Teach the Children the Meaning of Christmas

Last evening was our local church's Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Celebration. For the message portion of the sacred gathering, I shared one right set of answers for telling and illustrating clearly to all people, especially the children -- yes the future generations among us -- the real meaning of Christmas:

1. CHRISTMAS TREE -- Object Lesson: A Fir tree or an evergreen branch -- the pure green represents life year-round, everlasting hope, and the needles point heavenward reminding us our thoughts also should turn towards heaven.

2. HEAVENLY SIGN -- Object Lesson: A Star -- distant stars in the sky remind us of the promises God made long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the Star over Bethlehem was proof that God kept that promise and stars today should remind us that God still keeps His promises.

3. RADIANT LIGHT -- Object Lesson: A Candle -- Christ is the Light of the World, and with His presence in us we are now reflctors of His light to our world. His Light (Hope) destroyed Our Darkness (Hopelessness).

4. INFINITE LOVE -- Object Lesson: A Wreath -- symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Yes, like a circular wreath, true love never ends.

5. SAINT NICK -- Object Lesson: An Ornament of Santa, Father Christmas, St. Nick, Santa Claus simply illustrates to us the generosity we practice and the good will that we extend to one another especially during December, but also beyond December.

6. TWINKLING LIGHTS -- Object Lesson: A string of lights -- The power of Unity, yes, joining our little lights together produces an ever-increasing reflection of Jesus, The Light of the World, so that we can also BE LIGHT & GO SHINE and make our world delightfully different for His glory. Jesus said, "They will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." -- John 13:35 (NIV)

7. CANDY CANE -- Object Lesson: A Candy Cane -- represents the shepherd's crook/staff. The purpose in part is to bring lost sheep back into the presence of The Good Shepherd. Also, a reminder that we are our sister's/brother's keeper.

8. HOLLY HANGING -- Object Lesson: Holly Leaves and Red Berries -- The holly plant represents immortality and the crown of thorns Jesus wore when He was hanging on the Tree to save us from sin. Yes He died painfully and bled to free us, yes to save us "from" sin. He didn't come so we could be freed "to" sin.

9. INDESCRIBABLE GIFT -- Object Lesson: A Wrapped Gift -- represents John 3:16-17... "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son..." Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift -- 2 Corinthians 9:15. Also, earthly kings bowed before the Eternal Baby King, bringing the best gifts they could afford.

10. LOUD BELLS -- Object Lesson: A Bell -- Lost sheep are often found by the sound of a bell. It brings them/us to the fold. The sound of bells is symbolic of guidance and return. "Christmas bells call us home to the embrace of Father God." Silver bells equals Salvation Army Bell ringers. (See Youtube link below to illustrate loud bells leading sheep to the fold.)

11. DIVINE ANGELS -- Object Lesson: An Angel -- Angels came to the world with the message of Good News... "unto (you) _________ (put your name in the blank) is born this day, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord..." "Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will to those on whom His favor rests..."

If you take the first letter from each of the eleven numbered clues above, note that you have the real meaning of Christmas simply but profoundly defined: C-H-R-I-S-T C-H-I-L-D!

Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) -- For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us.

Enjoy this Youtube clip that helps to validate #10 above -- "Loud Bells leading sheep to the fold". Watch the whole clip. It's in a foreign language but the point is quite clear, just watch the sheep and listen for the loud bell to ring:

Click > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=133H90eDai4&NR=1

As we look at our decorated Christmas trees, especially on Christmas Day, let us never forget that One Day of Passion when God the Son hung on the Tree, not as an ornament, no not as a mere decoration, but as an undeniable and mighty demonstration. Yes, He hung there as an object of God the Father's Amazing Love for you and for me.

A Real and Meaningful Merry Christmas To You and Yours!
Grateful

P.S. Outside right now, a light snow is falling steadily. A white Christmas adds even more meaning to this sacred day. Psalm 51:7 -- Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.