How to Be Present with Jesus this Christmas

How to Be Present with Jesus this Christmas

 

  Reading Time: 4 min 53 sec

 

Children learn experientially and as parents we need to provide ways for them to not only know about, but also to experience a relationship with Jesus. We are going to be talking about 20 Kid-Friendly ways your family can EXPERIENCE the heart of Jesus this Christmas.

 

We want our children to not only understand, but internalize the reason for the Advent Season, that it’s all about Jesus. His lavish love for his children, His humility as He laid aside His rights to come to earth as a baby, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Christmas Day is a culmination of the Advent season where we join together in celebration of the birth of Christ.  So how do we provide ways for our children to experience the birth of Christ? The foundation for experiencing God is all about the relationship, not the activities.

I would encourage you to enter this season with intention to spend time in God’s presence, not by doing, but just being. When you spend time with Jesus, you model your values and priorities instead of just talking about them. Your active relationship with Jesus is more powerful than any activity for your children. 

 

Traditions and symbols help remind us to look up

and notice God at work in and around us.

 

 The advent season can be supplanted by the hurry and flurry of activity but what I want to encourage you to do is to prayerfully create or participate in a couple (not all) of activities that focus turn your focus on Jesus. These activities are not just about making family memories, but its a way to actively engage in the heart of God.  

 

 Here are some practical ways to be present as a family this Christmas with the One who is ever present with us.

  1.  Visit a Living Nativity

Check your local parenting website/group for info on living nativities near you.       

 

2. Eat a Mediterranean Meal

While you are eating talk about what types of foods Mary, Joseph, and Jesus ate (Ideas: Lentil Stew, bread, fruit, olives, grapes, vegetables, beans, fish).

 

 

  1. Light an Advent Candle each  Sunday

Take time each week to gather everyone together to light a candle and pray.  This will become a meaningful tradition as your family experiences setting aside time to focus on the meaning of Advent.

 

  1. Play with the Nativity Set

This is HUGE! Play is the way children engage with the characters and internalize the truth of the nativity.

 

  1. Anticipate Christ’s Birth-Advent Calendar

Grab the directions to my favorite beautiful but simple advent calendar above. 

 

  1. Listen to Handel’s Messiah

  Listen to Handel’s Messiah part one, it is about Isaiah’s prophecies of a coming King and the shepherds hearing about the birth of Christ

 

  1. Read an Advent Picture Book Each Day

Wrap 24 books and place under the tree or in a basket. Have your child unwrap a different Christmas book every day.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones

2. Who is Coming to Our House – Joseph Slate

3. Mortimer’s Christmas Manger- Karma Wilson

4. The Little Drummer Boy –   Ezra Jack Keats

5. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey – Susan Wojciechowski

6. The Crippled Lamb – Max Lucado

 

  1. Craft a Shining Star

Hang the star in each child’s room as a reminder of Jesus’ birth. Grab cardboard, acrylic paint or tape, and glitter. This activity can be as simple or fancy as you desire. This is a very hands-on way for your children to interact with the story.

  1. Watch a movie of Christ’s Birth

Snuggle under some blankets and watch the story of Jesus birth unfold. Here are two of my favorite Christmas movies:

1. The King is Born

2.  Matthew:Visual Bible

 

  1. Learn about Christmas

Buck Denver Asks: Why Do We Call It Christmas? This film is a fun way to learn about the origins of Christmas traditions. I have shown the film to elementary through middle school students and they really enjoyed it.

 

  1. Reenact the Christmas Story

Grab some pillowcases, sheets, and rope and Voila! Let your kids get creative.

 

  1. Read some Christmas Poetry

 Drink some hot chocolate and listen or take turns reading aloud Christmas Poetry.  “The Nativity” G.K. Chesterton or Advent poems by Emily Dickinson

 

  1. Learn & Sing Christmas Hymns & Carols

This is another practical way for children to turn their eyes towards Jesus during the Christmas season. Unless we are intentional about teaching our children will most likely not learn the lyrics to Christmas Hymns and carols unless they learn it at church (which is only a couple times a year). Suggestions: Oh Holy Night, Silent Night, Gloria, Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

14. Memorize Mary’s Song

  

Luke 1:46-55 is such a beautiful and joyful passage to memorize.

