Kennedy’s Christmas list

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A proud mom showed me a list that her daughter had written about how to have a Merry Christmas.  I always enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of the generation that is on the way up.  Kennedy, the author of the list, has a lot of wisdom for someone her age.

I thought it would be fun to share this list with my readers.  It is a good idea at this point in the Christmas season to stop and rethink the schedule and consider what really matters about this holiday.

Kennedy has grown up in a home where she has been taught to love the Lord.  Her mom opens her home each week to host a Bible study I teach.  I always enjoy looking around the kitchen to see the pictures posted on the fridge, the devotionals which sit in a bowl on the table, and the many other obvious signs that Jesus is honored in their home.  I hope you enjoy this list as much as I did.  Kennedy’s first sentence read:

Christmas is about when God sent his son to earth to save us from our sins.

The list continued . . .

Christmas décor:

  • You should NOT EVER over do it.
  • Make it meaningful and warm and most importantly make it inviting!
  • Have fun while decorating and get the kids involved.
  • Don’t get overwhelmed!!!!!!!!!
MORE RULES TO FOLLOW

  • Remember what Christmas is all about.
  • Make a list.
  • Be kind.
  • Elf on the shelf.
  • Advent calendar.
  • GO TO  CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to admit I didn’t know what the “Elf on the shelf” was.  My friend told me that it is a small stuffed elf that moves around the house at night.  Each morning the kids have to look and see where the elf has “landed.”

One woman overheard our conversation and said that her “Elf on the shelf” was occasionally found by an open Bible, reading Luke 2 or bent on knees in a praying position.  I wish they had invented “Elf on the shelf” when I was raising my boys.  (Note to self:  a good “grandma” gift in the future!)

At this point in the season it is important to remember what will be remembered about Christmas 2014.  People will probably not remember what your gift was, just that you gave it.  People will probably not remember what you wore to the party, just that you wore a smile and brought joy into the room.  People will probably not remember anyone who was at the mall, but they will remember that someone allowed them to go first when they were in a hurry, or helped them find something they needed.

Kennedy was exactly right.  “Christmas is about when God sent his son to earth to save us from our sins.”  This is a great time to rethink anything that has changed the focus and priorities of the Christmas season.  The kids are watching.  Let’s make sure we are teaching the next generation the matters that matter most.

3 John 1:4 expresses the Apostle John’s words and God’s heart as well.  John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  Whatever we have planned for this day, this week, this season…we should live in such a way that we bring our heavenly Father great joy.  That would be the highest purpose for this holiday season.

Thank you Kennedy for sharing your list.  You may have helped a lot of people have a better Christmas this year.

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Posted by Janet Denison

Janet Denison teaches others to live an authentic faith through her writing, speaking, and teaching ministry. She blogs weekly at JanetDenison.org and often at ChristianParenting.org. She is also the author of The Songs Tell the Story and Content to Be Good, Called to Be Godly, among other books. Janet and her husband, Dr. Jim Denison, live in Dallas, Texas. When they’re not writing or ministering to others, they enjoy spending time with their grown children and their four still-growing grandchildren.