After all, Christmas is Jesus' birthday! When we give gifts to Jesus, it is - as He said in Matthew 25:40 - for the benefit of others. Last year after counting their earnings from special chores done during Advent along with some savings from the rest of the year, the boys were able to purchase two Bibles, a malaria net, parasite protection, and food for a child through Compassion International. Seeing their joy and generosity was incredible, inspiring, and convicting! My husband and I caught ourselves telling them they didn't have to spend all their savings, and then we were like what are we doing! They were receiving a greater gift in the joy of giving it all away then anything else on this earth that they could put their money toward.
This year they have already started browsing through the magazines and figuring out how much money they want to earn and put toward their special gifts for Jesus this Christmas.
There is one stocking hanging on the mantle right now. A golden letter J is tied to the trim. This is where the money goes that is being given to purchase gifts for Jesus.
A beautiful story that points toward gifts for Jesus is Jacob's Gift by Max Lucado. Jacob is a gifted carpenter's apprentice who learns...
"when you give a gift to one of God's children, you give a gift to God."
This year the boys are drawing names for each other. They will be given $10 to spend on each other and can add to that amount with their own savings if they choose.
In The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving we see Brother and Sister Bear wrestling over how much to spend versus how much to keep for themselves while Christmas shopping for one another. During the Bear Country Christmas Pageant, their hearts are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus, the greatest gift of all.
The Bernstein Bears - Joy - Crayola Color Wonder Coloring Pad and Markers Set is on clearance at dayspring.com for 50% off. Images and texts are based on the book.
The Baker's Dozen by Heather Forest
A baker learns an important lesson about cutting corners for selfish gain.
Drawing names...
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