Mary’s Song

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior                                                                               

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” (NIV Translation)

 

 

  1. Reflect on the Advent Bible Passages

Start with Matthew 1, Luke 1, Isaiah 40:9-11.

 

  1. Create Pictures of the Nativity or Advent Symbols 

You can print off coloring pages (the internet has tons) or create your own masterpieces. (Draw, color, paint, or collage)

 

  1. Be Present with God

Spend some time in silence and reflection just being present with God, away from the chaos. Everything else flows out of time spent in God’s presence. Light a candle as a tangible reminder of Gods presence with us and in us.

 

  1. Collect Gifts for Others in Need

I love this super-practical way of opening my children’s eyes to the needs of those around them. Check out Compassion International, Operation Christmas Child, or Angel Tree for ways to show the love of Jesus to others.

 

  1. Bake Jesus a Birthday Cake

This tradition helps to refocus our attention on Jesus on a day when it could be all about gifts. My children discuss in great detail what kind of cake Jesus might like weeks in advance.  Let your children pick and prepare the cake for Jesus. You can light candles and sing happy birthday on Christmas day.  

 

  1. Hide Mary and Joseph

This is another fun way to interact with Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Move Mary and Joseph peg dolls to a different spot around the house each day. Your child will find great delight finding where Mary and Joseph have ended up each day. After your child finds the dolls, talk about what it must have felt like to be Mary & Joseph.  (You can buy a male/female peg figure for $2 at a local craft store)


What about you? What are your Favorite ways to gifts experience Jesus during Advent? Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

 

Interested in Going Deeper?

 

  1. The Season of the Nativity by Sybil MacBeth
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10 Christmas Gift Ideas the Encourage a Love for God Kids Edition

10 Christmas Gift Ideas the Encourage a Love for God Kids Edition

  

Reading Time: 4 min 56 sec

 

Christmas’s come and go and do you ever find yourself struggling to remember what you gave or received last Christmas? 

 The whole point of Christmas is that it is a celebration of the Birth of Christ.  I realized that I had focused on Christ’s Birth just in what we did (decorations, service, and activities) and totally bypassed what we GAVE at Christmas? As a part of our family values, we want to be intentional about weaving the things of God into every aspect of our lives.  

 

Does that mean I don’t want to buy them any toys for Christmas? No, I believe that Jesus finds great delight in our joy!  What would it look like to turn our child’s focus away from “getting” and towards not even just “giving” (though that’s amazing,) but on Jesus? 

 

Could our focus on Jesus permeate not just our decorations or activities, but even the gifts themselves? What would giving gifts that become a part of their spiritual foundation be like? How would you find them?

 

Kids are experiential learners. Catherine Townsend in her book, Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey says it this way: “Discoveries made through direct experiences are more transformational and exciting for children than lessons in which adults tell them what they ought to know.” She goes on to say, “..through play children actively think things through.”

 

Kids need to be able to interact with the stories of Jesus as a part of building their spiritual foundation. When you include gifts that encourage a love for Jesus, you are also reinforcing your family’s values in the life of your child.  

 

I would suggest starting a tradition of giving one or two gifts that turn your child’s eyes towards Jesus every Christmas or birthday.  

 

 I am including my top 10 favorite resources to help get the wheels turning.  These include: 

  • Books

  • Bibles

  • Devotionals

  • DVDs

  • Art Books

 

Books

 

1. The Boy and the Ocean     Max Lucado

“God’s love is like the ocean, my little boy,” she said. “It’s always here. It’s always deep. It never ends. God’s love is special.”

Oh my word, hands down, probably my favorite Christian picture book. The illustrations are beautiful, the words are life-changing, and what an amazing book to pull out at bedtime.   The story draws parallels between Gods creation and His vast love for His children. I love how the writer, Max Lucado portrays parents who include God in everyday life. Both boys and girls will love this book.

