This time of year can be busy. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is real, and it can sometimes seem like everyone is spending their limited downtime staring at a screen rather than connecting with others.
It may be tempting to constantly nudge people to get off their cell phones, but think about it from a different perspective. What if we could use the devices around us to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas?
Here are three easy ways families can leverage technology to put the focus of the holidays where it belongs. Consider using these tools as a way to enhance the season instead of letting the devices around you detract from it.
Jesus is born!app
For the youngest among us, download “Jesus Is Born”. App. Mac, iPad, and iPhone users can entertain young children with the Nativity story. Read on as he tells five different stories about the birth of baby Jesus, complete with cute cartoon illustrations.
In another part of the app, you can manipulate the Nativity scene by moving animals and other objects with your little finger. Once you’re happy with your scene, you can save it to your camera roll.
Additionally, you can assemble illustrations depicting various scenes from the story using puzzle pieces on the screen. Kids can choose from 6-, 12-, or 24-piece puzzles to determine the level of difficulty.
The app also offers six different digital coloring pages with scenes from the story.
Fee: This app is free, has no ads, and does not collect any data.
Alcove VR
Older children may choose to engage with the Nativity story in a more technology-incorporated way. If you know older children who use virtual reality headsets, give them the opportunity to download Her Alcove VR for MetaQuest and take her on a 360-degree virtual tour of Bethlehem at Christmas time. You can give. It houses virtual tours from all over the world.
Ironically, this app is aimed at older adults due to its ease of use, but teenagers don’t need to know that. You can also choose a Bethlehem tour to explore the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, and other sites important to the story.
Viewing these scenes through a headset can be a great starting point for older children to learn more about the birth of Jesus. Users can invite up to three Quest friends to tour with them, so why not invite Grandma too?
christmas text
If you want a modern nativity twist, sign up to receive texts encouraging you to serve and donate. Text the word “LIGHT” to his Message to 71234 and he will send you various ideas about how His Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints can serve others.
All of the prompts are inspired by examples from the Bible’s Christmas story. Each text features characters from the Nativity and how they display similar characteristics in today’s world.
For example, the first role you might receive might be a star role. This text explains how stars led people to Jesus and invites you to find a way to brighten someone’s life.
These texts can serve as a starting point for insightful discussions among family members as they decide how to respond to each invitation. When you’re ready for the next role, text back “Next” and another prompt will appear.