a blessing to be on the receiving end, it is important for us to remind our children that the true spirit of Christmas is one of giving, not receiving. Jesus Himself said it, that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). May we help our family to find practical ways to be generous this season.
A Spirit of GRATITUDE…
Our attitude reflects our gratitude, especially during the Christmas season. And the greatest response that anyone can give for what Jesus has done is to give genuine thanks and praise. Because the gift that was given to us on Christmas was more than just any ordinary gift. It was a gift of the true spirit of Christmas wrapped in a person.
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
As you enjoy your Christmas season together as a family, remember to emphasize an ongoing mindset of gratitude for God’s goodness through Jesus. Maybe even keep a running daily list of things your family is thankful for that come through the unspeakable gift of Jesus.
A Spirit of GRACE…
The Christmas season is a time to show grace to others as it has been shown first to us. This requires a willingness to see the best in others just as God saw in us. He saw what we deserved, but instead, He gave us grace. He saw something valuable in us. He saw something more important than Him being right and us being wrong. He saw something worth sacrificing for. This is the true spirit of Christmas.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Christmas time is such a perfect opportunity to show our kids what grace truly looks like, whether that be with them personally, with family or in-laws who are sure to push some buttons, or with complete strangers in need of grace during this season. May our changed lives be a reflection of our changed hearts, not only at Christmas but always.
What could you do as a family this month to emphasize these three simple things that are the true spirit of Christmas? Maybe start by simply sitting down as a family with an open Bible and discussing these three things and their accompanying verses. Then discuss ways to put feet to your words.
May the True Spirit of Christmas be yours this season!
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Godly Parent.
Featured Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
