With the Christmas season officially upon us, it can feel like a jolly jamboree of juggling—from decking the halls to attending what feels like a million different festive events. The church has its youth group party; then there’s the children’s program; and then the church-wide Christmas banquet; not to mention your mother-in-law has her annual get-together at her house; and each of your kids have their own individual classroom party at the school. When it’s all said and done, it can be easy to get lost in the tinsel and lose sight of what this season is truly about. This year amid the twinkling lights and the hunt for the perfect ugly Christmas sweater, encourage your family to take a step back to focus on the heart of what Christmas is all about. In this journey, The Eight Days of Christmas by Lori Wagner can play a pivotal role. Available from the Pentecostal Publishing House, it is more than just a book; it’s an interactive experience that will bring the Nativity story to life in our home. The pages will take you on a journey where you will discover not only a deeper meaning of Christmas, but also a stronger bond as a family, united in faith and love.
In addition to exploring Lori Wagner’s The Eight Days of Christmas, it’s enriching for families to look at Scripture together, deepening their understanding of the Christmas story and its connection to Oneness Pentecostal faith. Consider these key scriptural passages from the King James Version:
- Isaiah 9:6: Reflect on the divine prophecy, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” This verse highlights the deity and eternal reign of Jesus Christ, central to Oneness Pentecostal
- Luke 2:11: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Contemplate this passage that celebrates the birth of Jesus, emphasizing His humanity and deity as your Savior.
- Matthew 1:23: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” This prophecy’s fulfillment in Jesus signifies God’s presence among us, a key aspect of your faith.
- John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Reflect on the Incarnation of Jesus, a central event celebrated during Christmas.
- Philippians 2:6–7: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Consider Jesus Christ’s humility, an example for us to follow in our lives.
Engaging with these Scripture passages as a family during Christmas can enrich your understanding of Jesus’ birth and its significance in your faith, allowing you to connect more deeply within the Oneness Apostolic faith.
Rediscovering the True Meaning of Christmas in Your Home
In Wagner’s exploration of the Nativity story, she sheds light on the common misconceptions surrounding the presence of certain animals, particularly camels and donkeys. She points out that, contrary to popular belief and traditional Nativity scenes, there is no specific mention of a donkey or camel in the scriptural accounts of Jesus’ birth. While it’s often depicted that Mary arrived in Bethlehem on a donkey and the wise men on camels, these details are not found in the Bible. Wagner suggests that while the wise men likely used some form of transportation, which could have included camels given their geographical origin, these details are left to the imagination. Her insights encourage a closer look at the biblical text, inviting believers to focus on the scriptural truths of the Nativity story rather than the embellishments often added over time.
A Closer Look at the Nativity
While the Nativity set is certainly a common Christmas decoration, it actually represents much more than just a story in the Bible; it’s an opportunity to delve into the deeper meanings of Christmas. The characters and elements of the Nativity have much to teach us:
Mary’s interaction with the angel Gabriel, as depicted in Luke 1:26–38, serves as a remarkable testament to faith and obedience. Confronted with an awe-inspiring angelic visitation, Mary initially grapples with fear and uncertainty. However, her ultimate response to the divine message is one of unwavering acceptance and trust. This young woman’s readiness to embrace a path fraught with potential shame and misunderstanding, all in adherence to God’s will, stands as a profound example of steadfast faith and unshakable integrity. Her story is not just a narrative of humble obedience but also an illustration of courageous devotion in the face of daunting challenges.
In Matthew 1:18–25, Joseph’s portrayal exemplifies kindness, leadership, and a deep sense of integrity. Faced with a situation that presented significant personal and societal challenges, Joseph’s choice to support Mary and embrace God’s plan highlights his remarkable faith and dedication to righteousness. His actions reflect not just a passive acceptance but a proactive commitment to care and moral fortitude, underscoring his strong character and unwavering resolve to uphold what is right in the eyes of both God and man.
The narrative of the shepherds in Luke 2:8–20 offers a compelling lesson on joyfully heeding God’s call and enthusiastically sharing the news of Jesus’ birth. These humble shepherds, upon receiving the heavenly announcement, demonstrate a remarkable readiness to abandon their immediate duties to witness the miraculous event of Christ’s birth. Their actions vividly illustrate the essence of prioritizing God’s will over personal obligations, embodying a spirit of obedience and eagerness to partake in and proclaim the divine unfolding of salvation.
In Matthew 2:1–12, the journey of the wise men underscores the significance of earnestly seeking Jesus and presenting our finest offerings to Him. Their trek, marked by determination and reverence, culminates in the presentation of gifts – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – each symbolizing the deep respect and worship owed to Christ. This narrative not only reflects their physical journey but also their spiritual journey toward recognizing and honoring the divine nature of Jesus, setting a profound example of devotion and homage.
The Star of Bethlehem, which guided the wise men to Jesus, serves as a symbol of God’s guidance in our lives. This celestial beacon’s role in the wise men’s journey to find Jesus is a reminder of the diverse and sometimes unexpected ways in which God can lead us toward Him and unveil His plans. The star’s guiding light not only directed the wise men to the newborn King but also symbolizes the broader concept of divine direction and the myriad forms it can take in guiding us through our spiritual journeys.
