Redeeming Holidays—Turning Every Celebration into a Discipleship Moment
Why Holidays Matter to God
God has always cared about how His people celebrate. Throughout the Old Testament, He established feasts and festivals to help Israel remember His mighty works (Leviticus 23). These rhythms weren’t just rituals; they were tangible ways to pass faith to the next generation.
Deuteronomy 6:6–9 says:
“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children...”
When you anchor your family traditions in God’s story, you show your kids that every season points to Him.
Birthdays: Celebrating Identity in Christ
In our culture, birthdays often revolve around presents and parties. While these can be fun, you can also use birthdays to remind your children of who they are in Christ.
Create a birthday blessing tradition:
Speak a prayer of blessing over your child each year.
Highlight specific ways you see God growing their character.
Use verses to affirm their worth and purpose.
Example Blessing:
“Lord, thank You for the gift of (child’s name). May they grow in wisdom, in love for You, and in courage to follow Your ways.”
When you consistently mark birthdays with spiritual encouragement, you root your child’s identity deeper than any cultural trend.
Christmas and Easter: Centering on the Gospel
The most celebrated holidays can easily drift into consumerism. Refuse to let these holy days become hollow.
Use Advent devotionals and Easter readings:
Light Advent candles each Sunday before Christmas.
Read a passage about Christ’s birth or His sacrifice.
Create simple traditions—like a nativity scene you build together or Resurrection Eggs that illustrate the story of Easter.
These moments can be short but meaningful, reminding everyone that Jesus is the center of every celebration.
Thanksgiving: Practicing Gratitude
Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and football—it’s a perfect opportunity to teach your family to remember God’s faithfulness.
Share stories of God’s provision:
Go around the table and recall how God answered prayers this year.
Start a family “blessing journal” to document His goodness over time.
Write thank-you cards to people who have been part of God’s provision in your lives.
Practicing gratitude together makes thanksgiving more than a meal—it becomes a rhythm that shapes hearts.
Marking Spiritual Milestones
Not every celebration comes with a national holiday. Some of the most meaningful moments are personal:
A child’s baptism
Their first memory verse
The day they receive their first Bible
Ideas to make these milestones memorable:
Host a small family party to celebrate.
Give a special gift (like a personalized Bible).
Invite friends or mentors to share words of encouragement.
When you highlight spiritual growth with the same excitement as sports achievements, you show your children what matters most.
Building a Gospel-Shaped Family Calendar
These traditions don’t happen by accident. Take time to plan your year intentionally:
Look ahead to holidays and birthdays.
Brainstorm ways to anchor them in God’s story.
Keep it simple—small moments over time have a big impact.
You don’t have to adopt every idea at once. Start with one new tradition, and let it grow year by year.
Conclusion
Your calendar is already full of birthdays, holidays, and milestones. When you redeem those moments, you give your children something better than memories: you give them a framework for seeing Jesus in every season of life.
Make this the year you choose celebrations that shape faith.
