by Dave Mann
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” – 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
As Christmas approaches each year, we are presented with another wonderful opportunity to put to use the gifts that God has given us.
Let’s use these gifts to shine a light on Christ and His story this Christmas.
There is no better way to teach and remember the story of God coming to earth than through the NATIVITY. We can create both big and small using the resources we have around us wood, rocks, shells, buttons, paper, card and make something truly unique. There is no limit to where they can be displayed. How about windows, walls, gardens, stands and letter boxes – let’s be inspired to think CREATIVELY in both creating nativities but also in placing them. Use the whole creative process to spark discussion and conversation.
Building a nativity can even be a craft activity at an outreach. We can use the creative process to open the door for conversations. Asking people if they have any spiritual beliefs or if they celebrate any religious holidays at this time of year can often lead to deeper discussions about faith, values and beliefs. We can share our own personal experiences of how God has impacted our lives, which can encourage others to share their stories too. Whatever approach we take, let’s remember that our ultimate goal is to point others to Jesus and share the hope and joy He brings.
Why not give a NATIVITY jar a go? They can be created with paint, stickers or even a sharpie. Add LED tea lights to enhance the effect. You can create multiple jars to display the entire nativity scene or add some twine to hang them from different places around your home, work, church or classroom. Experiment with different lights, colours or patterns and see where it leads, there are endless possibilities.
Nativity rocks are another fun idea. They can be made by using paint with a waterproof sealant or you can just use nail polish. The great thing with these is when you are finished you are able to place them in different locations around your community for others to find (Parks, playgrounds, near sidewalks or even on the beach). There is always the option of adding a verse on the back as well.
With the lead up to Christmas comes Advent. We can help others become more intentional in how they celebrate and participate. It’s about so much more than good food and presents.
An opportunity to slow down and go deeper.
Why not create your own advent calendars? Think outside the box with what is inside. You could add scripture, daily questions, tasks, gifts or little games.
Each day of Advent we can give a gift or encourage others to do so. It could be the gift of time, words of encouragement, lending a helping hand, sharing a meal with someone, or simply letting others know they matter.
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” – Isaiah 11:1 NIV
Each day read a passage about someone on Jesus’ family tree and hang an ornament that represents the story. Let’s tell the story of the Bible from creation to the Christmas story. Scripture Union NZ have this free printable Jesse tree (click the image) that you can use at home, church or even at work. Or have a go at making your own tree – a mobile, felt, paper, tree branches or possibly use your own Christmas tree.
God’s word is not simply ink on paper or text on a screen – it is alive!
Who doesn’t like some good friendly competition especially when it’s centered around the heart of Christmas? A series of quick games that can be played in teams or individuals. Maybe you have sixty seconds to wrap one team member up in toilet paper like Mary wrapped baby Jesus with pieces of cloth, or possibly be the first team to pack their donkey ready for travel to Bethlehem. The possibilities are limitless.
The great thing about a scavenger hunt is it can be approached in so many different ways. You can focus on finding items that relate to the Christmas story. Maybe a star that the wise men followed or some sheep that were in the shepherd’s fields. It can be a series of riddles and clues that lead you to different locations all based around the nativity. Then there is the option of using scripture at the centre of all your clues. Each idea can be adapted to fit a group of any age.
Maybe you are the shepherds in the field, and you need to decipher the clues in order to find your way. Or possibly the wise men following the star to Bethlehem, but are faced with a series of riddles, obstacles and codes that need to be cracked in order for you to continue on your way.
We hang lights on our houses, adorn our businesses with decorations, and our Churches with mangers. But the best thing we can do at Christmas is to decorate ourselves… with the love of God, the Joy of His salvation and the great Hope we have in His birth. The People Tree is a great game that sparks this idea and hopefully encourages those sparks to fly. Get ready to bring your creativity to life and make it uniquely yours! Add Bible verses that resonate with you, telling the story of Christ and sharing the remarkable things He has done. As you set up the base of the tree, let your imagination soar – wrap it in colourful wrapping paper, plain paper, even toilet paper or gladwrap – whatever you like. This is your canvas to write on, expressing your heartfelt messages and reflections.
Christmas is an opportunity… This time of year can bring its challenges; financially, emotionally and relationally – let’s be intentional about sharing this great hope that is so desperately needed.
For more ideas go to Hope Project Christmas
The Shining Lights Trust is a strategic resourcing ministry, serving Christian churches.
It’s purpose is to help resource, encourage and aid the Christian church in the sharing of it’s message of God’s love to a world in need of hope.
Our churches still lose about two-thirds of our young adults. A primary cause has been identified as a lack of known reasons for believing this faith to be true.
Jesus spoke through stories. Of note, he never explained the meaning of the parables to the crowds. Their interpretation was left to the audience to work out. He did this for a few reasons – including the presence of hostile elements in his audiences.
Read a reflection from one of the contributors from Bible Society NZ and other Kiwi Christian leaders in our 31-day devotional, ‘Reflections of Life.’ It will help you discover the life contained within His Word.
As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, the Haiti Bible Society (HBS) has launched an urgent appeal to ensure their vital ministry remains operational, especially during these challenging times.
Your gift will help to cover crucial expenses for HBS staff, provide Bibles and Scriptures to offer hope, distribute humanitarian kits and facilitate trauma healing programmess.
