Can you believe it? Christmas time is here! What an incredible privilege we have to share about God's amazing Gift -- Jesus -- in Sunday School! As we think about celebrating the holidays in our classes, let's remember a few things...
1. Exalt Jesus Christ and minimize Santa, elves and North Pole. While we are not going to tell children that Santa is pretend (that's for their parents to do), redirect the fantasy conversations back to Jesus and his reality here on earth. Tell the story again and again of Jesus' birth. Talk about Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, the wisemen...remind the children that the miracle of Christmas is Immanuel, God with us.
2. Reclaim Christmas symbols by associating them with Christian truth. Santa Claus is fun, but the story of the real Saint Nicolas is amazing and points to Jesus. Try reading Santa: Are you for real? by Harold Myra published by Thomas Nelson in 1997. Christmas trees and candy canes are everywhere. Consider reading The Pine Tree Parable (Liz Curtis Higgs, 2002) or The Candy Makers Gift (David and Helen Haidle, 1996). These books take the traditional symbols of Christmas and help the children understand their spiritual significance.
3. Provide opportunities to serve. Think of ways that your class can serve others this Christmas. Through a handmade card, a craft or a visit to the nursing home, teach your children how to put the needs of others before their own wants. When your students start listing off their Christmas wish lists, ask them what they are giving to others this year.
4. Model a life of worship. This season can be so busy that we neglect spending time at our Savior's feet. Take time to enjoy Immanuel's presence in your own life, then you can more freely share His gift with your children.
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