Today’s guest blogger is NYT bestselling author and top influencer, Dave Hollis. He just released his first children’s picture book, Here’s to Your Dreams!: A Teatime with Noah Book (Tommy Nelson).
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” -Mark 10:14
Reading to my children has long been a favorite activity of mine. In fact, I just wrote my first children’s book! Yes, finding time to read to Noah, my youngest, isn’t always easy. However, it’s particularly rewarding during the Christmas season. If you haven’t already established a reading tradition with your children, here are a few reasons why the Christmas season is the ideal time to start:
One-on-One Time with Your Children
At Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in all the things that need to get done: decorations hung, presents wrapped, cooking and baking, etc. This year, concentrate on the most important thing you can do as a parent: raising children with loving, faithful hearts. Proverbs 22:6 advises to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” By having dedicated interacting/reading time with your children, where you’re listening to their questions while sharing your thoughts and feelings as you read, you’re establishing a supportive environment where children feel safe and loved – and open to the life lessons and faith matters you share with them.
A Focus on Family Time, not Shopping Time!
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3). We are all guilty of indulging in the excesses associated with Christmas, including too much emphasis on material things. Spending time reading together is an invitation for everyone to slow down and to focus on what matters: the gift of family, the gift of time spent wisely.
See Christmas Through a Child’s Eyes
Mark 10:14. Children are naturally excited in the Christmas season – enjoy that with them! Too often, adult cares and worries distract us from experiencing the simple joys of the season: a beautiful sugar cookie, a Christmas parade, or a children’s book with a sweet message. Indulge in that wonder with your children.
Share, as a Family, the Beautiful Story of Jesus’ Birth
“Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation” (Joel 1:3). No Christmas would be complete without the reading of the Nativity story; this year, make it a special event. Put the date on your calendar and make it part of your holiday celebrations. Gather in front of the Christmas tree or creche and begin with a Christmas hymn. Maybe your oldest child could help with the Bible reading, too. The goal is to make this an anticipated celebration for your family, one that makes Jesus the focus.
Time spent with your children is a wise investment in their development, their character, and their happiness. Don’t skimp on that during the Christmas season when things get busy; even the simple act of reading together can be a blessed activity.
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NYT bestselling author and top influencer Dave Hollis just released his first children’s picture book, Here’s to Your Dreams!: A Teatime with Noah Book (Tommy Nelson).
