I can’t believe it is officially Chistmas time! This morning, at breakfast, my family began our Christmas devotioal: the Jesse tree. Unlike other times, the message really hit me hard. Additionally, it was a very sweet time for my family. My 6 and 7-year-old brothers often have difficulty sitting quietly, but this occasion was different. Gathered around the table, we read the devotional together. It related how God created the universe and our sin not only separated us from Him, but broke His heart because we rejected and disobeyed our holy, perfect God, who’s command was for our good. We then listened to some verses in the Bible. This afternoon, reflecting on our family time studying God’s Word, four things come to mind about why you should start a Christmas devotional with your family.
Number 1: The Importance of the Gospel Story
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This verse means that the only way to be forgiven for our sins, have our relationship with God restored, and be with Him in Heaven one day is by believing that Jesus is who He said He was. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17). Doing a Christmas devotional with your family will help remind everybody of the Gospel and its improtance for not only Christmas, but all the time.
Number 2: The Importance of Studying God’s Word
There is no Truth, except for God’s Word. In effect, the only way we can know the Truth is by reading God’s Word. His Spirit, living in us, can then help us discern what is good and True in God’s eyes when we go about our daily lives. It is so important to share this Truth with your family and study it together. Everyone in your family can learn what God says is true as a result. (See Ephesians 4:15-16 and verse 25, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”)
Number 3: The Spirit Brings Unity
The Spirit of God unifies believers (Ephesians 4:1-6). Jesus said that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). When we gather with our families to focus on Jesus, He promises to be there with us. Sin didn’t just destroy our relationship with God, it destroyed our relationships with each other. Although conflict and sin won’t end until Jesus comes back, His Spirit can bring unity between our families. It might require time and willing sacrifice on our part, but He can heal relationships and establish peace in the home if we draw near to Him.
Number 4: Family Is the Biggest Ministry
Families are designed by God. They are the most important ministries there are. The Bible says that children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior (Psalm 127:4-5). It is a parent’s responsibility to teach their kids about God. Guess what? Christmas is the perfect opportunity to gather your family, read a Christmas devotional, and study God’s Word together!
How?
Here are a few simple steps and suggestions: Acquire a Bible and devotional book or study guide. Make sure whatever you choose includes Scripture within its content or has Bible verses to read alongside it. (Take a look at The Advent Jesse Tree, the devotional my family is doing for Christmas.) Get into God’s Word (We can’t know the Truth without it.)! Commit to working through your family’s devotional whenever you have time. Whether its around a table, after a meal, in the car, or in the evening before bed or tv time, take the time with your family together and remember how great our God is! He loved us so much (not because of anything we had done) that He sent His Son, Jesus, from heaven to earth as a baby to redeem and restore all those who believe in Him!
