A Christian Christmas
We are bombarded by glossy magazines tempting us to spend
large sums of money to achieve the perfectly decorated Christmas home. Achieving this home has
more to do with consumerism then it does with the birth if Christ.
What are the symbols of a Christian Christmas?
The first thing that comes to mind is the birth of Christ: the story of the Nativity.
Nativity symbols come in all sizes, mediums and prices.
Today I want to introduce you to the inexpensive wood and
plaster nativity set that Paul and I set up each year. We deliberately choose this set because it
would not create a hazard when chipped by our grandchildren - we want them to play with
it. Yes, we encourage them to play with
our nativity set.
Normally it starts in front of the fireplace and by the time
January first comes it has been in every corner of the living room. As a family we tell the Christmas story many
times sometimes to instruct our grandchildren on the Christian traditions of
Advent and at other times to participate in their play and exploration of the Christmas Story.
Through the facilitation of their play we hope to deepen
their understanding of the Christmas Story.
As they pretend to be the Wise men we talk to them about what the real
wise men had to endure. How far they had
to travel to find the baby Jesus? Or what Mary and Joseph would have worry
about as they tried to fine a place to spend the night?
In their play the children will experiment with the
story. They changed the storyline
working through alternative ending. We encourage this because it
builds critical thinking and ultimately it will strengthen
their faith.
When we decorated our home for Christmas we decorate to
encourage play and exploration of our faith and traditions.
How will your faith be represented in your Christmas decorating this year?
Grandma Snyder
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