When is it the right time?

This question I don't have an answer for. Specifically speaking, when is it the right time to tell someone about Christ?

The obvious answer would be immediately, but I don't think it is as simple as that. I feel as though each opportunity has its own timing, but how do you know when that is?

My husband and I have gotten to know a lady and her boyfriend over the past few months. Only seeing them occasionally, but we have invited them to our home twice. I still haven't said anything about what Christ has done for them, and that this gift is available for them. They do know that we are believers, at least I would hope so given our prayer times before meals, and that I am a Sunday School teacher. But is what we are doing enough?

To be hard on myself, I don't think that it is. I want to say something, but I also don't want them to think that I view them as a "project." Just another one of my to-dos on my list as a Christian. I want them to know that they are special to me, as my friends, and that I would regret it the rest of my life if I didn't share with them the One who makes my life worth while, the One I live for.

So is it as simple as that? Just putting my feelings out there, prepared for judgment, awkward silences and infamous line "I already know all about that." I wish that it was as easy as it looks on paper. I know it is a delicate balance between showing love and sharing the hope I have in Christ and having my audience accept it or coming across as holier than thou and having them reject it, and worse keep that opinion despite other Christian's efforts because I failed so miserably.

Have any of you gone through this predicament? If you are on the other side, did you share/not share, and what was their response? Any suggestions to make this end positively?

What to do about Christmas

I have tried starting this blog post about half a dozen times and was never truly satisfied with how it was going. I continually deleted what I put down and rewrote the intro a couple of different ways. I was just about to give up. Mostly because I hate writing, it makes me feel like I assume I know more than others, which is far from the truth. But I really did want to finish this blog post, because I feel that this is important.

What do you teach your children about Christmas?

Without judgment, I do believe that parents have the right to teach their children traditions and beliefs as they see fit, as long as those don't harm others around them. But with that said I also believe that your children will be shaped not only by what you teach them, but also what others believe and will teach them, especially at school.

We have chosen to tell our children that Santa Claus is a fictitious character based on the real Saint Nicolas that lived a long time ago. Furthermore, we emphasize that Christmas is about Jesus birth and what that meant, and still means for the world.

This has caused a few issues here and there as our children have grown. "Deer in Headlights" faces and the blunt questions of why. A lot of harassment, joking and not, from fellow friends, family, and acquaintances, Christians and non Christians alike. But regardless of what other people have told my husband and I, their opinions on what we should do, it is still our decision and it is one that I am proud of as a parent. (Wow that sounds braggy) But the truth is, I am proud of the results of our teachings, which most people think is only the above statement about Santa, but in reality that isn't even close to it at all.

We don't actually talk about Santa that much, and when we do, I tell them that people still dress up like Santa, because they want to spread happiness and joy, and to remind us to be charitable and give to one another, just as God gave to us that first Christmas. That God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. That is what we focus on as a family.

And although most people focus on the Santa, and tease us about being "Santa-haters" which we never have claimed ourselves. We really don't need to worry about what other people think. It's about what God thinks. And I would like to share the words of my 6 year old's "Letter to Santa"

"The best Christmas ever: The best day of Christmas is Jesus. God sent his son, Jesus, and he loves us very much. Jesus was born in a barn and there were animals like sheep, cows, and the best gift of all is Jesus! God is the one who sent his son and Jesus loves us all."

Christmas to my family is more than traditions. I want my children to have something I didn't have when I was growing up. A relationship with the one true God, and their savior Jesus Christ.