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It’s that time of year again! The stores are busy with the sounds of eager parents, teenagers, grandparents and young ones alike all looking for that “perfect” something. What if this Christmas season instead of making a list to give to others for our wants we turn outward to give to those who are in need to receive from the hands and feet of Christ?
We have little ones at home and we are just this year reaching the ages where they understand what is happening with these things we call holidays. So, my husband and I decided to put our hearts together and see what we could come up with that would take out the world’s meaning of Xmas and apply what we believe the Bible says we are to do during such a time as this, CHRISTmas.
This year we are sponsoring a toy drive at a local restaurant, we are friends with the General Manager, to provide toys to the sick children that live in the hospital due to illnesses such as cancer, leukemia etc. We frequently talk about other children who do not have the privilege of getting to sit at home and play with their toys or even sleep in their own beds. Instead, they must live in a hospital everyday because of their disease. Our children are fascinated that this is the case and hopefully will be able to connect the dots when the present delivery takes place.
Also, we are putting together a group of friends from church to go and visit a Senior Citizen Group Home. While there, we will spend time with the residents fellowshiping, singing, praying and play a game or two! I personally enjoy this because I love to listen to the wisdom that these elders can provide. I know how much they enjoy seeing the little one’s bright cheery faces as well!
This is the time when we as Christians need to shine the brightest, when our love and zeal for Him should be evident for all to see. The world has distinctly created the “agenda” for what this time of year is to be about; however, in comparison with the Bible you know that we should be doing the exact opposite! I encourage you to begin to incorporate into your family ways that you can show Christ during this time of year, not by just giving a gift, but by giving yourself wherever and whenever you can!
“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”
– Galatians 1:10
My name is Jerica Tompkins and I am no one special to the world, however, to my family I am wife and mommy! My husband and I were married in 2007. In, all most 5 years, we have had 3 children, moved across the country twice and seen/experienced the hand of God at work in our lives time and time again. You can find me blogging at http://noblewomen4christ.blogspot.com/
Great post! Thanks for the ideas on the nursing home. We are taking our kids to sing at a nursing home for the first time this year. I think doing games with the residence afterward would be a great way to bless them and not just awkwardly herd the kids out the door. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the herding! I think that if we are going to give of ourselves we need to do it completely. Even if that means spending extra time to enjoy just being there with them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading ;0)
Great ideas! Our ministry team at our previous church would go to nursing homes and do puppet shows and just visit with the residents. We tried to do it other than Christmas time though, because Christmas time is the only time anyone ever came to visit them. :(
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