Christmas is filled with lights, traditions, and excitement — but the greatest gift we can give our children is a clear understanding of why Jesus came.

In this episode, we talk through practical, grace-filled ways to teach kids the true story of Christmas — not just the manger scene, but God’s rescue plan from the very beginning. We’ll explore Scripture, simple discipleship rhythms, and encouraging reminders for moms navigating a busy December.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

•Why understanding the purpose of Jesus’ birth changes everything about Christmas

•How Luke 2 and Isaiah 9:6 help kids see that Jesus is the promised Savior

•Simple, age-appropriate ways to teach the Christmas story at home

•How to keep Christ at the center during full December schedules

•Why Christmas discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful

Scripture Focus:

• Luke 2:6–20 — The birth of Jesus

• Isaiah 9:6 — God’s promise of a coming Savior

Practical Ideas We Share:

•Reading the Christmas story slowly and repeatedly throughout December

•Emphasizing the why behind Jesus’ birth, not just the details

•Using songs and hymns as tools for teaching theology

•Connecting Christmas to the gospel story, from manger to cross to resurrection

•Simple activities that make learning joyful and memorable

Encouragement for Moms:

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect Christmas. Faithful, simple moments of Scripture, prayer, and conversation matter more than any tradition or gift. God uses your consistency, even in small moments, to shape your children’s hearts.

Resources Mentioned:

• Treasured by the King: Names of God & Who I Am in Christ Devotional

• Names of God & Who I Am in Christ Devotional for Kids

• Multi-age Bible Studies (Preschool through Teens)

Find these and more Christmas discipleship resources at TrainingThemWisely.com

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Thanks for joining us as we learn to train them wisely — one faithful moment at a time.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Karri J. Iverson has been a major influence on the lives of many children and families for more than 20 years. She graduated from Western Michigan University summa cum laude in elementary education with minors in science/math and English. She has used her diverse education as well as her husband’s knowledge and help to homeschool their 5 children.

In 1999 Karri recognized a growing need for homeschooled students to have further instruction in English and science, so she began a local homeschool tutorial. She taught classes in many subjects and managed several teachers as the group grew to meet the needs of local homeschoolers.

Karri has also taught at other homeschool programs and co-ops and has enjoyed teaching Bible studies at her church. She has given direction and guidance to many parents during their homeschooling journeys and has privately tutored several students throughout their high school years. One of her passions is developing curriculum, which she has done for her own children, local homeschooling groups, the local school district’s summer and extracurricular camps, and private schools.

In addition, she has taught for the Summer Institute for the Gifted and has designed her own science and math curriculum for summer camps. In addition, Karri trains and encourages teachers and evaluates programs to make sure they meet scientific objectives. She also loves helping students learn about their awesome Creator!

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Faith isn’t just something we talk about in church—it’s something we live out in car rides, bedtime routines, and unexpected questions from curious little hearts. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah share how to have faith conversations that feel natural—not forced, awkward, or overly scripted, but Spirit-led and deeply meaningful.

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about Jesus in everyday moments with your kids, this is your invitation to start simple, stay present, and trust that God is in the small stuff.

• Why Scripture calls us to teach our kids about God as we go

• How a sunset, rainbow, or hard question can open up spiritual conversations

• 5 practical ways to weave faith naturally into everyday life

• How to respond with grace even when conversations are messy or emotional

• The power of listening well, asking open questions, and letting your kids see your own faith journey

1. Use What’s Already Happening Tie God's truth into what you're seeing, hearing, or experiencing—like a rainbow or a movie scene.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions Spark reflection and dialogue by asking, “What do you think Jesus would do here?”

3. Share Your Own Journey Be real about how you trust God—even in worry, sadness, or uncertainty.

4. Listen More Than You Speak Sometimes the best discipleship happens when you create space for your child to process.

5. Tie Faith to Rhythms Add Scripture to your family’s everyday routines—bedtime, mealtime, car rides.

📖 Colossians 3:17 reminds us: “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

You don’t have to have all the right words. You don’t need a theology degree. You just need a heart that’s willing and present.

God multiplies our small steps of obedience—even when the conversation is messy or interrupted by spilled juice and toddler questions.

💬 If this episode encouraged you, please leave a 5-star review! It helps more moms like you find the show. 📚 Explore more resources at trainingthemwisely.com, and grab Rene’s book, Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids, available on Amazon now.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D