This is such an exciting time of year for the little ones as well as the bigger ones! As parents we want to establish a Christian basis for Christmas by reading "The Nativity" to our children and doing Christ centered activities in the month of December. There are many different activities which can help remind them that Jesus is the reason for the season. For instance, an object lesson that really drives home the point is to create a Christian symbol each day. For instance:

A yellow star for God’s love. A dark ornament for sin. A red cross for Jesus’ death on the cross. A snowflake for the clean life Jesus gives. A green Christmas tree for growth.

Afterwards, you could poke a hole in the top of these items, tie a string through and make it into an ornament for the tree.

Another idea is to brainstorm with your child what types of things Jesus would like for Christmas. Perhaps creating a homemade gift or card for a shut in or delivering food to a mission would be ideas of gifts you could give to Jesus. Write this deed down on a piece of paper, place in a box, wrap and place under the tree. Have your child unwrap it Christmas morning as a reminder of what special deed they chose to do. Reinforce the scripture, Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Finally, one of the traditions in our family is to get the children involved in baking a birthday cake for Jesus. This can be done on Christmas Eve since Christmas morning tends to be a little busy.

You will need:

1 box of white cake mix (or your favorite white cake recipe) 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or your favorite chocolate cake recipe) Vanilla frosting food coloring: red, green and yellow birthday candles optional: heart candies, yellow star, large red candle.

Prepare cakes according to the box/recipe directions. Divide the white batter in half. Drop several drops of green food coloring in one half, and red food coloring in the other half. Pour into 8" round cake pans and bake according to recipe directions. After baking stack layers with icing in between each layer. Discuss the colors as you prepare and as you enjoy the cake.

The chocolate layer reminds us that we are sinful. The red layer reminds us that Jesus shed his blood for our sins. The white frosting reminds us that Jesus has given us a clean heart. The green layer reminds us to grow in Christ. The yellow decorations remind us of heaven. The candles remind us Jesus is the Light of the World.

Most of all enjoy this season with your family and remember to take time to love others which is the biggest gift we can give to Jesus!