Welcome to Kingdom Culture Parenting!
This is the first blog on this new website devoted to parents who desire to raise up our children to walk as one with Christ and others (an off-shoot of our Facebook group by the same name). I hope you’ll feel excited and encouraged. Please feel free to share this website with others you know will be blessed.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the activity of the Christmas season, and miss out on the greater things God has planned for your family.
So, before your schedule runs away with you, STOP. Get alone with the Lord, or gather together as a family, and pray, “Lord, what do You want to do this Christmas?” Lay before Him all the events on your schedule in the coming weeks, and ask Him, “Which of these do YOU want us involved in, and how? What plans are we making that are not in Your plans for us?”
Surrender opens up the way for miracles, for joy that only comes through walking in the Spirit, and for the greater, deeper, God-things you and your children were created for.
Our family serves the Lord in a dark part of the world where few have heard of Christ, and where Christmas isn’t really celebrated. One year, the snow fell so heavily that those who worked on the streets crowded inside to get warm. As we shared God’s love with them, more than 50 came to Christ! What an exciting way for our children to see what it truly means that Jesus is the Light of the World.
Christmas decorations are also a great door-opener for the Gospel, as people ask about the nativity scene, the lights, the ornaments…. We make new ornaments every year featuring the truths God has taught us, and miracles He’s done for our family, so we can remember those stories every year, and share them with those who come into our home.
One year, our children prayed for God to lead them as they picked out some of their like-new toys, and wrapped them up. Then we took them to an orphanage, where the children wouldn’t have celebrated Christmas otherwise. As our kids played with the children, they asked the Lord which gift was for which child. Then they handed out the presents to those God showed them. What joy on the faces of those children! And what a way for God to lead out in building love and kindness in our children’s hearts.
You may not have those specific opportunities near you like we do, but here are some ideas to pray about:
- Are there internationals or other lost people in your neighborhood you can invite over, who may not have experienced a Christian celebration of Christmas?
- Is there a homeless shelter, or a poor neighborhood you can visit with food and presents for the children?
- Are there singles far from home, or someone else you know who doesn’t have a family to celebrate Christmas with?
- Is there a nursing home you can visit on your caroling route?
- Do you have lost family members you can visit for the holidays, or invite to visit you?
- Are there other ways you can involve your children in shining Christ’s light this Christmas?
- What presents can you give family members this Christmas that will truly make a difference in their lives? (See some ideas below.)
Ask the Lord. Then step out and obey.
If you’re looking for gifts to make a difference in the lives of those you care about, check out the Bible studies, prayer journals, novels, and children’s books on walking in oneness with Christ and others at www.MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com. All proceeds the author receives go to shining Christ’s Light in dark corners of the world where few have heard His name.
Find these and more at MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.
Kingdom Culture Parenting 