Every year we unpack our Christmas decorations and arrange them ever so carefully. As the old poem says, “the stockings were hung by the chimney with care…” and that is how we treat and place each decoration. The one decoration that my children are not allowed to touch is the Nativity. Partly because it is large, ceramic and heavy. And partly because it is one of my most favorite decorations to display.
Every piece is laid out carefully and perfectly placed.
This year as I began to think about our Christmas decorations, the Lord impressed on my heart that the focus needed to be on the Nativity – on Jesus. Not just about it Him, but truly focused on Him during this season.
I wanted to help my children focus less on the presents and festivities and more on the Gospel, which is Jesus and begins long before the Nativity. Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
-Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)
With the Nativity comes the establishment of the Kingdom of Jesus. Let us not focus on what he has done for US, but rather on the increase of HIS reign and peace that belong in the lives of His followers.
As I prayed about how to help my children shift their focus to the Nativity, the Lord inspired me to create a “12 Days at the Nativity” Study. I am so excited to use this study with my own children this year, as we draw closer to Christmas. I would love for you all to use it with us as well.
YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STUDY AND DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY HERE.
Join our 24 Days to A Christ-Centered Christmas group on Facebook HERE!
Looking for more Advent activities and resources?
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Find Christ-Centered Christmas Decor & Gifts Here:
Fisher-Price Little People A Christmas StoryLED Flameless Nativity Candles – Set of 3
Nativity Playset for Children 19 Pieces by BibleToys. Includes Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus. Christmas Toys for Children
Melissa & Doug Classic Wooden Christmas Nativity Set With 4-Piece Stable and 11 Wooden Figures
Fisher-Price Little People Nativity
PLAYMOBIL Nativity Stable with Manger
Kurt Adler 11-Piece Nativity Set
The Nativity Story
The Nativity
Outdoor Nativity Store Holy Family Outdoor Nativity Set (Large, Color)
EasyGo Large Outdoor Nativity Scene – Large Christmas Yard Decoration Set and Reusable For Many Years!!
Winter Wonderland Holiday Nativity Set LED Projector
Nativity Shadow Box
Christmas Holiday Nativity Mason Jar Decal Sticker Set – 24 Sheets
2 Dozen (24) Make a NATIVITY SCENE Sticker Sheets Religious Education – VBS CHRISTMAS Party Classroom Activity FAVORS – Holiday GIVEAWAY by OTC
Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas: Seven Traditions to Lead Us Closer to the Savior
Celebrating a Christ-centered Christmas: Children’s Edition
A December To Remember: Creating Christ-Centered Family Traditions
A Christ Centered Christmas
Joy to the World: A Devotional Journal for Advent
How to Create a Christ-Centered Christmas for Your Kids: Practical, Hands-On Activities to Help Your Child Focus on Christ at Christmas
12 Gifts for Christ: Traditions, Activities, and Devotionals for a Christ-Centered Christmas
12-Day Nativity: Christmas Activities for a Christ-Centered Home
Discovering the True Spirit of Christmas: Fifteen Minutes a day to a Christ-centered Christmas
Christmas: It’s Jesus’ Birthday, Not Yours (30 Day Devotional Series)
Teaching the Gifts of Christmas: A Christ Centered Family Christmas Time Tradition
Christmas Without Santa Creating a Christ-Centered Christmas
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