Ellen White’s writings emphasize that Christ should be the center of the family, shaping its character, unity, and purpose. Here are key points from her books: - When God is first in the household, and children are taught to love and obey Him, “Christ is not a stranger in their homes; His name is a household name, revered and glorified. Angels delight in a home where God reigns supreme, and the children are taught to reverence religion, the Bible, and their Creator.” (5T 424.2) - God’s design is that “the families of earth shall be a symbol of the family in heaven.” Christian homes, following God’s plan, are “among His most effective agencies for the formation of Christian character and for the advancement of His work.” (6T 430.2) - Only “the grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution what God designed it should be—an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity.” Families united in Christ can represent the family of heaven. (MB 65.1) - Parents are to see their children as “younger members of the Lord’s family,” and the home becomes a school where “Christ Himself is the chief instructor.” (DA 515.2) - The life of Christ is the pattern for the family, and “it is the nature of Christianity to make happy families and happy society. Discord, selfishness, and strife will be put away from every man and woman who possesses the true spirit of Christ.” (4T 520.2) - Family worship is vital: “In every Christian home God should be honored by the morning and evening sacrifices of prayer and praise. Children should be taught to respect and reverence the hour of prayer.” (CT 110) - The influence of a mother connected with Christ “makes the home a Bethel. Christ works with her, turning the common water of life into the wine of heaven.” (GW 206.3) - The home should be a place where “hearts that are filled with the love of Christ can never get very far apart. Religion is love, and a Christian home is one where love reigns and finds expression in words and acts of thoughtful kindness and gentle courtesy.” (5T 335.2) In summary, Ellen White teaches that Christ as the center of the family brings unity, love, and spiritual growth, making the home a reflection of heaven and a powerful witness to the world. References: - White, E. G. (1889). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 424, 335. - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 430. - White, E. G. (1896). Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 65. - White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages, p. 515. - White, E. G. (1881). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 520. - White, E. G. (1913). Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, p. 110. - White, E. G. (1915). Gospel Workers, p. 206.

Ellen White’s writings strongly emphasize the importance and blessings of the presence of Christ in the home. Here are key points from her books: - When God is first in the household, and children are taught to love and obey Him, “Christ is not a stranger in their homes; His name is a household name, revered and glorified. Angels delight in a home where God reigns supreme, and the children are taught to reverence religion, the Bible, and their Creator.” (5T 424.2) - “From every Christian home a holy light should shine forth. Love should be revealed in action. It should flow out in all home intercourse, showing itself in thoughtful kindness, in gentle, unselfish courtesy. There are homes where this principle is carried out—homes where God is worshiped and truest love reigns. From these homes morning and evening prayer ascends to God as sweet incense, and His mercies and blessings descend upon the suppliants like the morning dew.” (PP 144.2) - “Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish love. Then soul will be knit with soul, and the two lives will blend in harmony. Angels of God will be guests in the home, and their holy vigils will hallow the marriage chamber.” (5T 362.2) - “The Saviour never forces his presence upon us. He seeks the company of those whom he knows need his care, and gives them an opportunity to urge his continuance with them. If they, with longing desire, entreat him to abide with them he will enter the humblest homes, and brighten the lowliest hearts.” (3SP 213.1) - “So the homes of Christians should be lights in the world. From them, morning and evening, prayer should ascend to God as sweet incense. And as the morning dew, His mercies and blessings will descend upon the suppliants.” (7T 44.3) - “To those who thus acquaint themselves with Christ, the earth will nevermore be a lonely and desolate place. It will be their Father's house, filled with the presence of Him who once dwelt among men.” (Ed 120.3) In summary, Ellen White teaches that the presence of Christ in the home brings harmony, love, and spiritual blessing. Such homes become places where angels delight to dwell, and where God’s presence is felt in daily life, worship, and relationships. References: - White, E. G. (1889). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, pp. 424, 362. - White, E. G. (1890). Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 144. - White, E. G. (1878). The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 3, p. 213. - White, E. G. (1902). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 44. - White, E. G. (1903). Education, p. 120.