Written by Deb del Villar, Director of Communications
Each November, our grandchildren are excited when it is time for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. The boxes arrive at church, and they excitedly pick one up. I do not even remember how many years we have been doing it now, but it is an activity we welcome and look forward to as a family each year.
I do remember some of our grandkids toddling up to the front of the church with their box weighing them down. If help was offered, it was quickly and firmly turned down. They were determined to place their box on the church altar steps like their older siblings.
Here is how we seek to connect our grandchildren to The Great Commission through this activity.
Filling the Shoeboxes
We gather and ask each grandchild pertinent questions such as, “Do you want to fill a shoebox for a boy or a girl?” Often the girls pick girls, and the boys pick boys. Next, we consider the age of the boy or girl.
Once those decisions are made, we talk through possible items to place in the shoebox. There are the common every-year items of crayons, colored pencils, small stuffed toy, car, socks, and balls. After making our list of suggested items, we head to various stores to collect the treasures.
Each year, the enjoyment has not diminished but grown. I feel that is because now they are older and understand the reason behind this fun activity. While considering, deciding, purchasing, and filling the boxes is still a highlight; they now also pray very diligently and purposefully for the boy or girl that will receive their box.
Being able to track their box adds to the anticipation as well as the gravity of this small gesture. Yet is this actually part of something so much bigger?
Spreading the Gospel
God calls all believers to tell others about Jesus and what He has done for us. A fun activity can open the door to developing your grandchildren’s hearts to want to go and tell others about Jesus.
Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. This is a very tangible way to help your grandchildren take part in making disciples of all nations.
Probably not all your grandchildren will be involved in going overseas to share the gospel, but this is a great way for them to be involved in missions without leaving home. Talk about what The Great Commission means and how filling the shoebox for a child is one way to obey that command.
Remember to point out that among all the special gifts they chose to include, Samaritan’s Purse will include a Bible booklet. The message of the gospel will be clearly shared in an age-appropriate way.
Feeling the Love of Christmas
The Christmas season is an opportune time to turn and tune their hearts to giving to others. In addition to being a way to fulfill The Great Commission, Operation Christmas Child is a way to live out The Great Commandment – to love God and others. By obeying The Great Commission your grandchildren are learning a tangible way to love God.
Subsequently, when a child receives a shoebox, they feel loved. Our grandchildren also feel love for the child who will receive the box. This love grows as they pray for that individual child, even though they do not know their name.
It is a blessing to see grandchildren grow in their faith as they develop a greater love and concern for the lost. More than one of our older grandchildren has voiced the amazement to be part of God’s plan to redeem the world.
Conclusion
There are lots of opportunities to be involved in sharing the gospel with your grandchildren through the holiday season. May you consider Operation Christmas Child as one powerful way!
As you gather and fill your shoeboxes, may God bless your conversations with your grandchildren. Who knows, God could use this activity to reach your own grandchild with the gospel.
May your grandchildren experience the true joy of the season of Christmas as they share the precious gift of Jesus through their carefully and lovingly-filled shoebox.
Editor’s Note: Find more information about how to pack a shoebox as well as the transformational impact of Operation Christmas Child at this link. Samaritan’s Purse will be a resource provider at our upcoming Legacy Grandparenting Summit on February 21-22, 2025 at the live site in Birmingham, AL. Find more host sites and dates across the United States and Canada.