 

  1. Gods Great Love for You   Rick Warren        

    This book is all about God’s overwhelming love for His kids told in such an imaginative way. Written by Rick Warren, the book shows a young girl on different adventures discovering God lavish love. The illustrations are adorable and though the book can be read to girls and boys, the book is specifically geared towards young girls. Suggested Age: 4-8 years old 

     

3. Shhh…God is in the Silence     Fiona Basile

I have had so many children and youth over the years ask me how do we hear God’s voice? This book is a great introductory book to one of the ways that we hear God’s voice, in the silence. In a time where we value filling up every available moment with something, this counter-cultural book reminds us that God was in “a gentle, quiet whisper”.  (1 Kings 19:11-12).

Bibles

 

4. The Jesus Storybook Bible

This is a phenomenal paraphrased Bible for kids. The text is age appropriate, the illustrations are captivating, and the overarching story focuses on God’s never ending, never giving up always and forever love for his kids.  I have read what feels like HUNDREDS of Bibles (okay, a little overdramatic here) and I haven’t found one yet that comes close.

Devotionals

5. Psalms for Young Children      Marie-Helene Delval

This book is all about using the Psalms as a guide to teach children how to talk about their feelings.  The Psalms are paraphrased and allows young children to understand and interact with the text.  The text and illustrations are age appropriate and imaginative. 

I would suggest using this book as a devotional and allowing the kids to act out the different parts of the Psalms. “Let’s clap our hands and shout with joy because God is a great strong king!” 

 

6. Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing      Sally Lloyd-Jones 

This is an amazing collection of 101 devotionals from the author and illustrator of the Jesus Storybook Bible. This devotional is rich with powerful truths, always turning your child’s eyes towards Gods overwhelming love for them. 

I would suggest reading one devotional slowly and thoughtfully each day.   At the end of each passage, give your child time to respond before asking open-ended questions.  Ages Elementary-Middle School. 

 

Bible DVDs

 

7. Nest Bible Animated Classics                                                                   

We have really enjoyed the Animated Bible Classics. These videos are a great complement to devotional time as they allow students to see Bible stories happen right before their eyes. There are thirty-six different stories and they are geared towards ages kindergarten-third grade.

8. What’s In the Bible Series

Phil Vischer (the creator of Veggie Tales) created this fun 13-part series for older kids where he unpacks the narrative of the Bible with detail and wit.  I found the series  amazing because he manages to go into a lot of detail (for elementary kids) about the books of the Bible, always drawing their attention back to the overarching theme of God’s great rescue plan.  This series gives them a great Biblical foundation. Ages 4-Elementary

 

Art Books

 9. Praying in Color Kids Edition                      Sybil Macbeth

Have you ever heard, “But I don’t want to pray? I don’t know what to say? I’m embarrassed to pray out loud?” This is a revolutionary resource for children (and adults) who want another try another way to spend time with God.  The author, Sybil Macbeth gently leads children in understanding what prayer is, common prayer problems, how to pray, and step by step of how to pray using art. This has been an amazing resource for children and students who have felt inadequate or have had a hard time concentrating when it comes to prayer. Love it!  Ages 5-11.

 

10. The Bible Doodle Book                           Zondervan

This doodle book has 100 unfinished drawings (and stickers) for children to complete. I love it because the children can use the prompts to help them complete the drawings. You can use the drawings/prompts to as a complement to your daily family devotions. A creative way to engage with the Bible!  Ages 6 & Up.

 

 

Gifts for Mom: 

1.The Season of the Nativity                                                                 Sybil MacBeth

2. Death By Suburb-How to Keep the Suburbs from Killing Your Soul           David L. Goetz

3. Organized Simplicity: The Clutter Free Approach to Intentional Living                                                                  Tsh Oxenreider

 

What about you? What are your Favorite Kid gifts that foster a love for Jesus in your child? 

Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

! Leave a comment, and d

Pushing Pause in the Midst of the Christmas Chaos!

Pushing Pause in the Midst of the Christmas Chaos!

  

Reading Time: 4 min 27 sec

 

I walked into our local craft store on the day of Halloween and had to weave through a maze of boxes because Christmas had arrived at the store in full vengeance. I love Christmas as much (if not more) than the next girl but I started realizing that as a culture we sprint through fall to get to Christmas.

We don’t place value on being present in our current season of life but are always looking ahead to the next big thing-constantly worried that we will miss out. 

You see this theme repeated in our eating patterns, where instead of finding enjoyment and contentment in the produce that season provides, we jump ahead expecting to have access to every type of fruit or vegetable no matter the time of year. If I want cantaloupe in January, then my word, I should get cantaloupe in January.

 

Christmas has been turned into a season filled with a flurry (pun intended) of holiday activity. We want to give our families a Pinterest worthy Christmas season filled with as many Instagram moments as possible. 

We are all about the destination instead of the journey.

 

Advent offers us a counter-cultural way to approach the celebration of Jesus birth. It offers us an opportunity, to walk slowly, press pause, and enjoy a season full of hope, and rich anticipation.

  • Walking Slowly

 

  • Pushing Pause

 

  • Engaging the Senses

So, grab a cup of coffee and a thick blanket and let’s see what God has for us this season.

 

1. Walking Slowly

The Advent season encompasses four Sundays, starting on the Sunday closest to November 30th and ending on December 24th or Christmas Eve. 

Advent is a time full of hope; Jesus the Savior of our souls, has come and will come yet again! A time of rich expectation, both as we prepare to rejoice in the day of Jesus birth, and as we anticipate His second coming.

 

Luke 12:35-38 (MSG) says, “Keep your shirts on; keep the lights on! Be like house servants waiting for their master to come back from his honeymoon, awake and ready to open the door when he arrives and knocks. Lucky the servants whom the master finds on watch! He’ll put on an apron, sit them at the table, and serve them a meal, sharing his wedding feast with them. It doesn’t matter what time of the night he arrives; they’re awake—and so blessed!”

 

Advent is a special time, where we not only prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth but to serve as a reminder, to live with expectation, with excitement, with joy, JESUS IS ON HIS WAY! 

 

It can be hard to live with hope and expectation when our ordinary days are so bombarded with the pain and evil at work in this world.  We know Christ is coming back, but sometimes it can feel like he will be arriving at some future time, never today.

 

 Sybil Macbeth in her book, The Season of the Nativity says it like this, “But what the season of Advent tries to teach us is how to wait and to not lose heart, to live in hopeful patience. We rehearse during Advent the way to wait during the rest of the year, which is really the way to live during the rest of the year!”

 

When you engage in the season of Advent you learn patience and how to wait with hopeful expectation.

 

  1. Pushing Pause

God wants to invite you to press pause and experience the season of advent in a totally new way. He wants to invite you into a place of rest, expectation, anticipation and joy. 

Pushing pause is not sticking a couple of advent activities into an already crazy schedule. If we are not intentional, Advent can be regulated to just another thing to check off the to-do list.

Jesus is inviting you to experience Advent with your heart instead of just your head. You might know a lot about the season but have you truly experienced it?

 

So how do you practically press pause?

 

By choosing to take time each day to refocus your heart on Jesus. Spend some time in silence and reflection just being present with God. Travel through an Advent devotional (they are literally everywhere) or reflect on a passage of scripture. 

Here are some passages to get you started:

  1. Isaiah 40:9-11
  2. Matthew 1
  3. Luke 1
  4. Mark 13:31-37

Reflection Exercise:

  1. Choose a passage and read through it slowly several times.
  2. Ask God to underline a word or a phrase.
  3. Reflect on what that word or phrase says to you.
  4. Pray and tell God your thoughts.
  5. Ask what is the Lord inviting me into?
  6. How can I respond?

