December 23
Bible Verses Covered
Devotion: Not too long ago, we stood in line with our toddler after church to get the names of tutoring students for whom we would buy Christmas presents. As our kids got older, they became more excited and involved in the process. Now, they have become so interested in who the children are, how old they are and what they want that they often slow down the line browsing through the books. Once we select the students, the kids go shopping. They browse the aisles looking for just the right gift for each student, hoping to share the joy of Christmas.
This has become an important part of our Christmas celebration. Our kids’ focus briefly turns from what Santa may bring them to how they can help someone else feel joy. They honor Jesus, like the magi, by giving of themselves and expecting nothing in return. The tutoring students’ wish lists typically include things like dolls, basketballs and Target gift cards rather than gold, frankincense and myrrh. But the giving of gifts to the students helps our children remember that Christmas is about so much more than what is under the tree.
Prayer: Dear God, throughout the Christmas season, may we all come closer to you by honoring you as the Magi did, giving of ourselves – our time, energy and gifts. Amen.
Devotion: Not too long ago, we stood in line with our toddler after church to get the names of tutoring students for whom we would buy Christmas presents. As our kids got older, they became more excited and involved in the process. Now, they have become so interested in who the children are, how old they are and what they want that they often slow down the line browsing through the books. Once we select the students, the kids go shopping. They browse the aisles looking for just the right gift for each student, hoping to share the joy of Christmas.
This has become an important part of our Christmas celebration. Our kids’ focus briefly turns from what Santa may bring them to how they can help someone else feel joy. They honor Jesus, like the magi, by giving of themselves and expecting nothing in return. The tutoring students’ wish lists typically include things like dolls, basketballs and Target gift cards rather than gold, frankincense and myrrh. But the giving of gifts to the students helps our children remember that Christmas is about so much more than what is under the tree.
Prayer: Dear God, throughout the Christmas season, may we all come closer to you by honoring you as the Magi did, giving of ourselves – our time, energy and gifts. Amen.