Christmas is such a great time to help kids develop a generous heart. In a time of year when kids are usually consumed with what they are going to get, you can turn their hearts toward what they are going to give instead. In a time of year when kids are usually focused on themselves, you can turn their hearts toward living for Jesus and others.
Here's a strategy for helping your children develop a generous heart at Christmas.
- Have a "Happy Birthday Jesus" offering.
- Create an offering container for each child to save their money in. It can be a small box or something as simple as a zip lock bag.
- Teach the children what Christmas is all about. It's about Jesus coming to the earth to offer us eternal life with Him.
- Teach the kids that since it's about celebrating Jesus' birth, He should receive the biggest gift.
- Share with parents the vision of the offering. Better yet, get the whole church involved in the offering so families are experiencing it together.
- Clearly communicate what the offering is being dedicated to.
- Consider designating the offering to a cause outside your church. Perhaps it's a water well in a needy country, an orphanage in South America, or feeding the local homeless.
- Have a "Happy Birthday Jesus Party" during a weekend service. We host ours the weekend before Christmas.
- Have kids turn in their offering on that weekend.
- Celebrate with them how much money they collectively gave to help others.
Posted by Dale Hudson
