This may seem like a strange question to ask at this time of year. Yet, it is crucial to not only how we view Christmas, but also how we relate the truth of God’s Word to younger generations throughout the year. The problem is that many of our grandchildren’s generation believe the Bible is irrelevant, or even, to quote one young person, “a dangerous book of religious dogma used for centuries to oppress people.”

So, how do we help our grandchildren understand the life-giving power of God’s Word for all of life? The truth is that God’s Word is living and effective—it is able to judge “the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). What can we do as grandparents to teach the Word and show it to be what it claims to be? Here are three suggestions:

1. Serve as a living example of the power and relevance of God’s Word. If we don’t practice what the Bible teaches, how shall we expect them to believe to be relevant to anything? If all you are is a ‘Bible-banger’ who preaches the Word at your grandchildren, they will turn you off and miss out on the rich treasures of God’s Word.

2. When your grandchildren are in your home, read the Word and talk about what you read. Many of the misguided views of Scripture in today’s culture are rooted in ignorance. Few have even opened a Bible and read it.

If your adult children are already making this a regular practice at home, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to do it. Grandparents are partners in this process helping parents succeed in the discipleship of their children. If it’s not being done at home, all the more reason you need to do it. Whatever the situation, our grandchildren need to see for themselves that the Bible is more than a fictional book. It is the source of life and wisdom for all of life.

3. Encourage Bible memorization. Don’t make this a burden or a silly game either. It’s all right to reward genuine efforts to memorize Scripture, but do so carefully. There are lots of ways to make memorization enjoyable. Your goal is get them to hide God’s Word in their hearts and to discover how rich and relevant it is for life. I recommend The Well-Versed Family: Raising Kids of Faith Through Do-Able Scripture Memory by Carolyn Boykin for some practical tools.

There is nothing more relevant for life than God’s Word, especially to those of us who know the Author. During this Advent/Christmas season, may your celebrations be filled with the truth about the reason for the season as you read God’s Word in your family. And if you have a prodigal in your family, as I do, never forget that God’s Word will not return to Him empty or void. Let His Word be fleshed out in your life and voiced in your conversations (or texts) as a conduit of His truth in word and deed.

GRANDPAUSE: For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! (Isaiah 9:6)