Year after year, my inbox overflows with free Christmas printables, DIY Advent calendar ideas, and Christmas cookie recipes from various websites to which I have subscribed. The gentle winter breeze in Delhi sets the stage for the season with bustling Christmas markets and lively melas. The kids begin their enthusiastic calls to set up the Christmas tree. Office Secret Santa rounds are in full swing and bakers work tirelessly to meet the demand for plum cakes and cookies. But in all this activity, how can we lead our children to see Christ in the Christmas season?
Recognise the Distractions
For the past few years, December has become one of the busiest seasons of our lives. It often feels like being part of a race, running at high speed, with time refusing to pause. It is full of endless events, rehearsals, traffic jams, shopping sprees, dinner gatherings, gift preparations, and parties. While it can be physically exhausting, the kids delight in the whims and fancies that this season brings.
Honestly, as a parent, I eagerly anticipate seeing my little ones all dressed up as Mary or angels for the nativity skit—singing and dancing to lively carols. We cannot wait to secretly wrap their gifts and record their excited expressions when they open them. But the truth is, I can get so lost in the rhythm of celebration that I almost run out of breath to pause and celebrate the true star of Christmas.
Keep the Gospel at the Heart of It
When I reflect on my childhood Christmas memories, I recall my family spending days baking cakes and preparing gifts. We shared them with families at church and around our neighbourhood. The festive activities took centre stage, and I did not really understand why my parents did what they did.
All that changed one particular Christmas when I witnessed a family who added something truly special. Every Christmas Eve, they gathered as a family and recounted the gospel story. Watching them transformed my perspective. That Christmas, the gospel hit me in a fresh and profound way.
It reminded me of God’s instructions to parents about leading our children: “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deut. 11:18-19).
Rejoice in the Gospel Story
The familiar nativity story we rehearse every year takes on life when we intentionally fix our gaze on Jesus. It is an opportunity to remind our children, and ourselves, of the incredible power of his birth, life, death, and redemptive work on the cross.
Mary’s song of praise often resonates in my heart during this season: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. . . His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:46-48, 50).
God calls us to glorify him, to rejoice in our Saviour, and to reflect on his mercy—leading our children to remember that all our celebrations are rooted in God’s greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.
Sharing the gospel with our children, year after year, allows God to work in their hearts in ways we may never fully comprehend. And one day, God willing, they too will sing with joy, just as Mary did.
Embrace the Mission of God
Over the years, our family has transitioned from simply enjoying the festivities to actively participating in the mission of God. Every year, the season provides us with new opportunities to participate in outreach events hosted by our church.
We get “hands-on” with celebrating Christmas and enjoy sharing the gospel with hundreds of people who walk through the doors of our church. It is the highlight of our Christmas celebrations that people who have never heard about Jesus get a chance to listen to the gospel story.
Leading Our Children into a Legacy of Faith
In the future, when our children think about their Christmas memories, I pray that the only legacy they treasure is the legacy of faith. I pray they will remember and treasure that they were part of the great commission, in their own big or small ways.
As parents, we dream of our children thriving in life and growing to achieve great things. But our greatest desire for them should be that they cherish the gospel and love God deeply.
Christmas reminds us that God, in his infinite love, sent his only Son to save the world. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of his redemptive plan. For generations to come, the good news of the Messiah’s arrival will remain the central anthem of this season. Jesus is, and always will be, the reason we celebrate Christmas. May that be the reason our children love the season too.
