by Cristina Grau
Homeschool411.com partner blogger
What’s in a name? A name is more than just something by which we are called; in a sense, it is our reputation. Did you know there are a multitude of names for God? Each name unique and powerful; the list is endless.
Join us on this exciting adventure through Scripture, where we will learn some amazing verses, talk about how those verses should affect our lives, and discuss some practical ways to make these names “real.”
“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:7-9).
A door is a very important thing. It not only keeps unwanted things out, but keeps those that belong, in. A door provides security, warmth, and privacy. Unless one cares to break the law, a doorway is the only way into a given area; there are no other viable options for entry.
In John, we are given yet another name for Christ: the door. It is through Him that we enter into a better place. Christ is our passageway to peace, grace, and everlasting redemption. While others before Him had made this claim for themselves, we are reminded of their true intentions; they were thieves and robbers, attempting to ‘sheer the sheep’. Only Christ is the true doorway.
It is only through Him that we are able to find redemption. There is no way around, no way under, and no way over; it is through Him or nothing at all. While passing through the ‘door’ does mean we will enter into heaven and offers us peace on this side of death, the true purpose in our entering through Christ is the reconciliation with God. It is through Christ that we are made right with our Creator, mending what was once a broken relationship.
I wanted our children to have a daily reminder of this principle; something that would bring this concept to mind every time they looked upon it. This Christmas season is about that ‘door’ being opened to all who are willing to simply believe. Therefore we embarked upon a fun, yet simple task. We decorated a door.
Decorate a Door
I grabbed some very fun Christmas wrapping paper and a big red bow; we read through our verse and talked about Christ being the door; and then we got busy. As a family, we wrapped our homeschooling closet door. Each of us took part in adding this new tradition to our routine; it was loads of fun.
Now, every time we open this door to get school supplies or to simply pull out some necessary crafting item, we will be reminded of Christ’s gift to us this Christmas season. We will remember how important the birth of Christ truly is; the reconciliation between us and God; a doorway into everlasting love and peace.
Copyright 2014. Used by permission of the author. Originally posted at A Homeschool Mom, December 2, 2013.
Cristina Grau is a homeschooling mom of four. She began homeschooling in 2003, and is now serving as Yearbook Editor of her private school satellite program (PSP). She currently writes a blog, A Homeschool Mom.