Now that I have a preschooler, that degree in Curriculum Development and Instruction is leaking into my parenting. Today I considered how I could incorporate charity into our Christmas tradition starting this year. Yes, today. I’m still a procrastinator. I sat down to jot down some ideas and out flowed a step-by-step lesson plan.
1) Draw a nativity scene. Talk while we draw: “Remember from your Bible that when baby Jesus grew up He traveled around telling everybody about God and healing them. Do you remember who Jesus healed?” (blind man, lame man, sick woman, girl who died).
2) On two separate pieces of paper, draw a sheep and a goat for the nativity scene. Talk while we draw. “Jesus wants us to take care of people like He did.”
3) Open the Bible to Matthew 25:34-45 where Jesus prophesies the separating of the benevolent sheep from merciless goats. Paraphrase the excerpt, choosing familiar words and concepts. Draw pictographs on the sheep sheet relating to “feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and showing hospitality.” Explain that when we take care of the people that Jesus loves, it is like we are loving Jesus Himself. Then, as we read, draw pictographs on the goat as well. (I did not bring eternal punishment into the conversation. I just talked about how much better it is to give than to receive.)
4) Explain that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. Recall giving birthday presents to friends this year. Ask if he would like to get Jesus a birthday present too!
Ask what Jesus might like for his birthday. “We can give gifts to Jesus by taking care of the people He loves.” Let him choose what to give.
Review the pictographs and open websites like Charity Water to give thirsty kids clean water to drink or the World Vision Catalog to give an animal to provide food for a hungry family, medicine for sick children, funds to rescue victims trapped in slavery, or clothing for those who are cold.
Alternatively, consider volunteering at a food pantry or a local nonprofit’s fundraiser, donating gifts to a local angel tree child who’s parent is in prison, visiting a nursing home or having the kids help host a dinner at our house. It is officially a tradition!
5) Transition into baking Christmas cookies for Santa Claus or cuddling up with hot chocolate to enjoy the beautiful decorations, Christmas books and carols.