 

 3. Engaging the Senses

Spending time with the Father without activity; in prayer, reflection, silence, and study is the foundation to Advent. Advent is not about doing but more about being.  Being present with the One who is ever present with us.

As you are immersing yourself in anticipation of what Jesus has and will do, I would encourage you to choose one or two symbols or practices that will serve as a daily reminder.  

 

Here are Some Suggestions:

 

  1. Spend some time with your children reading the Bible stories (or the passages listed above) that led up to the birth of Jesus. Children love and need repetition, as it allows them to engage deeply with the experience. Taking the time to engage with a passage and looking at it from different angles gives children the space to experience truth in their own lives.

 

  1. Make or buy an advent wreath. Take time each week to gather everyone together, to light a candle and pray. This will become a meaningful tradition, as your family experiences setting aside time to focus on the meaning of Advent.

 

  1. Find or make one meaningful symbol that will remind you (and your family) to press pause and not focusing on rushing towards Christmas day. To help you in this process, I have included directions to one of my favorite Advent Calendar activities below. This is a great activity to make with your children and needs only a couple of supplies (woohoo!).

 

I hope you join me this season in walking slowly, pressing pause, engaging your senses, and sitting with expectation and longing for what God has done, and will do through Jesus’s birth and second coming!

 

What about you? What are your favorite ways to engage in the season of Advent? 

 

If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest.

Want to Go Deeper?

1. The Season of the Nativity – Sybil MacBeth

9 Unique Ways For Your Child To Spend Time With Jesus

9 Unique Ways For Your Child To Spend Time With Jesus

  

Reading Time: 4 min 39 sec

So your child is not interested in reading the Bible? You hear, “It’s boring Mommy!” or “Not again!” every time you go to pull out the (what used to be beloved) Bible. Before you start to panic that your child is going to grow up hating the things of God or wondering “What have I done wrong?” just take a deep breath.

 You are not alone!

 Throughout our spiritual journey children, teenagers, and yes, even adults come to a place where the tools that seemed have worked so well in the past are not cutting it anymore.

 

This is an excellent time to sit back and reevaluate WHAT we are doing and WHY we are doing it.

 

You see we tend to forget that it’s not the tools, our vast knowledge of the Bible, or our good behavior that awaken a heart to a longing for deeper intimacy with our heavenly father, it is the Holy Spirit.

Our goal is to spend time listening to the Holy Spirit

and modeling a life lived in

a deep love relationship with God.

 

The point of spending time with Jesus, through the reading of the word, or some other tool, is not to get it done, but to spend quality time with God. 

 

Here are some ideas that you can offer when your child feels stuck. Don’t worry, this for a season, he won’t swear off the Bible forever!

 

  • Art
  • Journal
  • Poetry
  • Drama
  • Stories of the Bible
  • Visual Bible Stories
  • Song 
  • Physical Activity
  • Praying the Psalms

1. Art

I have had several children and youth for a myriad of reasons who have had a difficult time reading the Bible each day but who have really connected to God through art. 

 

You can suggest several exercises or encourage them to work through a book.  This activity does not need to be fancy or expensive (but if you love craft stores as much as me, then go crazy!).  Just grab whatever you have in the cupboard or drop by your local art store or Amazon for supplies. 

 

Another option would be to use a Doodle, or Art prayer journal.  They are a great alternative for busy seasons or when your child is more independent.

 

Here are two books I recommend-

 1. The Bible Doodle Book

2. Praying in Color-Kids Edition

 

  1. Journal

This is an age-old standby that can be a wonderful option for times when your child loves to pour words on a page, AND for those times when words escape them and only pictures will do.  They can use their journal to pour out their thoughts, and feelings and prayers to a God who never stops listening.

 

I have searched several stores (Including Target, and Amazon) but have found the best products at our local craft stores.  Make sure to purchase an UNLINED Journal as this gives them the freedom to move from words to pictures to both.

3. Poetry

    Do you have a child who loves to write poetry? You could encourage them to put their thoughts, feelings, and prayer into verses.

