For those of us who do not observe the Christmas holiday or who don’t do so in all the traditional manner, the questions from others regarding why can sometimes be difficult to deal with, especially for children. In this article I attempt to give some positive ways that this can be addressed, and with your children in particular. This was prompted by a reader’s question/comment that I received earlier this year.
Proverbs 22:20-21 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
A reader whose family had quit celebrating Christmas asked me what we say when someone wishes us "Merry Christmas" or asks about Christmas. She wondered how to help her children specifically to deal with such questions and comments. Kids have a tendency sometimes to state the facts in a less than gracious manner, or they can be confused about what to say or to whom.
This has been one of the tough issues for so many Christians who have chosen to abstain from certain celebrations. Whether it's Christmas, Halloween, cultural or tribal customs, or whatever, there can be uncertainty about how to answer questions. An added challenge, at least to the Christmas equation, is that too often it's the other believers who are most offended when we choose not to participate. Weirdly enough, unsaved people often "get it" because they are more focused on the carnal and lustful aspects themselves. This complicates things considerably at times…
I enjoyed the article. I think you have many good ideas on how to deal with the topic. I would agree that there is no cookie cutter answer nor should there be.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm glad you like it. I think we tend to get ourselves in trouble when we look for one-size-fits-all answers.
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