Christian Grandparenting Blog

Christmas is a time to celebrate the gift of God’s love to the world though the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. God knew mankind was in a hopeless condition, and because of his love, he sent a way to save us from the death our sin requires. With the birth of his Son, God offers a new life of hope and freely gives the gift of salvation to those who believe in him.

Do you love to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate or a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy a family Christmas movie with your grandchildren? If so, have you considered how movies can be used as conversation starters? If the idea of using movies to initiate dialogue intrigues you, here are five Christmas movies, complete with a brief description, age appropriateness (based on Common Sense Media), follow-up questions.

During the Christmas season, parents busily bounce between work, shopping, decorating, school events, and more. Children eagerly drop hints about what gifts they hope to get. And, who doesn’t like to decorate seasonal cookies that fill – then disappear from – trays set out at festive gatherings? It’s a time of year when generosity flourishes amongst family and friends. It’s also a prime time to bless the forgotten.

No other month in the calendar is like December. There is a plethora of decorations, shopping, baking, songs, movies, parties, and gifts. It is easy to be distracted by the “to-do” lists and the hustle and bustle of the season. Keep an emphasis on the birth of our Savior. It is challenging in our secular and commercialized world. Here are some simple traditions to help celebrate the first coming of Jesus and to be more meaningful. They cost little but can have a memorable impact on our children and grandchildren. Choose a couple to include in your plans to keep Christ in Christmas this year.

The word Advent originated from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” The advent foretold by the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, is “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV). His prophetic vision is of a child who would represent God’s presence, embody his characteristics, bear the responsibility of governing his people, and is given titles that could only rightfully be attributed to God.

Do you anticipate an idyllic family Thanksgiving reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting, or does the approaching holiday cause you to wring your hands in angst? Does this time of the year unearth painful memories for you? Do you find yourself in a protective stance, [...]

As a Christian grandparent, you have a particular motivation to get your sexual integrity act together, and that motivation is your precious grandchildren. Grandchildren see you living your life based on your beliefs every day. The stability a grandparent represents to a child gives them peace. They know they can come to you for truth and guidance. When they know that your peace is based on your relationship with God, they are more apt to face life by seeking the peace of God instead of the world. 

The Kingdom of God has interrupted the kingdom of this world. In the beginning, God interrupted the darkness with light and creation. Jesus interrupted human history with His incarnation. And He’s called us, His people, to be ushers of divine interruption. Interrupting lostness with salvation, guilt with forgiveness, the seen with the unseen. The months ahead offer a ripe opportunity to usher a holy interruption by creating holiday traditions.