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12/02/07
Comments (5)

Family Worship for the Christmas Season

I was raised as part of a Christian tradition that did not place a lot of emphasis on the religious component of the Christmas season. Christmas was a time for family and for friends and for being grateful for all the blessings given us by God, but did not include a lot of distinctly Christian traditions. It is with some interest, then, that I read of advent and the traditions of other people around the Christmas season.

Ray Rhodes has given us a valuable guide in his small book Family Worship for the Christmas Season. Published recently by Solid Ground Books, this little volume provides a guide to thirty-one ideas for family worship during the advent season. According to the author, it is “designed to help you and your family focus on Christ during the Christmas season.” It is not a devotional, in which case it might provide a Bible verse and a reflection on that verse, but instead provides ideas for family worship during each of the days from December 1 to December 31. It opens with a Scripture reading and then provides a suggestion for what a family may wish to discuss or do during that day. It provides some pointers for family worship and a brief prayer relevant to the day.

Easy to read and filled with some good suggestions, I think this book could be a valuable component to a family’s times of worship during the family season. Jim Elliff says, “Make December different this year by trying them out with your family. This book can make a significant difference in your family’s understanding of the incarnation.” If you’d like to give it a try, you can find it at Amazon and other book sellers.

Family Worship for the Christmas Season

Comments (5) »

1. Dennis
December 2, 2007
5:32 PM

Thanks Tim, this looks like a great gift idea too.

2. kschaub
December 2, 2007
8:55 PM

Tim, haven’t been around in a few weeks. At church this morning, I told them about my Grandpa’s Christmas tradition to tell the story about Christ’s birth to the whole family before we open gifts. Year after year, I saw my Grandpa’s faith as he teared up over the gospel and the birth of Christ.

Thanks for the gift idea.

Kevin

3. julie
December 2, 2007
9:11 PM

Tim, do you know if this book would also be appropriate for couples to do together who do not have children (newly married, middle-agers, elderly persons)? Like are the devotionals targeted toward children, or are they for all age groups?

4. GrammaMack
December 2, 2007
11:37 PM

John Piper’s wife, Noel, has a book called “Treasuring God in Our Traditions” that is excellent.

5. Ray Rhodes
December 3, 2007
8:44 AM

“Family Worship for the Christmas Season” is easily adapted for any family regardless of whether one has children or not. Though many of the activities are directed to children— in reality most of the activities can be benefitial to anyone.

Each day contains a Scripture reading, commentary, family worship activity and prayer. The book is not dated to any year so it can be used year after year. Most days do not necessarily build upon the previous day so the book can be picked up at any point in the month and be used to great benefit.

Many folks have purchased to book to give for a gift. A number of churches have ordered by the case to give to the families of their congregation. There is also an evangelistic emphasis in part of the book making the book suitable and I think helpful to give to a non-Christian.

Thanks Tim for the review and everyone for your comments. Please let me know if you have questions about the book.

Ray Rhodes, Jr.