Portrait of Holidays, Veteran's Day, Faith, Celebrating Christ
I'm starting a new series today called Celebrating Christ Through the Year. I wrote this article years ago, yet never really implemented it in my own family. I hope to do so this time around. I'm starting before the New Year so we can share some of the wonderful ideas for the holidays!
Celebrating Jesus Throughout the Year
By Gina Conroy
Copyright 2000
There’s nothing like a celebration to break the monotony of the daily grind. What kid or adult doesn’t long for opening presents on Christmas morning or hunting for eggs at Easter. Sometimes the true meanings of the holidays get lost in the excitement of the celebrations. With Christmas and Easter it’s easy to find the spiritual meaning behind each holiday, but have you ever imagined you could celebrate Jesus on St. Patrick’s Day or Memorial Day? If you really try, it’s not hard to see Jesus is every holiday. Here are some suggestions to help you celebrate Jesus throughout the year.
Veteran’s Day: On this day we remember those, past and present, who made a commitment to defend and protect our country and our lives. Sometimes it's hard for kids to really grasp the meaning of this day of rememberance, but you can take the opportunity to strengthed their faith. Pray for those fighting for our country and for the families of those who have lost loved ones to war. Pray for peace and pray for leaders of our nation.
Then share with them that although they may not be able to fight for America, their can enlist in God’s Army. Make this day special by putting on the armor of God (Galatians 6:13-18). Pledge loyalty to Jesus and talk about how you can fight in His army. You can even take this time to talk about the ways the enemy likes to attack.
Be creative and role play, and Veterans Day will always be a day they remember!
2 comments:
I don't think I have told you how much I love your new look Great work, Gina.
I learned a little about this during the year and a half I lived in Ukraine - because all religious holidays had been excluded under communism, the government (and in some cases the people on a local level), created "holidays" of their own. After they could start celebrating religious days again, many of the celebrations had lost their original Christ-centered meaning, but still held in the hearts of the people. I noticed that even the government and local harvest festivals and such took on a new "holy" significance in many cases, as they tried to implement "old" ideas of God and His work in their lives. In a round about way, I could see how every festivity or expression of gratitude can really be a celebration of Christ. Even after 80 years of enforced atheism. :)
I like your article a lot - it's a great idea.
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