I received this at school this morning from a little boy...
His teacher said he had been waiting all morning to give it to me. I dont know why he thinks I would know Santa! Apparently I have connections.
I also read today that it is 101 days until Christmas! The countdown is on.
Let me suggest something if I may...
Each family decides inidividually what role Santa will play in Christmas. Our familly chooses to put the food out for the reindeer and a drink out for Santa on Christmas eve, though we dont put a huge emphasis on him coming up to Christmas. Our kids know that 'Santa' comes to remind them that it is Jesus birthday, and that Jesus is the most important person we should be thinking about.
Because it is Jesus' birthday, we have a party for Jesus and invite all of our friends and the kids' school friends to meet in a park and bring presents to give to a local charity. It is a simple way of reminding people of the real meaning of Christmas and for some of the kids that come it may be the first time they even hear what its all about.
I know Christmas is way off, but it might give you time to think about what you will do in your family and your community to let them know of the One who really knows when they are sleeping and when they are awake. And you never know, you might be giving them the greatest gift of all - knowing Him!
3 comments:
I love the idea about the birthday party for Jesus in the park - we've only ever done that at home with our immediate family, but to share it with our wider circle of friends is a great idea!!! Our kids think the same as yours - that Santa gives us presents to remind us of Jesus' birth but the time is fast approaching when Jacko will guess I'm sure :) It didn't take me long as a child to figure it out - LOL. Anyway, thanks again Don, you Rock!!! Love ya work xxxx
Painful reminder...
For my oldest two daughters, their father and I chose to make them aware up front that Santa was make-believe just like "Barney"(then, the in-thing). We, too had birthday parties, though, not every year.
One year in particular, I remember Cammie becoming very upset because she just could NOT understand why the "Bithday Boy's" friends were not there. Let alone the "Bithday Boy" himself. "Where's Moses? Where IS everybody?"
It's so funny what goes through their little minds. With Sophie, I will likely compromise this issue. I've prayed long before she was even born. With other issues--like, whether or not to trick-or-treat--I think I gladly choose Santa. BTW...I know it's coming up and can be controversial. And I have lightened a great deal from legalistic attitudes I had towards other in the past, but I was only three years old when my Mom and Dad gave in to the only time we would trick-or-treat and I was slipped candy laced with what those at the hospital I was admitted to thought to be LSD. Sad...
Your point in this post is awesome. It is an eyeopener to the fact it's not "all about us". Our children need to learn how to give back.
Thanks again....keep 'em comin'.
Rena
Ugh....we are selling and moving out of state before Christmas. I had a bday party for Jesus last year, with a bounce house and we made a nativity craft....and we had a cake...but this year I think we will be doing Operation Christmas Child on our own.
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