Encouragement for the Holidays

By Becky Wyand

1. Holiday fever is all around us

As Christians we must read and believe Romans 12:1-2. We do not want to be squeezed into the world’s mold. Some steps to consider so that you keep a Christian focus:

•  Some families choose to ignore all the symbolism and materialism. Most want some celebration, because it is the birth of our Savior that we celebrate.

•  Since we don’t know the exact date to celebrate, help your children understand that the celebration is for Christ’s willingness to leave heaven and the Father. Remind each other of The REASON for celebrating.

•  Explain that some customs have continued and increased because it is profitable to someone. For Example, we will decide what our custom for gift giving will be.

•  Be alert to schedule dangers. Are you rushing through Proverbs to get fruit cake baking? Are you ignoring PRAYER TIME with the thought that you are “praying without ceasing” while you decorate?

•  Plan your giving. Include the elderly, the infirmed – even in your own family. Are you helping the needy?

•  Sing together the old carols.

•  Establish your own plan for celebrating. If you don’t have a plan the world will rush over you like a glacier melting from its roots. Know what your plan is, articulate before your children. Know WHY you do what do you.

2.  The Word is precious

Share with your family I Corinthians 3.

•  Discuss the danger of divisions, the actions of infant Christians and the expectations of God.

•  Proverbs was written that we might know wisdom. Years ago I realized that I didn’t know enough wisdom. Here I am in old age still not knowing enough wisdom. What do we do? We keep studying Proverbs and the entire Word.

3.  Encourage education

The tip for reading, math, spelling, and language is one word: encouragement. Here are samples of what I mean by encouragement.

•  Your child reads very well. During the process you did praise him but now you assume that reading will be excellent. Take a few minutes each week to tell that child how much you enjoy watching and listening to him read. Tell him how exciting you are about all of the reading he is doing.

•  Your child does not read as well as most children his age. You are fully aware that God is sovereign and that He knows what He is permitting. You also agree that God has made no mistakes in the design on your child. Therefore you can give your child the confidence that God is working out His plan in us. From this point of view praise becomes possible, tell him you are grateful he is willing to work each day. Tell him that you are grateful that he sees God working in him, even when others laugh at his ignorance. Encourage by showing small steps of progress, as in one more math problem right.

•  Encourage by demanding that the child meet the standard that is set. Do not waver with their whining. Be wise in setting the standard. Be saturated with God’s wisdom. Then require it! For example if you know that writing three spelling words in one setting is possible, then require that.

•  Encourage by showing how you have overcome weaknesses in spelling or writing.

•  Encourage by showing the value of daily practice, for example in multiplication drills.

•  Encourage by your attitude of sincere victory. What God has ordered, you will not rebel against.

4.  God is in control!

•  Through the winter months during read aloud time you will have opportunity (especially in biographies) to show how history is HIS STORY. Help your children see that God’s way has a spiritual reward.

•  Use everyday opportunities to show your children the evidence of creation. As the sun is setting think about how it got there. As you see a rabbit hop across the lawn discuss how it adapts to its environment and why. When we fall off our bikes and get a scrape, how does it heal and why? Don’t forget to share any materials that you have found for reinforcing Creation.