During this busy Christmas season, it is easy to become distracted from focusing on the Lord. In this article, we would like to share ways in which our family has been able to fix our eyes on Jesus and experience the rewards of seeking first the kingdom of God.

We first would like to share ways in which our family has used this time to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus with others. At this time of the year, people seem to be more open to the things of the Lord. We have done many projects as a family, and each year, it has been a great encouragement to us as we have been able to reach others with Christ’s love.

Over the years, there have been a variety of ways in which we have done this, and we usually try to choose opportunities that can fit in with the ages and abilities of our children. We want to use the opportunities that the Lord brings along during this holiday season to reach out to others in the name of Jesus.

We are beginning with our favorite tradition: creating hand made Christmas cards.

Christmas Card Ministry

For the last twenty years, we have enjoyed the tradition of making Christmas cards together. This is a wonderful way to share a message that directs others to Jesus. This has become a special time of working together as a family, and we have found that people love receiving hand made Christmas cards!

Inside the card, we include the Gospel message, encouraging them to trust in Jesus as their Savior. We also include a Scripture and often include a short prayer. We have found this to be a non-threatening way to share the Gospel at a time when people seem to be open to the Christian message.

In the fall, we begin by praying and talking about the project, deciding the message that we want to share. We try to include each member of the family, and plan what part each of the children can have. The older children can help younger ones. We put on Christmas music and enjoy working on the cards together.

We have made cards in a variety of ways, using rubber-stamping, embossing, sketching, computer generated cards, and calligraphy. In the column to the right, we have included sample cards that were made in these ways. When possible, we like to make one original and then copy the card onto cardstock or parchment paper. One year, we drew a small cross on the front of the card using a glow in the dark pen. Inside the card, we put instructions for the card to be placed under a light for a few seconds to see the hidden picture. That made the card very unique.

Other years we made bookmarks containing Scriptures, Christmas tracts entitled, “The Real Meaning of Christmas,” and another year, we hand-delivered small New Testaments to each person on our Christmas card list.

We have a large Christmas card list because we enjoy this opportunity to witness and encourage our neighbors, acquaintances, friends and family. We care about each person and want to ensure that everyone on our Christmas card list has heard the Gospel presented each year. Over the years, we have heard testimonies of the encouragement this has been to many individuals. Our Christmas card ministry grew into a monthly Scripture card ministry to the eldery, but that's another story.

If you are interested in making cards as a family, seek the Lord for His ideas. Feel free to be creative. Each card does not have to be exactly the same, or absolutely perfect. People still love receiving them. Each family is unique and has different talents and abilities.

Christmas Gifts for the Homeless

As we saw the needs of the homeless, for one Christmas, we wanted to provide Christmas gifts for the homeless at a Christian downtown shelter. We went to a thrift store where we were able to find winter sweaters, hats, and gloves inexpensively. Kim and Lisa also spent time making winter scarves on their knitting machine. Then the children had fun setting up an assembly line so that they could wrap each item. In each gift, we included a laminated card with the Gospel message on one side, and a prayer on the other. They filled up our station wagon with the gifts, and we delivered them to the mission. It was a huge adventure for our children. Through it, they learned about the struggles that the homeless face and how we can assist in meeting their physical and spiritual needs.

Mobile Ministry Team

We have also enjoyed going as a family to neighbors and relatives and singing a Christmas carol, taking an instrument and playing a few songs, or doing a short Christmas play. Sometimes we dress up like old-fashioned Christmas carolers and sing for them. One time when our children were very young, they dressed up like angels and sang Angels We Have Heard on High, adding hand motions. We used this opportunity to deliver our Christmas cards in person. Another year, we gave out candy canes with a bookmark containing the Gospel message of the candy cane.

Christmas ministry has been a special tradition for our family, and we have made many memories together over the years. Only God knows the fruit that will result when we share His love with others! Seek the Lord as to how He wants your family to minister during the holidays. He will give creative ideas for your family.

May the Lord give you wisdom in how to share the Gospel message with others this Christmas season.

In His Service,
George, Claudia, Kimberly, Lisa and Paul

"As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

We would like to hear any ways that your family has worked together. Please send your comments to us by Clicking Here.

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