Thanks to my friends for suggesting I speak about Christmas at FCA today. That was my plan, but I really didn't know what about Christmas I should focus on. Here's what I decided on.
I took in two wrapped Christmas presents and spoke about the tradition of giving gifts.
First, I talked about giving gifts and asked what we really have to offer to Jesus. The wise men brought Jesus frankincense, but what can we give since Jesus isn't physically here? I had someone open one of two Christmas gifts I wrapped, and of course it was empty. I suggested this is what most of us offer the Lord for Christmas.
Then I went to Revelations 5 and read about the incense in the bowls before the Lord were actually the prayers of the saints. So our prayers are something that we have to offer up, but how selfish or thoughtless is our prayer life? So, then we opened gift number two.
In the box I had 50 different names of God or attributes of God written on little squares of paper. I had enough so that every kid could take a square. I asked them to pray thoughtfully about what was on that square that they took. I also challenged them to pray everyday between now and Christmas, which is only 21 more days, focusing on a different attribute each day.
In all your shopping, baking, wrapping, holiday partying, what do you offer the Lord? If you're trying to think of a way to keep Christ as the center of Christmas this year, commit to the challenge with us. If you're having trouble coming up with 21 names or attributes of God, do a simple Internet search; you'll find plenty!
If you do this even for one day, let me know how it goes. What other ways do you keep your Christmas heaven centered? Can't wait to hear your ideas.
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