Jesus, the focal point of the Nativity story, epitomizes God’s love and humility through His humble birth in a manger, as depicted in Luke 2:1–7. His arrival into the world as a vulnerable infant in modest surroundings powerfully illustrates how God’s methods frequently surpass human expectations. This portrayal of Jesus’ birth not only highlights the humility of God but also serves as a poignant reminder of His profound love for humanity, choosing simplicity and vulnerability as the setting for the Savior’s entrance into the world.
Seven Practical Steps to Keep Jesus as the True Reason for the Season
Embracing The Eight Days of Christmas in your family’s Christmas tradition can profoundly enrich your holiday experience. Here are some practical steps you can take, inspired by this insightful book, to deepen your family’s faith during this festive season:
- Daily Nativity Storytelling: Begin on December 18th and each evening, gather your family to read a segment of the Nativity story from The Eight Days of Christmas. This approachable format makes the story accessible and engaging for children and adults alike.
- Interactive Discussions: After reading, encourage your family to discuss the lessons learned. Questions like, “What does the story of the shepherds teach us about humility?” or “How can we emulate the compassion shown by the wise men?” can spark meaningful conversations and help apply these lessons in your family’s daily life.
- Building a Nativity Scene Together: Aligning with the book’s narrative, add characters to your nativity scene piece by piece. This visual and hands-on approach brings each part of the story to life, enhancing the learning experience.
- Reflecting on Oneness Apostolic Values: Use the unique perspective offered by the book to discuss the core tenets of your Oneness Apostolic faith, such as the oneness of God, as revealed in the Christmas story.
- Incorporating Prayer and Worship: Conclude each family faith night with prayer and a worship song. This practice will not only usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit into your home, but also will bring a sense of peace and unity to your family as well.
- Community Engagement: Invite friends or extended family to join in on your family faith nights. Sharing this experience can be a low-risk way of outreach to neighbors who desire to know the true meaning behind Christmas, but do not yet feel comfortable attending a church service.
- Creative Activities for Children: Engage your kids with drawing, crafting, or acting out parts of the story. These fun activities make each lesson more memorable and keep the children looking forward to learning more.
By integrating The Eight Days of Christmas into your Christmas celebrations, you’ll find a meaningful way to teach your family about the birth of Jesus and the values it embodies. This book can be a key resource in transforming your Christmas from just a festive season into a time of spiritual reflection, growth, and family bonding.
Incorporating The Eight Days of Christmas into your family’s Christmas tradition is not just about celebrating a holiday; it’s a journey toward personal and collective spiritual growth. Here’s how this practice can contribute to your family’s faith development:
- Interactive Storytime Sparks Joy and Learning: Dive into the Nativity story with The Eight Days of Christmas and watch as it turns storytime into an adventure! Each evening becomes a fun, interactive session where your family not only learns about the birth of Jesus but also bonds over laughter and shared discoveries. It’s a delightful way to deepen your understanding of Christmas while making each moment enjoyable and memorable.
- Values Come to Life through Creative Play: Imagine your children acting out the roles of shepherds or wise men! This book encourages such creative activities, making the lessons of compassion, humility, and kindness come alive in a playful and engaging manner. It’s not just about telling them what these values mean; it’s about letting them experience and express these values in a fun, hands-on way.
- Festive Reflections for Personal and Family Growth: Amid the holiday cheer, The Eight Days of Christmas offers reflective moments for personal and family growth. It’s a joyful journey that enhances your Christmas experience, turning it into a time of spiritual renewal and closer family connections. Each day’s story and discussion can be a stepping stone to understanding the true meaning of Christmas, all wrapped up in a festive, heartwarming package.
As you wrap up your festive journey with The Eight Days of Christmas, it becomes clear that this experience is more than just a holiday tradition. It’s a gateway to a deeper, more joyful understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. This book doesn’t just recount the historical significance of Jesus’ birth; it brings the spirit of Christmas to life in a way that’s both enlightening and incredibly fun.
Additionally, the Pentecostal Publishing House offers a variety of other family devotionals perfect for enriching your family’s spiritual journey. These resources are designed to engage every family member in a meaningful way and strengthen your family’s connection to faith:
- God’s Word for Families Devotional Volume 1: This comprehensive devotional includes 365 ten-minute activities tailored to different learning styles, ensuring that every family member can engage with God’s Word in a meaningful way.
- God’s Word for Families Volume 2: For those looking to continue this enriching experience, this volume offers more insightful, Apostolic-based devotional activities.
- Devotions with Dad: Building Character: Specifically designed for fathers to engage with their children in spiritual growth and character building, this devotional is a wonderful tool for dads to lead their children in understanding and living out Christian values.
These devotionals are not just books; they are gateways to deeper faith, understanding, and family bonding. Explore these and other family devotionals to find the perfect fit for your family’s journey in faith.
So as you explore ways to enrich your family’s Christmas celebration, remember that there is so much more to the Nativity Scene than just a decorative statement for your living room or front yard. Explore the deeper meaning.
May your journey through these eight days be as enriching and joyful as it is meant to be. Here’s to a Christmas filled with love, laughter, family, and a greater focus on Jesus during this wonderful time of year!