As a child, do you remember when you couldn’t wait to rip open the gifts Christmas morning and see if you received the one gift – the best gift – that you really wanted? I know I do! The anticipation, eagerness, and joy I felt were overwhelming.
During this beautiful season, children are surrounded by signs of Christmas. Dazzling lights, evergreen, sleigh rides, hot cocoa, and trips to see family and friends are embedded in each community. The sheer delight in the eyes of our kids can be contagious. Their joy is our joy.
How do we impress on our children that the best gifts cannot be found at a department store or under the tree?
We must teach them that the best gifts are found in Jesus and what He’s given to us through His life and His love. These gifts are not singular presents but eternal gifts that are ours forever.
1. The Gift of Salvation
The thought of Christ voluntarily giving up the riches and perfection of His glorious home to be born on earth in a stinky, dirty, and poor manger simply amazes me. It’s akin to us leaving our homes and families and giving up everything we have to live in poverty. The love that Jesus exemplified in His life is what we as parents can emulate to our children and share with them throughout their lives, no matter their ages.
Luke 2:6-7 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. The Gift of the Living Word
The absolute truth of God’s Holy Word is the anchor that we all need in this ever-changing world. Styles, trends, and friends change, but the God-breathed, inherent Word of God never changes. His Word is our rock that we can cling to each day. His Word is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. Our children need to know that God is with them always and will never stop loving them.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Romans 10:14 But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
3. The Gift of Provision
The Lord will provide. How many times have you heard that? How many times have you experienced that reality? I can always count on Him to come through in ways I never imagined. When your children experience difficulty, stop and pray about it. This quick, simple act reminds our children that going to God should always be our first response. The Lord loves to hear from His children, both big and small.
Matthew 7:11 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
4. The Gift of a New World and Heaven
For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus, this world is not our home. The Lord will make a new heaven and a new earth for us to enjoy for eternity. What a great way to keep a proper perspective in life. We have a glorious home awaiting us. I always loved reading Revelation 21:1-5 to my children. It is filled with such hope and is a wonderful conversation starter. You can ask your children questions such as, ‘What do you think heaven will be like?’ ‘What do you think we will look like in heaven?’ ‘What will the food taste like in heaven?’ Let your children’s imaginations flow and read other verses together in the Bible that speak of what heaven is like (Isaiah 65:17-19, Psalm 72:7,11, Isaiah 66:22, Revelation 21:18, 21 will get you started).
Revelation 21:1-5 “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes: there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’
5. The Gift of Everlasting Love
As our children grow, it’s vital that we instill in them with the knowledge of how much God loves them with a love that NEVER diminishes, fades, or disappears. It is endless and FOREVER. God’s gift of His birth, death, and resurrection is a treasure we cannot lose. When my children were growing up, we loved singing, ‘Go Tell it on the Mountain.’ You can clap, march and stomp your feet to the beat. Your kids will love singing it with you. As you talk with others, let your children hear you talking about Jesus and His gifts in daily conversations. These moments will illustrate that our time with the Lord is not just on Sunday mornings at church, but a way of living life.
Romans 10:14 But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
Psalm 103:17-18 But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
This season, take a lesson from a child and see all the wonders that they do. Pray, praise, sing, dance, laugh, read God’s Word, and rest in His love and provision. Merry CHRISTmas!
