Get Connected In 20 Minutes A Week – Christmas Advent

The Parents Coach - column By Timothy Smith | www.ParentsCoach.org
Blog: ParentsCoach.Wordpress.com
Sponsored by www.FamilyValuesCinema.com/TS

"Get Connected In 20 Minutes A Week"
A weekly family activity adapted from: 52 Family Time Ideas by Timothy Smith ©2006
Draw Closer To Your Kids as You Draw Your Kids Closer to God
Bethany House Publishers

1. Main Point: Prepare your family for a Christ-centered Christmas.
2. Materials Needed: Large basket, or cardboard box, paper and pen.

3. Warm up: In early December, gather your family and Say, "We are going to focus on Jesus this Christmas and others with the theme of giving rather than getting. Don't worry, we'll still have presents, we are just going to learn how to not get overwhelmed with the stuff and the busyness. What are some ways we can put Jesus first? What are some ways we can put others first?" (Record these in writing). Say, "When we put others first, however we do it, we are giving them a gift."

4. Bible Reading: Read aloud Acts 20:35
And I have been a constant example of how you can help the poor by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive." NLT

What does the Bible say?
Ask, "All the giving at Christmas can remind us of Christ's gift at that first Christmas. What is your favorite decoration that reminds us of Jesus' birth?" (Nativity scene, etc.)

5. Activity: Christmas Basket: Part of the lesson will impact your family grocery shopping. Once a week in December, have Soup Night. Instead of a more expensive meal, you will have soup, with the money and groceries you save going in your Christmas Basket. Place the basket in a visible place and fill it with canned foods, candy canes, baked-goods and other festive food items. You can decorate your basket with Christmas colors, ribbons, etc. As Christmas draws closer, ask family members to pray about and look for a particular family in financial need that would benefit from your Christmas basket. Depending on the relationship, you may want to visit as a family when you drop off the basket, or simply leave it at their front door as a surprise.

What should we Do?
6. Family Discussion: At each Soup Night, Ask, "How does it make you feel to give up a full meal for soup?" "The basket is getting more and more stuff in it as Christmas gets closer. How does that make you feel?" "Have your friends noticed the basket? What did they say?"

7. Today's Slogan: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

8. Adapting for: Younger Children: Involve them in decorating the basket and explaining to them how God uses us to meet others' needs. You might consider adding a family-friendly DVD to your Christmas Basket for the whole family to enjoy. * Ask, "What do you think the kids will do when they see the movie in the basket?" Teens: Develop a Christmas Activity Plan to help pace your family in the busy holiday season. Say, "We want to plan a Christmas that is Christ-centered, relaxing and fun. We can't do everything. What would you say are the most important things to do?" Develop a plan that reflects your values. Discuss the plan at the next Family Night. For example, your teen might want to skip caroling this Christmas and help at a charity as a family.

9. Prayer: Father God, You gave Your Son. We celebrate the birth of Jesus now. We are so grateful to You for being generous and giving us a gift that really fits - life forever with You. Thank You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Option: Instead of one movie, consider giving your family in need an annual subscription at www.FamilyValuesCinema.com/TS

©2009 Timothy Smith

Timothy Smith, M.A., is a family coach, author and speaker from Southern CA.
www.ParentsCoach.org He provides coaching in-person and via Skype®; as well as conferences, seminars and retreats.

Blog: www.ParentsCoach.wordpress.com
Twitter: ParentsCoach
tim@ParentsCoach.org, Tel: 805.376.3500