While bringing the joy of the season to our home with so many materials, we have to consider our kids too. As spiritual parents, we have to inculcate some Advent thoughts in our little one’s minds. The most important thing we can do in this Advent is to prepare ourselves just before to make prepare our children.’ The birth of Jesus’ may be talked about in churches, perhaps in their peer groups or school. Of course, children are curious to watch us and act like us. So ‘the coming of Jesus’ can be given with our own commitment to enter Advent as deeply as we can. We have to clear our spirits so that we can present ourselves to them.
Talk with Our Children
Sometimes we cannot teach the theology behind the birth of Jesus. But we can put them into the spiritual path of theology through our own experiences of Christmas. The childhood memories, the helping of elderly people with our small pocket money, the ejaculations and praising songs of baby Jesus must awake a curiosity among your kids. And you are being a role model too to your kids.
The Message
We can tell our children about Isaiah, the prophet. Through that example, we can teach them about the divine providence of God. After that, you can come to the point of the need for a king to the people. The prophets used such wonderful images to tell the people that they could expect and hope for a day when “every tear would be wiped away”. The story of Zachary and Elizabeth can be explained then. This story can not be completed without saying, Mary and Jesus. During these weeks of Advent, we want to look forward to celebrating his coming to live our lives and to set us free- free from our sins and free from death itself. This way we can open up the Advent for them. Then they can look forward to Christmas in a special way.
Advent Activities
More than sitting and listening, children are hilariously waiting for something during this Advent. We can easily divert them into many Advent activities like making the nativity place at home. We can involve children to prepare food for others. Plan to visit old age homes and nursing homes near your street. We can take an Advent or Christmas song and sing it together at the end of the evening family prayer. With the older children, we might find time to prepare food for the homeless. And later you can let them share their experiences with the younger ones in your family gatherings.
We should have to make a tradition to celebrate Christmas and Advent. The cherished moments will be everlasting in the minds of our little ones. So try to create a tradition and prepare the children for Advent in a better and creative way.