Christmas in England + Christmas Cards
Happy Christmas! Learn more about Christmas in the United Kingdom here!
GOSPEL-CENTERED DISCUSSION ABOUT CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AS CHRISTIANS:
Did you know that for a time, Puritans banned celebrating this holiday because of its ties to pagan rituals? This tidbit made us squirrel off into a discussion about how many Christians feel the same way even today (much like they feel about Halloween) … and how our family’s personal convictions about Jesus being a redeemer of all things gives us freedom to celebrate in an intentional way that points others to the gospel.
Regardless of what atheists/satanists believe – they have absolutely zero power against the Sovereign Almighty Creator … who we belong to! The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit that fills us. We need not fear. And there is no longer a burden to live by “laws” that 1) not only we can never perfectly live by, but 2) could potentially lead us into a self-righteousness that does not give off the aroma of Christ.
How can we engage the broken and the lost if we set ourselves apart from them in a way that causes disdain for a life in Christ? Especially if a life in Christ is portrayed as staunchly boring, “prim and proper” (which it really is not!). Yes, we are set apart, but I think too often Christians have twisted this in such a way that they longer become kingdom ambassadors but kingdom protectors. News flash: the kingdom doesn’t need any protecting outside of KING JESUS.
And therefore, our crew takes this time of year as an opportunity to live out our missional identity for the kingdom (I mean we obviously attempt to do that daily, throughout the year, but there are distinct symbols/customs unique to this season, that others may be more receptive to).
Every family will have their own convictions, but these are ours. And if you’re reading this post, I gather you share the same sentiment we do!
Okayyy. Back to British Christmas traditions … like Christmas cards! And Christmas crackers! And telling ghostly Christmas tales after a huge feast! And wassailing with friends! 😆 All I gotta say is those originally pagan peeps sure know how to party … but us Christians know how to party even better!
BOOKS WE ENJOYED:
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This picture book version of A Christmas Carol is perfect for even the youngest readers because the simpler read and captivating illustrations still convey the magic of this classic Christmas story.
ACTIVITY IDEAS:
1) Follow up your read of the picture book with a movie day. This is the version we watched and enjoyed.
2) Craft homemade Christmas cards for family and friends!
3) Purchase Christmas Crackers for your kids to open (we found ours for a reasonable price at our local Marshalls). You can also make your own!
4) And since the British are known for tea, invite some friends over for a Christmas-themed tea party!
