Mecklenburg Community Church

I think we can all agree that everyone loves to receive gifts. It is nice to be recognized and celebrated. But, have you ever thought that there could be more joy in GIVING a gift?

For a kid, Christmas is filled with presents, santa, cookies, wish lists, and fun! And it is so much fun! When I was young, my mom would give me the Sears catalog (yes, I am that old) and I would circle the toys I wanted with excitement and a twinkle in my eye. The anticipation of what was going to be left from Santa filled my little kid heart with happiness. That joy, is beautiful!

The Heart of Christmas

When kids experience the joy of receiving, they can also begin to understand what it could be like to bring that same joy...to someone else. Because that is the heart of Christmas. Giving, not receiving. Celebrating the day God GAVE the ultimate gift, Jesus, by GIVING to people God has put in our life.

Move Christmas from a focus on RECEIVING to a focus on GIVING.

First, talk about giving!

Explain why we give presents at Christmas. God loved us so much that He gave
us His one and only son as a gift to us. We give gifts to others in celebration and
honor of God’s gift to us.
Help them to think deeply about loved ones and consider what they would like to
receive. Ask questions like:
- “What could we give Granddaddy that would let him know we love him?”
- “What are things that Granddaddy likes to do?”
- “Is there anything that Granddaddy needs that we could provide for him?”

Second, schedule times around giving. (Remember, not everything needs to be bought in a store.)

Plan a family outing to give the gift of time. For example, go CHRISTMAS CAROLING as a family. Surprise someone (especially older people without kids) by singing carols and bringing them yummy Christmas cookies.
Plan a gift buying outing to the DOLLAR (and 25 cents) STORE. Allow your kids to do extra chores around the house for money throughout the year and then turn them loose in the Dollar Store to pick just the right gift for their friends and family.
Have a DONATION DAY. Have your kids go through their toys and pick out a few to donate. Bring them to Goodwill or other thrift stores BEFORE Christmas so families with less income have more options to buy toys for their kids.
Make HOMEMADE CARDS. Turn on Christmas music and pull out paper and craft supplies. Make homemade cards for loved ones and end the night with a fun Christmas movie.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make this Christmas about GIVING instead of RECEIVING. And watch the joy of giving fill your kids lives.