The 25 Days of
Christmas Devotional Blog post
Description
Many of us get caught up in the commercialization of
Christmas. One way to prevent that is to focus on the reason for the season.
Taking a few minutes each day with this different kind of devotional book will
help your family think of others. Each day focuses on one word and includes a
story from Daniel and Holly's family, a Scripture reading with the devotional,
the YouTube link to a Christmas Carol, and an activity that the entire family can
be involved in.
Reviews
"We love it! You posted it just the right time. God's
providence!"
"My kids love it! Especially the song and the
activity."
"The kids like to read the verses during the devotional
part. It has been a good way to get the whole family involved."
Bio
Ruth O’Neil has been a freelance writer for 20-plus years.
She sees everything as a writing opportunity in disguise, whether it is an
interesting character, setting, or situation. You can find her book series
“What a Difference a Year Makes” on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or her website (http://ruthoneil.weebly.com/). You can
also visit her on her blog at http://ruths-real-life.blogspot.com/.
When she’s not writing or homeschooling her kids, Ruth spends her time
quilting, reading, scrapbooking, camping and hiking with her family.
Links
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RuthONeilAutho
Excerpt
Advent
Story
"I
have a surprise for you kids," Mom said as soon as Daniel and Holly walked
in the door after school.
"What?"
They both wanted to know.
"Follow
me," Mom requested as she walked toward the family room.
Two-year-old
Evie followed along behind, clapping her hands and giggling.
"She
must know what the secret is," Daniel commented to Holly.
Holly
laughed when Evie shouted, "Sec-et! Sec-et!"
Mom
smiled as well. "That's her new word for the day."
Then
Mom held up a box that had a bunch of what looked like little doors.
Twenty-five of them to be exact. They each had a number.
"What's
that?" Daniel asked.
"It's
an Advent calendar. Each day we'll open one. Behind each door is a treat for
each of you and a word we can talk about to help us prepare for
Christmas."
"Can
we open one now?" Holly wanted to know.
"You
may." Mom pointed to the first door.
"Advent,"
Holy read after she took out three small candies and handed one to Daniel and
Evie.
"Advent
is all about the days leading up to Christmas. We can talk about what Christmas
really means and prepare our hearts to worship Christ."
"Why
did Jesus have to come to earth as a baby? Why couldn't He come as a
grown-up?" Daniel wondered as he picked up the baby Jesus from the
Nativity set.
"Well,
Jesus needed time to prepare, too. He needed to experience all the things we
experience. He experienced what it was like to grow up, have a family and
friends, and be tempted by sin just like the rest of us. No matter what
problems we face in life, Jesus truly understands."
"But
I thought Jesus was perfect and never sinned?" Holly questioned.
Mom
nodded her head. "He was perfect. He didn't ever sin, but He still went
through a lot of the same things we do. Because He lived a perfect and sinless
life, that's what made Him a suitable sacrifice for our sins. Only a perfect
Man could pay the price for us."
Daniel
and Holly didn't say anything. For a few moments, the only sound heard was Evie
slurping her candy and quietly repeating, "Sec-et."
Mom
continued. "God had to prepare the world for Salvation to come in the form
of His Son, Jesus. It wouldn't happen overnight. It would take Jesus' entire
life time here on earth."
Daniel,
always the one who wanted to learn more, said, "I think this will be
interesting."
"I
think this will be fun," Holly gave her opinion.
"I
think it will help prepare us all and help us to understand Christmas just a
little bit better."
Devotion
Read
Matthew 25:1-13
This man was
righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy
Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he
would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:25b-26
Advent is a time of preparation. The Christmas
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. Many families, especially those
with young children, have Advent calendars. Each day the children get to open a
door, receive a little gift, or remove an object in the countdown for and in
anticipation of Christmas.
Children, for the most part, look forward to
Christmas because of the gifts they will receive. That’s not a bad thing, but
we as adults, should have a much deeper anticipation of Christmas. We take the
time to buy and wrap gifts, prepare food, clean the house for guests, buy new
outfits, attend parties, etc. But how much time do we put into meditating on
the actual birth of Christ and worshipping Him?
Many years, at least in our household, we spend
time putting up the tree and decorating it, only to ignore it. We more often
than not, sit in the room with the TV. Unfortunately, that’s often the way we
are with God as well. We accept Him as Savior. We attend church on Sundays.
Other than that, we pretty much ignore Him, too.
This Christmas, in anticipation of the
celebration of His birth, let’s focus on Him a little more throughout the
month. Let’s prepare our hearts by reflecting on why He came to earth.
Christmas will be that much more special when we
focus on the true Reason for the Season.
Activity
This
activity will take some extra planning. Get together as a family; you can even
invite your extended family members to take part in this one as well. Choose a
family that is in need; try to find a specific need if possible. Gather
together money to give to that family for the specific need that they have. If
possible, try not to let them know where their Christmas gift is coming from.
That makes it all the more exciting for both them and you.
Song - The
Twelve Days of Christmas (How I Want to Sing)
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2 comments:
Looks like a great Christmas Devotional for families to use with the true focus of Christmas.
Thanks for having me today, Laura. And, Marilyn, I hope it does help families focus on Christmas and Christ.
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