Parenting Points “Unprecedented” has become a meaningless word because it has been applied to everything. A coming presidential election leads to dusting off this word. Once again, we find ourselves in a world where we are divided – your party vs. my party and your candidate vs. mine. We all want to be on Jesus’ ... The post Politics, Faith & Conversations with Your Kids: Whose Side is Jesus On? appeared first on Birmingham Christian Family Magazine ..read more

Parenting Points Church can be challenging, but it’s also a place where you belong. There have been many days, both attending and serving in churches, where you may have been tempted never to return. When broken people gather to seek to glorify and walk with Jesus in community, it can be messy. But despite the ... The post The Importance of Engaging with Your Local Church appeared first on Birmingham Christian Family Magazine ..read more

Parenting Points As summer fades into history, school is just around the corner. The beginning of a new school year brings the introduction of routines again and the opportunities for many new things. Though excitement naturally comes with the new, so does apprehension for us and our kids. Like every new season, we do not ... The post Family Prayers for Back to School appeared first on Birmingham Christian Family Magazine ..read more

Parenting Points Summer often brings a whirlwind of activities. While these experiences create lasting memories, they can also lead to a hectic pace that exhausts families. Amidst the busyness of summer, it’s vital to find moments of rest and reflection. Embracing Sabbath practices can help families reconnect with each other and with God, providing much-needed respite and spiritual renewal. Understanding the Sabbath. The concept of the Sabbath originates from the Biblical commandment to rest on the seventh day, as God did after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). This rest day is about ceasing ..read more

Parenting Points Father’s Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate fathers’ significant role in the lives of their children and families. Beyond providing for their physical needs, fathers serve as spiritual leaders and role models, guiding their children in faith and character development.  Father as Spiritual Leader. Fathers are called to lead their families with wisdom, love, and integrity, serving as spiritual shepherds who point their children towards God. Through their words, actions, and example, fathers can instill faith, compassion, and forgiveness in their children, layi ..read more

Parenting Points Life is filled with transitions—moving to a new home, changing schools, entering adolescence—each bringing a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For some families, May marks the beginning of a transition season. Navigating these transitions can be challenging for children and students, but with the support of family and trusting God by faith, they can embrace change with courage and resilience. Recognize the Challenges of Transition. Transitions can evoke emotions in children and students, from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and fear. They may feel overwhelmed by the un ..read more

Parenting Points As Easter approaches, families prepare to celebrate the central event of the Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While Easter is often associated with bunnies, eggs, and chocolate, it’s essential to remember the true meaning of this important holiday. By incorporating meaningful traditions into your family celebrations, you can deepen your understanding of Christ’s resurrection and create lasting memories with your kids and family. Here are five family Easter tradition ideas.  Easter Sunday Sunrise Service. Start Easter Sunday with a sunrise service to comme ..read more

Parenting Points In February, as love takes center stage with Valentine’s Day, let’s embark on a different kind of celebration—a celebration of kindness. Imagine a February where every day is an opportunity for your family to spread love through acts of kindness, both big and small. This month, let’s challenge ourselves and our families to make kindness a daily habit, reflecting the love that Jesus has shown us. The Kindness Challenge is simple and powerful. Each day, commit as a family to performing an act of kindness for someone else. It could be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or eve ..read more

Parenting Points As the calendar turns to January, Christians worldwide celebrate Epiphany, a festival that marks the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Traditionally observed on January 6, Epiphany is a time of reflection and rejoicing as we commemorate the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus, signifying the revelation of Christ’s light to the world. Epiphany symbolizes the extension of God’s salvation to the Gentiles, emphasizing the truth seen throughout the Scriptures that Jesus came not only for a particular group but for all people. Guided by a star, the wise men from the ..read more

Parenting Points As December approaches, Christians worldwide embark on a special journey of faith known as Advent. This season, lasting four weeks and leading up to Christmas, is a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent offers a beautiful opportunity for families to draw nearer to God and one another as they prepare their hearts for the arrival of Christ. The Meaning of Advent. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” During Advent, Christians reflect on the coming of Jesus into the world ..read more