Setting Apart Family Time Through Traditions And Rhythms: Being About The People Christmas Part 2

11/22/23 • 28 min

Join us on the journey back to the first Christmas, where we saw in Episode 7, Savoring The Savior Christmas Part 1 that it was all about a baby that was worthy to be worshipped. In this episode we will see that it was also about a family, and not just any family, it could have been today’s dysfunctional family— an unwed teenager who finds out she is pregnant, a betrothed man, considering divorce, or adoption.
Mary and Joseph, all had great faith when they said YES to God’s plan. We, too can embrace our circumstances, and the people in our life and say YES to God by loving them right where they are this Christmas season.
Family relationships are precious, and the holidays are a great time to pour into creating a vibrant spiritual home, with blood family or those who are like family to you. We can do this through traditions, messy prayer, loud tables, and open doors. We share our experiences about the beautiful chaos of family dinners, the sweetness of opening our homes to others, and opportunities to develop deeper connections and meaningful conversations. Spending quality time with loved ones and being about the people with give you treasured and precious memories, not by doing more, but choosing less of the right things.
In case you are wondering,—“How can we simply incorporate the sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas this year?” or “How might we connect with teens during these family activities?” Then you are at the right place. Together, let's shine the light and love of Jesus this Christmas.
Christmas Conversation Starters

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And always you can find resources to help you connect to the people around you at NBS2GO! (nbs2go.com)
— A ministry of NBS2GO: Neighbor Bible Studies to Go and Cru

Previous Episode

Savoring the Savior: Celebrating Jesus Throughout the Season Christmas Part 1

Feeling overwhelmed or weary by the holiday season? What if we told you that there is a way to find simplicity and truly savor the Savior amidst the Christmas chaos? When we went back to the first Christmas, we saw that it centered around three things: a family, a message, and a Savior. What if we embrace those things this Christmas to make our season simple, meaningful and memorable? In Part 1 we look at how to savor Jesus all through the season and not just aim at celebrating on Christmas Day.
Let's explore the heart of Christmas, as share personal experiences, and offer ways to keep Jesus as the focal point during the season. We dig into different Advent traditions that are not just fun, but also help to cultivate a deep connection to savoring Him. Join us as we share tips on age-appropriate devotionals, creating joy-filled traditions, and incorporating the nativity into daily activities.
Additionally, we delve into the powerful hymn "O Holy Night," and how it continues to remind us of the true spirit of Christmas. Together, let’s make our Christmas celebrations meaningful and Jesus-focused, taking a step back from the holiday rush to cherish the reason for the season.
Prophecies of Jesus, 25 Prophecies and Jesus’ Fulfillment #1 Find all 25 on Called To Shine’s Instagram Feed ( Scroll down to Dec 1 2022
NBS2GO’S Advent Bible Study
Children’s Christmas Books/ You Tube : The Crippled Lamb, Song of The Stars, Christmas in the Manger, 25 Days of the Christmas Story, A Christmas Story of Light, The Jesus Story Book Bible Christmas Collection, The Tale of Three Tree’s
The Star From Afar
The Kindness Manger Options: The Giving Manger, Filling The Manger
Redeeming The Season Podcasts with Pam McCune and Kim Wier on Revive Our Heart ( 5 Different episodes)

Next Episode

Pointing People to Jesus This Christmas: Becoming the Star of Bethlehem Part 3

How can we be a ray of hope, light and joy to others this Christmas? By pointing them to Jesus- through gifts of service, prayer, words, and the gift of our presence. And if you are giving a tangible gift, consider a spiritually sensitive present that points to the meaning of Christmas.
We retrace the steps of the first Christmas, looking at Zachariah and Elizabeth and their calling to parent, John—the herald and forerunner of Jesus. We, too, can be forerunners and take inspiration from the star of Bethlehem, lighting the way for others to experience the true joy of Christmas.
Finding the perfect Christmas gift doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. We can gift people in many ways beyond tangible presents—from gifts of service, prayer, words as well as the gift of our presence. Reaching out to those in need can bring true joy and fulfillment, even more than the most wished for gift. Whether it's volunteering at a local food bank, helping a family in need, or simply praying for those who send us Christmas cards, we can make a difference.
Christmas is an incredible opportunity to uplift those around us with prayer and words. The gift of words, so simple, yet so profound and can brighten and give courage to someone's holiday season, especially those experiencing challenging times. Find resources and tips on how to pray for others during the season and give the gift that keeps on giving. These gifts don't require a hefty price tag, they just need a generous heart.
As we enter the Christmas season, let's ask God to make us like John and the star of Bethlehem, pointing the way to Jesus and preparing the hearts of those around us.
RESOURCES;
Leave treats for delivery drivers and postal workers. Download Signs & Notes Here.
Pray for those around you. Find 3 prayer resources here.
The Meaning of The Candy Cane
My 1st Christmas in Heaven Poem