As a Christian parent, it is so important to make it clear to your child the true reason for giving and celebrating at Christmas. Knowing the meaning of the birth of Jesus transforms a festive holiday into the joyful experience that was God's plan. Yet many people grow up knowing only the partying, the Santa-thing and the shopping.

Make sure your child does not miss out on what should be the most important part of life. Start at an early age to teach the story of Christ’s birth. This will put into place the stepping stones for understanding the valuable parts of the Christmas celebration. It's possible that you will also gain more understanding as you teach.

1. Schedule regular story times to tell your child about the first Christmas. Learning and understanding takes time and repetition. Plan your story times.
   
2. Break the story into parts. (See the suggested scripture break-down below.) The younger the child, the smaller the parts of the story told at one time.
   
3. Tell the story to your child. Using the Scripture references, tell it with enthusiasm, conveying your own joy. Hold your Bible, or his, as you tell the story. Make sure your child understands that this is a true story from God’s word to us, the Bible.
   
4. Include life experiences that they can apply to their own life. Insert these truths into the story rather than in lecture form after the story.
   
5. Ask him questions. Who is Jesus? What is Jesus’ mother’s name? What is the name of Jesus’ father? Where did God promise the Savior would be born?
   
6. All mothers have heard their child say, "Read it again, Mommy." Be ready to repeat this beautiful story. Ask your child to tell it to you.
   
7. Be sure to read the scripture to him from the Bible. You may be surprised to discover that by Christmas, your child has memorized certain verses just by hearing it read.
   
8. Two, very important, Scripture verses to read to your child and to talk about are:
   Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
   Luke 2:11 The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!

These Scriptures tell the story of Christmas. Use this break-down for the very young child or group them together for an older child.

• The Savior is promised. -- Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5; Micah 5:2-5a
  
• The Angel visits Mary.- Luke 1:26-38.
  
• The Angel visits Joseph -Matthew 1:18-25
  
• The trip to Bethlehem and the stable - Luke 2:1-7
  
• Jesus is born - Luke 2:6-7
  
• Angels visit the shepherds -Luke 2:8-14
  
• The shepherds visit the manger.- Luke 2:15-18
  
• The Wise Men travel to Jerusalem - Matthew 2:1-8
  
• The Wise Men worship the Christ Child -Matthew 2:13-15
  
• The trip to Egypt - Matthew 2:13-15

The Bible Box Set

Ben Cross plays a wonderful and powerful part as "Solomon" which you will find it all, rebellion, corruption, courage, and faith.