I want the best gift this Christmas!
-
Romans 6:23
Close
It’s a miracle!
Christmas can get so busy—programs, presents, parties—that we forget why we celebrate. How do we help our whole family focus on the miracle of Jesus’s birth? Start simple. Start the Christmas season off by reading Luke 2 together before you put up the tree, lights, or decorations—certainly before opening gifts. Ask your kids what it means that, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” Talk about how amazing it is that the Creator of the universe came as a baby…to save us. Let your kids see your awe and gratitude. When Jesus is at the center of our celebration, our family sees Christmas isn’t just about what’s under the tree, but Who was born in the manger.
Why should We give on Giving Tuesday?
That’s a GREAT question they should be asking. Especially since we’re called to be good stewards. But, giving isn’t just about money; it’s about listening to God and doing something. This year, your Giving Tuesday support to Keys for Kids Ministries helps our Keys for Camps program. We subsidize every camp that hands out Keys for Kids and Unlocked devotionals so kids can read the Gospel at camp and at home all year long. Explain to them no matter how much, they’re helping another kid learn about Jesus. That’s huge! In Acts it says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Paul says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving Tuesday, at least for Keys for Kids Ministries, is a chance to help other kids know Jesus. That’s a gift that lasts forever.
They’re deconstructing their faith?
It’s hard when our kids come home from college and say they’re “deconstructing” their faith. They’re upset by hypocrisy, politics, or what they see as a lack of love in the church. As Christian parents, we need to listen first—James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Leaders like John Piper remind us to respond with grace, empathy, and truth, helping our kids wrestle honestly with questions. John MacArthur points out were they really Christians before? And, are they building on Christ or culture? Our goal isn’t winning arguments—it’s pointing them back to Jesus, showing both His love and truth, and praying that their faith will be built by the unchanging gospel.
Dad, he tried to hit me!
Our culture says it’s tolerant—but it’s often anything but. If Christians or others disagree, people can get angry, even cruel and violent. They might try to silence us, cancel us, or end a friendship. So how do we teach our kids to respond? The same way Jesus did—with truth and love. Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” We can remind our kids that standing for biblical truth doesn’t mean shouting louder—it means showing Christ’s love even when others don’t. When we respond with counter-cultural grace and humility, people notice. That’s how we reflect Jesus in a world that desperately needs Him.
This is what I want my kids to know.
Christian parents what they want their kids to know, more than anything, are three things. First: Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. We’re sinners. We need Jesus to save us. It’s not about being good enough—it’s about grace through faith in Christ alone. Second: the Bible is true from beginning to end. It’s not just an old book; it’s God’s Word—our guide for every decision we face. And third: following Jesus isn’t about missing out—it’s where real joy, peace, and purpose come from. The world disagrees. But Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Teach your kids these things today.
Is Black Friday good for kids?
It’s Black Friday. I think it's an ominous day, myself—a day when millions head to the malls and shopping centers to get the best deals possible for Christmas. I don’t like crowds, and I dislike shopping even more, so I don’t look forward to this day at all. For other people, though, it’s a family tradition. Some families make a whole day of it, filled with breakfast dates, shopping, lunch, and then crashing at home afterward. Question: is this a good day for our kids? What are we teaching them? I think it’s both good and bad. It’s good if we teach our kids how to be responsible in our shopping and gift giving. It’s bad if we make Christmas more about materialism than Christ. Set our minds on things above.
Sadness fills our house, can we change it?
You ever see your family just down in the dumps? Maybe a loss hit hard, sickness lingers, or bad news stole your smiles. We’ve all been there. But listen, there’s a game-changer: thankfulness. Science backs it—studies show gratitude pumps up those feel-good brain chemicals, like dopamine. Psychologists say you can’t hold onto depression and thankfulness at the same time—one’s gotta give! That might be why the Bible encourages thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Colossians 4:2 says to be in prayer and watch with thanksgiving. So, tonight, gather your crew. Share three things each person is thankful for. Watch the darkness of sadness, give way to the brightness of joy – joy that comes from thankfulness.
I’m an empty nester, and I’m not liking it.
Your youngest is off to school or on their own. You’re just beside yourself. It’s a lot harder than you thought. The quiet halls of your home are haunting. You miss the hustle and bustle of teenage life, including the drama that goes with it. It’s normal to feel this way. For a lot of parents, we think about how time flew by, the mistakes we made, the time we wasted, or the hurtful words we said. Others of us are just sad because we miss them so much. Suggestions? Remember God is in control and works all things for His good, even our failures. Being a parent is a high calling, but it’s not our only calling. Reassess your life’s mission and enjoy those “prime time” years. Based on “Don’t Get Stuck in the Empty Nest” by Dennis Rainey, FamilyLife.com
I have three kids, but one I just don’t understand.
It seems like in every family there’s one kid that just makes us wonder. Do you know what I’m talking about? You know, maybe you’re a family of extroverts, and little Alex is quiet and in a world all his own. Or, maybe you have a household of intellectuals, but Sophia? She just wants to kick a soccer ball around and HATES school. Or, maybe your son or daughter has a unique way of dressing that’s just a little off. It’s easy for our kids to feel marginalized or unloved. We need to make sure that we’re celebrating their differences, not teasing them because they’re so different. Scripture’s clear—we’re uniquely and wonderfully made. Teaching our kids this helps them feel loved, but also helps them to love others.
I just want my kids to know God.
Isn’t that the hope of every Christian parent? We want our kids to have a growing and thriving relationship with Him. Question: did you have that as a kid? While I grew up in a Christian home, it wasn’t my first choice because I really didn’t know Him until later. But here are some reasons why I came to Christ and follow Him today. The obvious thing is that the Holy Spirit called me, but my parents did a lot right. My parents wanted to know God more and showed us that. They always pointed out life lessons in a spiritual context. They regularly read Scripture with us, asked questions, and prayed with us. It doesn’t guarantee salvation in our kids—but it’s certainly a good foundation for it.