Every year we attempt to fight the culture and align our Christmas practices with our Christmas beliefs. Christmas is not about gifts, but about Christ coming to earth and giving his life as a servant for all—as a ransom for others. Literally dying in their place.
“…the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
And Paul calls us to live as living sacrifices, placing our bodies and actions and wills on the altar as a sacrifice to God.
“…present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, 3 but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-3
This is how we glorify God—by loving God and loving others. In that order! Switch them and you’ll get it wrong. Loving people in ways other than God intended is offensive to him. We love people rightly when we love God so much that he’s our first priority, and then call others to worship him with their whole lives.
This year, when we thought about loving God first, then loving our family members, we thought about serving them like Christ.
Two Ways We Served Others This Year Instead of Giving Consumer Gifts
A $50 Donation Per Kid
First, each kid was given $50 to donate to any cause mom and dad found worthy. Two went in on $100 toward winter clothes that a family at our church needed for a newly adopted child from Haiti. Others gave to our Church offering, a missionary family, and an organization in Haiti.
Then we wrapped photo cards with the info and a related verse to give to each other as a stock-stuffer (really, so the kids got to open something). When opening, each person shared why they donated to their cause.
Punchcards of Love & Service for Every Family Member
For the main gift, we made punch cards with acts of service that each family member would joyfully perform for the other every month. This would keep the idea of serving one another on their minds throughout the year.
Of course, all the services varied by age and family member. We encouraged them to think of unique things for each person, but they end up pretty generic. The rule is that when someone requests their service, the server must respond joyfully, or else the other person gets double the service! 🙂 My wife and I even made them. And so far, it’s worked out pretty great! Our kids LOVE using them on dad!
Basically, we designed them on the computer, printed, and laminated them. Then hung them in our kitchen so everyone sees them all the time.
We gave up big Christmas gifts a long time ago. My oldest may remember getting somethings but the youngest never have. So, be patient. This is hard, and we struggle at loving and serving others. It takes practice and renewing our minds in Christ. So, maybe your family isn’t completely ready to give up gifts yet and this could be a stocking stuffer. That’s ok. Just take another step in the right direction each year.
Either way, remember it’s not about “doing” something different just to save money. It’s a tool to help teach your children, and yourself, to keep the main thing the main thing! Loving God and people more, and serving others like Christ.
Please, let me know of any Consumer-Christmas alternatives you’ve done and/or if this blesses your family!