December 5, 2024
THE LION'S ROAR
11
The fun holiday traditions and time with family are amazing! However, for many Christians Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the salvation that He brought to the world.
We also asked our Faculty & Staff members how they make sure to take the time to prepare their hearts to focus on Christ during the Christmas season. We hope that some of these practices might inspire your family this season.
Our family watches “The Nativity Story” and reads the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth each Christmas Eve.
– Mrs. Shemenski
When my children were young, we lit an Advent candle each night and read an Advent passage. Now, I continue another tradition: placing an empty manger under the tree. On Christmas morning, Baby Jesus is in the manger!.
– Mrs. Snyder
In my school classroom we prepare for Christmas by reading “The Giving Manger” and learn that the holidays are about serving. We focus on serving each other daily and before we leave for break, I fill the cradle with hay so that Jesus has a comfy place to lie. – Ms. Jordan
I do an advent calendar with gifts that we already have. We focus on God, the great gift-giver and all that He has already given us…and the best gift of all, Jesus!
– Mrs. Weymer
We have a thankfulness dinner the night before Christmas.
– Mr. Clark
We love setting up both the indoor and outdoor crèches, listening to Handel’s Messiah, and participating in Advent Readings in private and with the congregation.
–Mr. Campolongo
I love reading an advent devotional with my husband.
– Mrs. Avila-Medina
I love attending Christmas Eve candlelight service where we can sit still and sing contemplative praise in unison with other believers.
– Ms. Elliott
We have an advent calendar that presents a piece of the nativity scene and a scripture reading each day.
– Mr. Bushong
I pray through my gift-giving each year in order to intentionally select gifts that best reflect the purpose of giving gifts at Christmas, which is to remind us of the best gift of all – Jesus!
– Mrs. Choleva
I love reading to my daughter books about Jesus’ birth, especially "What God Wants for Christmas." It includes seven boxes that share the nativity story and gospel message. The final box reveals a mirror, reminding us that God wants our hearts and lives dedicated to Him. – Mrs. Press
I love reading the nativity story as a family.
– Mrs. Snellenberger
We use a daily advent devotional.
– Mrs. Sullivan
We love caroling and singing those glorious hymns to our neighbors. (Then we enjoy a bonfire and hot chocolate!)
– Mrs. Thiel
We love reading the Christmas Story in the Bible on Christmas morning.
– Mr. Press
I enjoy completing an advent devotional with my family and attending Christmas Eve candlelight church service.
– Ms. Christopherson
We enjoy a family advent reading and candle lighting each week leading up to Christmas.
– Mrs. Brey
We decorate our home with evergreens, symbolizing the everlasting life of Jesus and the unchanging character of God.
– Mrs. Loftus
We enjoy lighting the advent candles during church services and discussing advent every year.
– Mrs. Beatty
I love attending Christmas Eve service at church.
– Mrs. Cruz
Before opening gifts on Christmas Day, our family reads the story of Jesus’ birth and then we take communion as a family in remembrance of why He came.
– Mr. Delmadge
Our family finds ways to remind each other that Jesus is the reason for our celebrations.
–Mrs. Joseph
We place a nativity scene by our tree to symbolize His birth and death as the gift to mankind.
– Mrs. Cane