December 6

Tonight we did a mini Family Home Evening.  We sang one verse of Silent Night (along with George Strait), and I talked about the symbols of Christmas.  In a box, I had a bunch of symbols and we talked what a symbol is and why we have all of these different things around during Christmas.  We ended with eating a candy cane.

 

We started with the US Flag.  It’s not a Christmas symbol, but it was the best way I could think of to introduce symbols.  After all, it’s more than a piece of cloth and when we see it we feel pride.  It’s a symbol of our country and our freedoms.

Next we talked about the angel that told the shepherd’s of Christ’s birth, and the new star that appeared in the sky that led the wise men to the baby Jesus.

A small wrapped gift was shown and we talked about how this represents the Lord’s greatest gift to us: His Son, Jesus Christ.

Next up was the candy cane which represents the shepherd’s staff.  And the bells that can guide the sheep (us) back to the shepherd (Jesus Christ).  We talked about how white represents purity, red is the blood of Christ and green is everlasting life.  Wreaths are everlasting life too because there is no beginning and no end on a wreath.

We talked about how Santa is a symbol. When we see a Santa it makes us feel happy and that is good.  Santa reminds us of gifts given and gifts received.  Santa is a symbol of service, love and happiness.

We ended with a baby Jesus from one of the nativities.  After all, Jesus is the ultimate symbol of Christmas.  It’s His birthday we are celebrating after all.  Christ gave us the gift of His life and we give gifts to show people our love for them.  Christmas is a time of fun and treats and presents, but it’s mostly a time to remember Jesus and the gift of His life.