Or they could choose to allow God to speak to them through curated poetry that captures their attention and draws their eyes toward Jesus.

 One of my favorite poems by Emily Dickinson does that very thing, turns my eyes towards Jesus.

      “Earth is crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God;

But only he who sees

Takes off his shoes-

The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries”

 

 

3. Drama

A fun (sometimes hilarious) time is had by all when your children act out their favorite Bible story!  They can also create their own story of their experiences with Jesus.  

 

I created a dress-up chest full of clothes, swords, tiaras, wigs, and sashes. The costumes added a lot of fun and imagination to their dramas. 

 

 Make your own or check out the after Halloween sales for discounted costumes, the Dollar Store, craft stores, thrift stores, school supply and Amazon for items to fill your own chest!

 

 5. Bible Story Books

This idea is especially for little ones when the whole Bible might seem too overwhelming, how a simple story with beautiful illustrations can capture their imagination and heart. 

 1. Found: Psalm 23 

2. Loved: The Lord’s Prayer 

6. Watch Bible Stories

   

  The Bible came to life in a new way when I watched the animated Bible stories for the first time on VHS. There was something about seeing biblical characters in realistic settings that drives home the fact that these were real stories, written about real people.

 

I have really enjoyed the Animated Bible Classics by Nest Entertainment. This video states that it is for ages kindergarten-third grade, but I found it to be too intense my kindergarteners.

 

There are 36 volumes that you can buy individually on Amazon (or check out at the library).  We have thoroughly enjoyed revisiting these classics on a semi-regular basis.

 

7. Song

Invite your child to sing songs of worship to Jesus. They can also create their own songs expressing their feelings to God. This can be a very meaningful time as you hear what’s on their heart.

 

 8. Physical Activity

Have you ever thought that God is with us when run and play? We don’t have to be acting out a Bible story to spend time with Jesus.  

Pray or have your child pray and invite God into their play and ask him to help them feel his love and pleasure in them!  

 Make sure to talk about the experience (this is supposed to be like 2 minutes) after they are done.  You could ask questions like, “What was your favorite part of _____(running, swinging, playing basketball)?  What do you think God was feeling when he saw you enjoying yourself?  How do you feel when you think about God cheering for you? etc.”

   

9. Praying the Psalms

Praying the Psalms is a great activity for young and old. You can have your child (or yourself) read them out loud and then discuss the thoughts and feelings of the writer.

 You can also have your child choose a Psalm and adapt it to show how they are feeling about God. There are several paraphrased versions of Psalms to choose from for children that are great.

 

  1. Psalms for Young Children

 

What about you? What are your favorite ways to spend time with Jesus?

If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

 If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follo

How to Encourage a Love of Scripture in Your Child

How to Encourage a Love of Scripture in Your Child

              

Reading Time: 4 min 39 sec

 

We know it is very important for the spiritual health of our kids (and US) to spend time with God every day.  We know that the practices established today set the foundation for the rest of their lives.  

 We also know that quality time with Jesus is transformative

and affects every area of your child’s life.

 

But even with all of that knowledge, it can be easy when you have a long list of chores and activities filling up your schedule, or to let time with God slip into a get it done mentality just to cross it off the list.  

 So how do you encourage a love of scripture in your child that is focused on transformation, not information?

 

 Here are five practical steps to experiencing God with your child.

 

  • Set the Tone
  • Read the Bible with Curiousity
  • Use Silence & Questions
  • Play & Recreate
  • Prayer of Thanksgiving

This can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes or more with your child each day depending on their age.

 

  1.  Set the Tone 

     

    It is really hard (for children and parents alike) to really connect with God when you bring the craziness of the day (or hour) into your devotional time.  I don’t know about you but I can’t jump from juggling kids, animals, sports, dinner, and to do lists right into spending time with Jesus. 

At best, I will be giving him 50% of my attention, while trying not to balance my checkbook in my head.   

 

If I struggle as an adult to focus, can you imagine how much more your children struggle?

