Picture this: a quiet, chilly December evening, and the warm glow of Christmas lights fills the air. The family is gathered together, the kids chattering excitedly about Christmas gifts and Christmas dishes, and the melody of vintage carols drifts through the night. Exciting, isn’t it?!

But amidst the festive buzz and all the planning and partying, a deeper story unfolds—a story of love, humility, and God’s greatest gift to humanity: the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

As parents, this season presents us with a unique opportunity. Christmas isn’t just about twinkling lights and wrapped presents; it’s a time to teach timeless values rooted in Scripture that help our children grow in faith and character.

For example, in the humble manger in Bethlehem, God’s love for humanity was made manifest. The angels sang of joy, the shepherds marveled at the peace that the Messiah brought, and the wise men patiently followed the star, driven by faith and wonder.

How miraculously convenient that these seemingly simple moments of the Christmas story not only echo the Fruits of the Spirit but also offer us a perfect opportunity to leverage it in creating teachable moments for our young children.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

It’s the perfect time to start conversations with your children about what it means to live like Jesus—not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Let’s journey through the lessons we can draw from this season and how we, as parents, can relate them with a teaching on the fruit of the Spirit and weave them into our family traditions:

1. Love

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 (NIV)

As you decorate your home, tell your children about this love and encourage them to show it in their daily lives—by sharing with siblings, helping people who don’t deserve it, or simply offering kind words to someone in need.

2. Joy

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." - Luke 2:10 (NIV)

The joy of Jesus’ birth proclaimed by the angels is something we can all learn from. A joy not in material things but in the Savior’s arrival.

Teach your children that true joy comes from celebrating our new life in Jesus, not just the gifts under the tree. Create joyful moments by singing hymns & carols, dancing to spiritual songs, cooking, baking, and serving others together.

3. Peace

For to us, a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Our Jesus is not only Lord of Lords but also Prince of Peace. Use this season to teach your children about stillness, forgiveness, and peacemaking. Whether it’s resolving a sibling squabble or making amends with a friend, encourage them to reflect Christ’s peace in their actions and relationships.

Seize the opportunity to remind them that they are the image of Christ and must reflect Christ on the Earth.

4. Patience

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:4 (NKJV)

Waiting for Christmas Day can be tough! Leverage the anticipation and excitement of expecting Christmas clothes, food, and gifts to teach your child(ren) about patience.

Share stories of how people eagerly waited for the coming of The Messiah to emphasize its significance. Help them understand that good things, just like God’s promises, are worth waiting for.

5. Goodness & Kindness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, - Galatians 5:22 (NKJV)

Acts of kindness show God’s love in action. Goodness involves doing what is right. Encourage your child(ren) to show kindness by sharing with friends & neighbors, helping out their grandparents, giving away some of their stuff to those in need, and assisting with holiday preparations.

Teach them to make good choices by putting others first, doing the right things at the right time, or reaching out to include someone who may feel lonely or left out.

6. Faithfulness

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. - 1 Corinthians 1:9 (NKJV)

Through the Christmas story, children can learn about God’s unwavering faithfulness—how despite the chaos surrounding Jesus’ birth, God’s promise was still fulfilled. Teach your children to trust God in all things, especially when plans don’t go as expected.

Emphasize also the importance of being faithful & trustworthy people themselves. Imaging God in their world would require them to be reliable and dependable, just like their heavenly father.

7. Gentleness & Self-Control

… gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. - Galatians 5:23 (NKJV)

The excitement of the holidays can test anyone’s self-control, especially children! Whether it’s managing their emotions over unmet expectations or their appetite at the dinner table, these moments offer opportunities to practice gentleness and self-control.

Encourage your children to be mindful of their actions and considerate in their interactions with others—whether it’s with their younger siblings, classmates, or even during family gatherings—they must remain conscious of reflecting Christ’s nature.

This Week…

As you gather around the Christmas tree or read the Christmas story together, let it be much more than a festive ritual. Use it as a moment to sow seeds of faith and godly character in your children’s hearts. Christmas is a season of joy and giving, but most importantly, it’s a reminder of how we’re called to live as reflections of Christ.

By focusing on the connections between the Christmas story and the Fruit of the Spirit, you can help your child(ren) grow spiritually while enjoying the holidays. They’ll learn that Christmas isn’t just about receiving gifts, it’s about sharing God’s love and living out His Word every single day.

Prayer Focus

Pray for wisdom in instilling these values in your child(ren), and that this Christmas season will be a memorable and life-changing one for your children and your entire family.