Intentional Christmas

I've recently realized that Weston and Grace are old enough now that we need to start creating some traditions that point to Christ during Christmas.

The other day Weston found a toy catalog that came in the mail. He quickly spotted a knight costume complete with a sword and let me know that's what he wants for Christmas. Although we will probably give him the costume, I really want to start instilling in them the desire to give to others and focus on Christ's birth rather than get caught up in all the excitement over presents.

I recently heard about organizations sending out catalogs where you can purchase animals and various other items to have sent to those in need around the world. I searched online until I found an organization I've heard is reputable. Gospel for Asia is an organization that plants churches in impoverished areas and works to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people in those areas. I went online and requested a couple of catalogs as well as an explanatory DVD about the organization. It's my understanding that Gospel for Asia (GFA) specifically works with the Dalits who are the "untouchables" in India's caste system.

Weston and Grace both had some money in savings so they watched the DVD and we talked with them about what they wanted to purchase from the catalog. Grace was insistent she wanted to buy a water buffalo (only $430!!!). We finally talked her into going for a pair of rabbits and some Bibles instead. ;)

Weston had more in his savings so he decided to purchase, with his own money, a pair of pigs, a pair of rabbits and some Bibles to give. He was very excited to give to help others, although he had a hard time with the idea that he had some money at the bank that we couldn't go take out right this minute. He thought all the money was in his piggy bank and went right upstairs to get it out. He also thought we would get his money and go buy the animals ourselves to send :) He was a little disappointed that he wouldn't get to see the animals before we gave them. I'm not sure that he completely understands all the candy and toys that his money would buy if he were to keep it, but we won't fill him in on that quite yet ;)

In the end we were able to buy two sets of pigs, two sets of rabbits, a pair of chickens, some Bibles and gospel tracts (for missionaries) and a blanket to donate. What a blessing to us to get to participate in this! As the kids get older I think we will try to do something a little more hands on to raise money. Maybe we'll have them pick out what they want to order and then help them find ways to raise the money themselves (this is what my friend, Kristi, has her kids do). They can put a little effort into thinking about what they want to give instead of get!