Is it just me, or did December arrive overnight? There is something special about December though. The world would have you believe this time of year is for shopping, decorating, eating, and receiving that perfect gift, but we have already received the perfect gift. God loved us so much that He sent His one and only son to come to earth and be born as a baby. God sent His son to save us from our sins so that we could have a relationship with Him. Since we have already received the perfect gift, then giving to others must be what makes December so special. Fortunately, we have plenty of opportunities to do that this month.
December 4th is our monthly Dollar Day Sunday. CrossRidge Church is using the money from this to partner with Prison Fellowship Angel Tree. We are able to buy presents for children right here in Little Elm who have a parent incarcerated. We also have the chance to share the gospel and pray with these families and caregivers through the delivery time. What a great way to share the love of Jesus with these families. What a great opportunity to teach your children about giving to others, as you pray about your Dollar Day giving together as a family, sign up as part of the wrapping team or as part of a delivery team.
December 11th is the day for our International Missions Offering. On this Sunday we will take up a special offering to help missionaries from our church directly, as well as help our partners in other parts of the world. Here is another chance to pray together as a family to ask God what He would have your family give. It is also a wonderful time to teach your children about missionaries and the work they do all over the world, especially the missionaries from our very own church.
December 18th will be our birthday parties for Jesus. Bring your children and preschoolers to celebrate the birth of our Savior since He truly is the reason for the season. Bring a friend or family member too and give them the gift of learning about Jesus.
2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.” As the Faith Builder in your home, embrace this time for teaching the importance of shining Jesus to those around us by giving to others. Let’s join together to show the world the real reason why December is so special. Let’s show them how to be a cheerful giver. Let’s show them Jesus.
Resources
For families with preschoolers and school aged children:
Parents, as the Faith Builders in the home, you can start here:
For a complete Bible story worship experience with your child, please go to ministrygrid.lifeway.com and create or log in to your free account. Then follow this link for this week’s lesson: Prophets told about Jesus.