photo by tsuacctntOne of my Facebook friends, Mary, posted an idea in response to my request for how to make Christmas this year more meaningful on a shoestring budget. Here’s what she said:
Have family members write letters to each other about what they appreciate about each other. I teach, and in my class sometimes we sit in a circle and pass around papers with each child's name on top- as you get the paper, you write something you really like about that child- they go home with a list of things people like about them- they love it!
What a simple yet effective expression of love. Jesus came to this Earth 2000 years ago to give the ultimate sacrifice of his life for our sins - the ultimate expression of love. Why not demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas by letting the people you love the most - your family - know how much they matter to each other?
A slight modification will put the focus on Jesus. Use the example from the Christmas classic The Little Drummer Boy. Remember the lyrics?
(From the second verse)
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?
Explain to your child that it is customary, when presenting oneself to royalty, to show humble respect and to present a gift. Although he was found in a rustic cave or cellar lying in a feed trough, Jesus came to rule the heavens and the earth as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Ask your child to imagine that he or she is standing in front of the baby Jesus, having heard the heavenly host announce His arrival as the Savior of the world. What gift could your child give to the babe? Help your child think of his or her strengths and talents. Is she good at drawing? What would the drawing be of? Can he sing a song? What song would he sing? Is there a prized possession he or she would be willing to part with?
Remind your child that Jesus couldn’t use the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh as a baby. They were symbolic, so your child’s gift can be symbolic, too.
Help your child to see that the true meaning of Christmas involves a baby who was wholly God and wholly man, Master of all born as a humble servant. Help your child to find a gift befitting a King.
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
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