By Kirsty Gilpin
October 15, 2009
Many of us probably have a story book image of what Christmas should be like in our home. We may imagine warm family gatherings, cheerful children, abundant food, and enough presents to fill everyone’s material desires.
Unfortunately, our perfect image usually falls short as we become anxious about putting all our Christmas plans together, feeling the financial stress of paying for everything, dealing with squabbling children, ands of family members.
As we approach the Christmas season take time to teach your children three important P’s of biblical instruction: prayer, peace, and more importantly, we can become more Christ-like as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
Cultivate Prayer
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2.
Prayer is fundamental to the Christian life. Pray specifically for issues that you will encounter during the Christmas season. Pray for guidance about purchases you will make and for the plans you may have for spending time with relatives.
Also pray that you will be a witness to others who may not know Christ as Savior. Prayer is the way to ensure that God will strengthen and guide you during the Christmas season.
Cultivate Peace
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19.
Having peace in our families, in our church, and differences, ask God to help you focus on things that will bring everyone closer together.
Cultivate Patience
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 .
Patience is an important Christian virtue. Ask God to give you and with those you come into contact with during the Christmas season.
In the weeks to come demand your family have a more joyful Christmas season!
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Kirsty Gilpin lives in Lakeland home-schools their two young children.