Christmas is a time when a lot of individuals find their
way home. For many families that means
welcoming home Millennials. Some those
might be college students. Others are
young adults who live in distant cities.
Parents are not the only ones who wait in expectation for the return of
young people. Pastors and others on the
church staff are anticipating the return of so many familiar faces. I recall my days in church youth
ministry. The Christmas Eve services
were among my favorite times. In addition
to hearing the story of our Savior’s birth and singing the familiar carols, I
anticipated seeing so many of the kids I had bonded with in youth group.
Welcoming home some Millennials can be a difficult experience. Some have made decisions
that they know run counter to their parent’s desires. Those choices also might run counter to what they
were taught in Sunday school and youth group.
There is also the unfortunate possibility many of them have wandered
from the faith. Others still consider
themselves to be spiritual but have turned a deaf ear to the message of traditional Christianity.
It easy to view holiday visits as a time to confront the issues that might divide us. Beware,
sometimes it is better to just celebrate Christmas with them and let our
actions deliver the message. Here are
some other things to keep mind.
Many Millennials like traditions. That might especially be the case when it
comes to Christmas rituals. For those
planning Christmas worship that means making sure you tell the Christmas Story
from Luke 2, and sing Silent Night, preferably by candlelight. For parents that means being careful not to
make too many changes in the way the home is decorated or in the menu.
Christmas is not the time to confront them about past
mistakes or poor choices. Remember,
Jesus provides the ultimate example of unconditional love. Our Savior was very good at loving people
where they were at and gently guiding them to where He wanted them to be.
Make Christ the center of your Christmas. The way you convey the “Christmas peace”
through you actions might be the most powerful message they witness.
May the peace of the Christ Child dwell in your family
and in your home during this Christmas season.
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