“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. While our grandchildren are likely to be focused on the gifts they hope to receive (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 My Grandchildren on Giving at Christmas . . .
- “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (ESV)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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 reasons for us to focus our grandchildren on giving to others at Christmas! So, how can your grandchildren give to others?
Consider the following ideas . . .
- Plan a new/gently used coats drive: Encourage your grandchildren to 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 them 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 help your grandchildren work together to get the items on the list. Plan a gift wrapping party and have them pray for the family who will receive their gifts. Be prepared to keep the family’s name secret, but children can serve others even if they do not know the exact names of the people who they are giving to.
- Go online and look up ministries they might become involved with – such as those which have them fill shoe boxes to give to children in need, or send bunnies or ducks to families in need around the world or even Legacy Coalition, so they can help grandparents tell their grandchildren about Jesus! Sit down with your grandchildren and select a project for which they are willing to work to earn the money. Then send the money and spend time praying for those who will receive their gift – and most importantly, for the people who will learn about the Good News of Jesus because of their gift!
These are just three ideas – there are so many ways you can help your grandchildren 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”!
