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This podcast episode on Bold Mercies explores how Advent shapes our mindset faith and daily life as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. It highlights why Advent matters what it reveals about God’s promises and how slowing down to focus on Scripture prayer and anticipation can transform the entire Christmas season. The conversation encourages listeners to shift from holiday chaos to Christ centered hope.

This post encourages families to decorate their homes in ways that clearly point to Jesus during the Christmas season. The author shares ideas for displaying nativities Christ focused signs handmade pillows and themed trees such as the Jesse Tree or a Names of Jesus tree. These decorations spark conversations about faith help keep Christ at the center of the holiday and give families simple ways to share the gospel with guests.

This post shares simple ways to decorate outdoors in a Christ centered way so neighbors and visitors clearly see that Christmas is about Jesus. Ideas include displaying a lit cross with a wreath, creating a manger and cross display, and designing bold wreaths that showcase Jesus or the nativity. These decorations serve as reminders for the family, conversation starters for evangelism, and encouragement for believers who pass by.

This post helps parents turn an unusual, slowed-down Fall season into a chance to invest spiritually in their kids. Using Psalm 119:103 as the foundation, it introduces a simple, hands-on family devotional that compares the sweetness of honey to the sweetness of God’s Word. The activity uses graham crackers and honey to capture kids’ attention, spark conversation, and show them that Scripture nourishes the soul just like sweet food delights the tongue.

A great way to keep Advent focused on the true meaning of Christmas is by watching Christ centered movies as a family. For younger kids, classics like Veggie Tales Christmas stories, Crippled Lamp, Legend of the Candy Cane, and Buck Denver keep things fun while teaching truth. For older kids and teens, films like The Nativity Story, The Fourth Wise Man, and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey help everyone connect deeply with the story of Jesus. Watching these together creates a tradition that keeps your family grounded in what Christmas is really about.

A simple way to keep Advent focused on Jesus is by giving kids nativity sets they can actually play with. Keep the sets in a basket during December so they can act out the Christmas story whenever they want. You can find inexpensive nativities at thrift stores, make your own story stones, or print magnetic pieces for the fridge. You can even create a custom set with wooden peg dolls for very little cost. These hands on toys help kids keep Jesus at the center of their play and create meaningful Christmas memories they will carry for years.

A Birthday cake for Jesus is a powerful and creative way to keep Christ at the center of Christmas. Each step of the cake has a clear meaning that points to the Gospel, from the red and green layers to the yellow frosting and the central candle that represents Jesus. Kids love the visual and hands on experience, and it naturally opens the door for sharing the story of Jesus with other families. Hosting a Birthday party for Jesus becomes both a fun tradition and an easy way to introduce the Gospel to children and parents who may not know Him.

Christmas morning can stay Christ centered by beginning with Scripture, a hymn, and prayer before opening any gifts. Families can open presents one at a time to build patience and help kids celebrate each other. You can also shift the focus from things to experiences by gifting events or outings. Use simple activities to teach kids about budgets and gratitude, like pretend spending with play money or writing thank you notes. Let children enjoy their gifts at their own pace and take breaks to play. Ending the season with a night of thanks, special dessert, and a thank you note to Jesus adds meaning to the celebration.

Hosting a Birthday Party for Jesus is a fun and meaningful way to help kids focus on the true meaning of Christmas. You can invite other families and include activities like acting out the Christmas story, Advent ball hunts, crafts, games that point to the Gospel, and giving gifts to bless others in need. Singing, watching a Christmas video, and enjoying foods from Bible times make the celebration even more special. Ending with a Birthday cake for Jesus ties everything together and creates a memory kids will remember for years.