Partners in Parenting

"You get what you get, so don't throw a fit."

A wonderful teacher I use to work with would tell her Kindergartners the phrase, "You get what you get, so don't throw a fit" whenever it applied - usually snack time fit perfectly.  Her point was to be grateful for what you get from someone else instead of upset about it.  I'm reminded of this phrase because it is Christmastime.  My family always goes to Jen's grandma's house on Christmas morning.  Years ago, someone in the family, who was a little immature, would open her gifts and let the giver know right away whether she liked it and would keep it or return it.  I was dumbfounded along with the rest of the family.  She needed to have that Kindergarten teacher in her life!!!  Gratefulness is a matter of the heart on the part of the receiver.  Consider how grateful your family is this Christmas for the gift you have received from God - a Savior!  Jesus born in Bethlehem, Mary riding a donkey, Joseph didn't divorce her, no room in the inn, shepherds in the field, angels in the sky, manger for a bed, etc. - wow, what an amazing account.  BUT it is just the beginning.  Jesus began life on earth in Bethlehem, but he eventually brought things "full circle" with Jerusalem, Golgotha, and the empty tomb!  At Christmas, that is what we get - a Savior.  Nothing else matters, so don't throw a fit.  "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."  Matthew 1:21

Family Discussion Points!

Talk about gratefulness.

Spend as much time talking about Easter this Christmas as you can.

Talk about what you want for Christmas like you always do, but also talk about what you already received - a Savior.

Partners in Parenting

Christmas Stress!!!!

We can probably all identify with some level of stress at Christmastime.  Whether it is your schedule, finances, shopping, parties, to do list, etc., Christmas can be stressful.  Christmas is time to celebrate the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem so long ago.  We have made it so much more than that, and in the process, created stress that we don't need.  I love how Jesus handled a very stressful situation in the book of John.  He just bends down and writes on the ground.  He gives himself time to think, gain perspective, and prepare an appropriate response.  The Pharisees are trying to trap him so they can get him thrown into jail, and he takes time to collect his thoughts.  Stressful situation --- great tactic!  A few years ago, I heard that it is wise to never share your first thought, and instead, always share your second thought.  Great advice, and I think Jesus modeled it perfectly in John 8:6 and 8:  "(6) They (Pharisees) were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.  (8) Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground."  Read the whole account to get a better picture of the stressful event.  Let's celebrate Christmas and share our second thought whenever we feel stressed in life!

Family Discussion Points!

What is the most stressful part of Christmas for each family member?  Can you eliminate any of those stressors?  If so, why don't you?

Is going to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day stressful?  Why?  How can you reduce the stress without skipping church?

What is the problem with sharing your first thought (most of the time anyway)?