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Listen while you read: "The First Nowell"1 (Lyrics) |
Dear parents and grandparents:
Are you stressing over gifts for those precious, darling, little children/grandchildren? Are you planning on buying the latest version of the newest computerized expensive something?
When adults turn holidays into craziness, little ones pick up on that. They think get, get, get is the way to receive love.
Children really just want to be with us. Little ones don't know that a ball costs $1.98 or a highly advertised toy costs $300.00. They want our time. They love to share a cup of hot chocolate with Granny, bake cookies, or deliver soup to the neighbours.
They enjoy glue, paste, and lopsided ornaments created with us at their side. They love to cuddle on our lap and watch a movie.
What if we gave a book of coupons to an older teen with coupons for a driving lesson, a day at the mall, or a movie? It might be the best time ever to share Jesus with them.
Mark 10:13-14 – People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (NIV 2011)
Prayer: Father, give us the wisdom to read our children's hearts and sense what they really need. Amen.
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So true Brenda.
Lovely advice, Brenda. Blessings.
You say so much in so few words! Thanks.
Thanks so much, Brenda, for those thoughts.
So true Brenda, when we give of ourselves the rewards are magnified in every way as a blessing to all we encounter.
Amen to that. Wonderful sentiment that would change families from hurting, wanting people to being content and loving folk.
Dear Brenda,
I couldn’t agree with you more! A great message for all of us. God bless you with His love this Christmas.
You are right on, relationships and our time with people is the greatest gift.
I love the coupon idea.
A very blessed “Christ Mas”.
Brenda, I hope your ideas catches fire and that families spend more time together than money.
Blessings,
(CA)
Dear Brenda,
Such a fine, unusual devotional. Great advice. Thanks. Keep writing.
May God continue to bless you now, at Christmas, and forever.
Words of wisdom from one grandmother to another. Yes, one can become overanxious with the busyness of Christmas preparations, albeit knowing this season is all about Jesus, His birth and Second Coming.
I am looking forward to a visit from family – arriving by train on Christmas Day. It has been ages since I last cooked a turkey!!! I hope I remember how!!
Brenda, I wish you and yours a very blessed Christmas Season, and many blessings throughout the coming year.
Short and sweet and filled with quiet wisdom.
God bless.
Oh thank you so much for this devotional. The magic of Christmas lies in these little moments with the children. It is a place of love and peace.
Dear Brenda;
Thank you for your devotional. Amen to your prayer.