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Dear Parental Units,
Christmas is a busy time for you and for me. I am looking forward to having a break from school so that I can sleep in and spend time with my friends.
I know you have a lot of family traditions that you want me to participate in. To tell you the truth, it’s hit or miss whether I want to do it or not. Yeah, traditions are important to me, but I’m trying to find my own place in this world. Don’t nag me about joining in. If you pull me in, I’ll likely push away harder.
Mom, Dad, you have to understand that what I really want right now is freedom. Sometimes by not participating in traditions, I am exercising my freedom.
Give me space to grow up, and give me space to be your baby. That’s what I really want for Christmas.
Your confusing Teenager
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Advent is a season to prepare for Jesus’ coming. Today’s article offers some suggestions for advent activities you can do with young children. Next week I will be writing about Advent activities you can get your teenager involved in.
Children understand the things that they see and do. These activities are a great way to point your children towards Jesus.
If you have children, you should have a nativity set that you don’t mind them playing with. I’m talking about one that you don’t mind if it gets broken. As a child, I spent hours playing with a nativity scene, acting out the whole story.
If you don’t have a nativity set that your kids can play with, Fisher price has one in their little people toy line, or check out Constrictive Playthings.
- Jesse Tree/Bethlehem Tree
Isaiah 11:1 says, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. ” This was one of the prophecies that foretold Jesus’ birth.
The Jesse Tree, sometimes called a Bethlehem Tree or a Jesus Tree, is just a branch stuck upright in a pot of dirt or a piece of florists foam. During the holiday season, you and your children can look for symbols (ornaments) that represent stories in the Bible and Messianic prophecies.
Examples: Lion–Lion of Judah; Apple–Adam and Eve; Star–Star of Bethlehem
These can be actual ornaments, home made crafts, or even toys that can be used as symbols.
This can become a Christmas tradition that grows as your children grow. If you have teenagers, encourage them to get into the Bible and find new symbols that can be used as ornaments.
This page has a coloring book for Jesse Tree ornaments
As you go through this holiday season, the important thing is to talk with your children about the symbols and what they mean. That’s the key to pointing towards Christ this Christmas.
Next Tuesday, I will be writing about celebrating Advent and Christmas with your teenager.
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