Transform Your Home with a Family Altar

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

- Deuteronomy 6:6-7

The idea of a "family altar" may sound like something from long ago, but it's a timeless practice that can bring incredible spiritual benefits to your home. For Christian parents looking to nurture their family's faith, creating a family altar can be a meaningful way to keep Christ at the center of your household. In this post, we'll explore what a family altar is, how you can create one, and the blessings it can bring to your family’s faith journey.

What Is a Family Altar?

When we talk about a "family altar," we’re not referring to an ornate structure but rather a simple, intentional space in your home dedicated to displaying Christian symbols and encouraging faith-filled conversations. This could include a cross, a Bible, or symbols of God’s creation like a rainbow or grapevine. The purpose of a family altar is to create a focal point for your family to reflect on God's love and sacrifice and to help guide your children toward Jesus.

In our home, we’ve found that gathering around this special space helps us stay grounded in our faith. It’s a visual reminder of God’s presence in our lives and an opportunity to grow together spiritually as a family.

1. Choosing the Perfect Location

The first step in creating a family altar is deciding where to put it. Ideally, it should be in a spot your family passes by daily—a place where it can be a quiet yet powerful reminder of God’s presence. At the same time, it should be accessible and easy to maintain.

In our home, we chose the entryway for our family altar. Not only do we walk through this area every day, but it’s also the first thing our guests see when they visit. This simple placement sets the tone for our home as a place where Christ is honored.

2. Personalizing Your Family Altar

The beauty of a family altar is that it can be as unique as your family. Work together to choose symbols that reflect your faith and remind you of God’s promises. Many families include a cross as the centerpiece, but you can also add other items like:

• Baptismal certificates
• Family photos with a Scripture verse
• A Bible or devotional book
• Natural elements like stones, flowers, or branches

In our home, we have an illuminated cross as the focal point, surrounded by a few smaller symbols. It’s simple yet meaningful, and our kids love helping to choose what to include.

3. Adding Seasonal Touches

One way to keep your family altar fresh and engaging is by changing it with the seasons or church calendar. For example:

• During Advent, you could add an Advent wreath and candles.
• At Easter, include a small cross with a crown of thorns or lilies to represent the resurrection.
• In the fall, consider adding harvest-themed decor like wheat or pumpkins to celebrate God’s provision.

These seasonal changes can spark meaningful conversations with your children about the significance of these symbols and the events they represent.

4. Involving Your Kids

Your family altar becomes even more special when your children are involved in creating and maintaining it. Use this as an opportunity to teach them about the meaning behind the symbols you choose. Ask them questions like:

• "Why do you think the cross is important to our faith?"
• "What does this symbol remind you about God’s love?"

Our youngest daughter was especially curious when we added a special cross for Easter. Her questions led to a rich conversation about Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it became a wonderful spiritual lesson for her.

The Blessings of a Family Altar

Having a family altar has been a huge blessing in our home. It’s not just a display—it’s a constant reminder of God’s presence and a tool for teaching our kids about their faith. It’s also a testimony to anyone who enters our home, showing them what we value most.

If you’re looking for ways to be more intentional in your Christian parenting, consider creating a family altar. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep Christ at the center of your home and guide your children toward a deeper relationship with Him.

Key Points

• A family altar is a designated space in your home to display Christian symbols and focus on God.
• Choose a location that is both accessible and visible to your family.
• Personalize it with symbols that reflect your faith and change it seasonally to keep it fresh.
• Involve your children in the process to make it a meaningful family activity.
• Use your family altar as a tool to teach your children about God.

By creating a family altar, you can foster a Christ-centered home and help your family grow closer to God together.