The first candle on the Advent Wreath represents The Promise- the promise of the Messiah. A savior who, the prophets said, would bring peace and love to a broken world.

God made good on his promise. Jesus, the bread of life,  was born in Bethlehem, the house of bread. God is faithful to bring about that which He says He will.

This week, the first week of Advent, make a family pact to focus on integrity.

Talk about how God is a promise keeper and He is our best example. Show what being a person of your word looks like. Be honorable in the small things as well as the big things. By following through with what you say you will do, trust will increase. If your child says, “Hey, let’s play a game together.” And you respond with, “In a minute.” Mean it. Get back to your child in short order and play that game.

When God brought his promise to fruition He announced it with a multitude of angels and a bright star. The event was worthy of a huge celestial celebration! When you follow through with or your child carries out a promise- point it out- so the teachable moment doesn’t quietly pass by. “Okay! Let’s play. I told you we’d play in a minute and that minute is up. You are important to me and I want to honor you with my words and actions.”

Your child will feel valued and you will have increased your “trust factor”.

Making and keeping promises or making and breaking promises. We have a choice. If we want to build the quality of honesty in our children and  encourage their trust in us we must be faithful and true to our word. Faithfulness is demonstrated and trust is birthed when the promise becomes a reality. Even when that reality is born in a manger!

So how are you doing in the trustworthy department? Are you true to your word? Do your kids believe what you say?

Wait for the LORD, be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:9

© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.

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