Top 5 Reasons for Focusing Children on Giving at Christmas!

“Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call, Their favorite time of the year!”

Ah, yes . . . Christmas time is here and while children are likely to be focused on the gifts they hope to receive . . . as for many children it is their favorite time of year, I believe it is the ideal time to redirect their focus to giving to others! So . . .  here are my Top 5 Reasons for Focusing Children on Giving at Christmas . . .

1. Jesus is our Example . . . He gave to us – John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (ESV)
2. Jesus told us to give to others . . . when we give to others, we are choosing to obey Jesus  - John 15:12 “‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.’” (ESV)
3. Giving to others brings glory to God! – Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (ESV)
4. It pleases God – Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (ESV)
5. It shows by what we do God’s love is in us!  - I John 3:17 “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (ESV)

These are just five, of many, reason for us to focus our kids on giving to others at Christmas! So, how can your kids give to others? Consider the following ideas . . .

• Plan a new/gently used coats drive – have your kids collect new and gently used coats to give to those in your church and community who are in need of a warm coat! On your coat distribution day, have kids bake cookies to add with your gift of warm coats!
• If you have a family in need in your church, get a gift wish list from them and then have each class/small group in your church work together to get the items on the list. Plan a gift wrapping party and have the kids pray for the family who will receive their gifts – be prepared to keep the family’s name secret, but kids can serve others even if they do not know the exact names of the people who they are giving to.
• Go on-line and look up WorldHelp's Gifts of Hope Gift Catalog (I love the bunnies!). Sit down with the children in your ministry and select a gift they are willing to work to earn the money for. Then send the money and spend time praying for the family who will receive their gift – and most importantly, for the people who will give them their gift and share the Good News of Jesus with them!

These are just three ideas – there are so many ways you can help the children in your ministry focus on giving to others this Christmas, but whatever you choose, be sure to do something to intentionally engage them and focus them on giving! As you do, you may find giving to others will become their favorite part of their “favorite time of year”!