The light of our Christ Candle flickered in their faces as we talked about Emanuel, our God with us born on Christmas day. Once we were gathered around the tree I asked them the question, “What Does God want for Christmas?” The question hung in the air for a few moments and finally the answer we had been building up to for weeks was spoken.
“He wants me. ” said my four year old.
I am always looking for ways to bring purpose and meaning to our family time during the Christmas season. A few years ago, I found a tool called, “What God Wants for Christmas.” I love the way it involves my girls in the Christmas Story and the fun it brings to our own ABC Advent. { It is produced by FamilyLife, you can read about it, here}.
This year, I was was inspired by a book called “The King’s Christmas List.” This book by Eldon Johnson, tells the story of a little girl invited to the king’s birthday celebration. Once she arrives, she notices that everyone is giving gifts to each other and no one has a gift for the king {you can find this resource, here}. She realizes this is not right, but herself has nothing to offer…or so she thinks.
This year, I combined both of these tools and challenged my girls in a new way:
- First, we want to give God our hearts. To allow Him to live there and make us the kind of people He wants us to be.
- Second, we can give Him our time, talents, and money to be used by Him how He pleases.
- Third, we asked them to give up a couple of small presents they normally received and instead take that money and give to the ministry of their choice as a gift for Jesus. We asked them to keep it a secret from everyone (except me because I was in charge of making the gift happen).
- Next, I asked them to wrap up a tiny box with something that would symbolize the ministry they chose and place it under the tree.
- Finally, during our last ABC Advent celebration on Christmas Eve, they opened their box and revealed to everyone where they gave their money.
I can’t tell you how sweet it was to see them open these gifts and share what ministry they chose and why. They were so excited to share about the gift they gave. Hands down, it is the most precious thing we did all Christmas season. It was so simple, yet is spoke volumes to my girls and the adults present. It is a new tradition that we will bring back next year and hopefully build upon.
Today I am linking up with MODsquad and sharing this story. If you would like to read about how other mom’s and their families gave back this Christmas, you can do so by clicking the button below! I’d also love to hear about what you did to give back, too. Leave a comment below and tell me what you did this Christmas to give in Jesus name.
