I’m sorry you didn’t carry through on your intentions, but at least you realize Christmas should be centered on Jesus. Too often today, we’ve forgotten the angel’s announcement on that first Christmas: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

How can you overcome this problem next Christmas? The key is to make Jesus part of your family’s life — not just at Christmas, but every day of the year! Then next year, it will be natural for you to turn your children’s attention to the importance of Jesus’ birth, and why He alone is “the reason for the season.”

How can you make Jesus part of your family’s daily life? First, take time as a family to pray and to read from the Bible every day. Make church an important part of your family’s life,also. In addition, talk with your children about Jesus and what He wants to do in their lives — not in a forced way, but naturally and warmly. Nothing is more important than helping your children understand who Jesus is and why He came into the world. The Bible says, “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home” (Deuteronomy 11:19).

Above all, ask God to help you be an example to them every day of Christ’s importance to you — both by what you say and what you do. They may not always remember what you say, but they’ll remember what you do.

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