 

I find that a couple of things help to set the tone for our devotions.

 

 a. We try to meet with Jesus at roughly the same time each day. I have found that my children thrive when they know generally what to expect, and this rhythm seems to have worked really well for us over the last couple of years.  

   

 b. We begin by lighting a candle and praying. We use the candle as a visual reminder that God is with us and within us each day.

 

c. We invite God into our day and ask Him to remove the distractions, and to calm and prepare our hearts for this special time with Him. 

 

d. We then finish the prayer with a couple moments of silence.

* We all take turns lighting the candle and praying each day (helps eliminate fighting, hence distractions and an irritated mom). 

 

I know what it’s like to have preschoolers to middle schoolers making faces, hitting each other, and rolling all over the couch but I would encourage you to slowly, bit by bit, add silence into your time of worship.  This silence (which can be hard won) is very important to teaching your child to be quiet and listen for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.

 What I find amazing is that after setting the expectations, and doing this for a period of time, the children will typically come to devotions ready to prepare their hearts to spend time with Jesus.* 

 PRO Tip: Let your child play with a fidget, (as long as they are listening and not being disruptive) if they have a hard time sitting still.

 

2. Read the Bible with Curiousity

Reading the Bible was not meant to be a passive, but rather, an interactive experience. A time when you are not just reading the Bible for information, but for a deeper discovery of your Father in Heaven, who is over the top in love with you.

1 John 4:7-8 says, “My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love.”

When you and your child come to the Bible with curiosity and expectation, it begins an ongoing dialogue between you and the Holy Spirit.  

When your child stops to wonder “Why? What if? That’s interesting?” you have stopped passively reading or trying to get it done, and have started interacting with the text. 

 

When you take the time to sit and savor the word of God allowing it flow in and through you, it becomes comes transformative.

 

We recently transitioned to a different children’s version of the Bible.  Even though we really enjoyed our old Bible (it’s totally dog-eared), this different perspective has inspired in my children (and me) such an expectancy, curiosity, and deep excitement to find out “what happens next”, that it fills us with joy and makes us look forward to tomorrows devotional time.

 It might be helpful, especially in the younger years to try different versions of the Bible to find out what fits your family today. 

 I would encourage you to read each story or passage slowly and thoughtfully. Encourage your children to notice the little things, ask questions, and make connections. 

 

3. Silence & Questions 

5. 

After you finish reading the story, explain to you your child that you are going to have a time of silence to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to them through the story.

 When I am intentional about creating pockets of silence, it gives my child permission to not rush through this experience but to take their time being present with the story.

 

I then ask open-ended questions such as, what was your favorite part of this story? Did anything catch your attention? How did you feel as you listened to the story? How would you feel if you were _______ (the main character)? How is God showing his love to his children in this story?  Is this story similar to anything in your life?

 

The whole goal here is for the child to wrestle with the story allowing the Holy Spirit to take the bits and pieces from the story and apply it to their own life.

 

 

4. Play and Recreate

  When time allows, give your child the opportunity to recreate the story. They can do this through a variety of ways such as: verbally, through song, drama, puppets, dolls, art, and the written word.

 This will not only encourage their creativity, and reinforce the story, but it will also allow them to continue interacting with the text from another perspective. 

It can be hilarious to hear the children reenacting Bible stories, you just never know what is going to come out of their mouths! J.  My kids spent 3 full days looking for a sling shot after reading David and Goliath.  I might save Jael and the tent peg story until they become adults!

55. 

5. Close with a Prayer of Thanksgiving

 

We close each devotional time with a brief prayer that includes thanking God for: His presence, His overwhelming love for us, and by asking Him to cement what He has done today in our hearts and minds.

 Closing with prayer is huge because it refocuses our attention on God and sets the tone for the rest of our day.

Grab your FREE Deeper Life Beginner’s Guide and join our community of moms who are hungry for more of Jesus in their lives and in the lives of their children.

 

What about you? What are your favorite ways to spend time in the Bible with God each day?

If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

 If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follo

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