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Part Two: Reasons we do what we do at Christmas and all year long

 
 

Nativity Christmas Baubles

She pushed another child and screamed at the child in front of her as the Christmas play began. She didn’t want to be on stage. She didn’t want any part of the play. She shouted, “It’s just a stupid old play anyway. Who cares?” as she stormed off the stage.

Her mom sat there terrified not knowing what to do. Her dad sat on the other side of the auditorium embarrassed that his beautiful little girl would act like that. Two parents sat separated and at odds with each other through the divorce and not realizing how it was affecting their precious little girl until just now.

In the previous post Part One: Reasons we do what we do at Christmas all year long  reasons were listed as to why we minister to hurting children. This post continues the idea of this most very important ministry.

Fourth

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:9-11 ESV)

Today the children come to us.

  • They come to us afraid and fearful.
  • They come to us confused about the breakup of their parents or the loss of an intact family.
  • They come to us wanting someone to tell them not be afraid.
  • They look to us for good news, for joy and for comfort.
  • They come to us and many are surprised to find warm and caring adults waiting with open arms to love them and to tell them about the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

When I was a little child I used to wonder why the shepherds were afraid. I mean after all it was an angel that appeared to them. Weren’t the angels good things? Now as an adult I understand that along with the angel was the glory of the Lord. Imagine being there…the glory of the Lord shining all around you, everywhere you looked? If that wasn’t enough, the angel spoke to them. Whoa!

This angel in one brief sentence spoke volumes. It was a good news story full of hope and a revelation of a Savior who would come for all people. Not just any savior coming for a select few but a Savior, “who is Christ our Lord”.

Fifth

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14 ESV)

Peace among men? Many of our kids come from homes that have not experienced much peace. Many who come from outside the church know nothing about praising God. They don’t understand this “glory to God in the highest”. But we do! It is up to us to magnify our Savior to the little ones not just at Christmas but also at every day.

While we celebrate Christmas, some of our kids will tolerate Christmas and other holidays. On some holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of our kids will be shuttled from house to house. They may be required to eat several meals, one with mom, one with dad, one or two at grandparents and if there are stepfamilies, then with the steps also.

The true meaning of holidays such as Christmas may get lost in the shuffle with divorcing parents trying to outdo the other parent. On the other hand, due to financial hardship, some children will not have much of a Christmas. If this is the first Christmas in a divorced home, many children will feel overwhelming sadness.

Lastly, this is why we work with the children and do what we do……

Then children were brought to him so that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:13-14 ESV)

Jesus said to let the children come to him. He didn’t say let only the quiet obedient children come to him. He said to let the children come to him and not to hinder them.

  • This is why we work with those angry screaming children
  • Why we put up with the kicking, hitting, punching, and running away kids.
  • This is why we find the patience one more time to face the sarcastic 12-year whose words hurt us to the core.
  • This is why we put our arms around the shy child, the bored, the discouraged, the lonely and the confused child.
  • This is why we greet the silly, the excited, laughing, and the confident child with high fives, fist bumps or hugs.

We do this because the “glory of the Lord shone round about them” just as His glory today continues to shine round about us.

We do this ministry because….

For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV)


This article is updated and adapted from an article originally published on the Kids & Divorce blog on Dec 22, 2015.

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One thought on “Part Two: Reasons we do what we do at Christmas and all year long

  1. Pingback: DC4K » Question of the week: Where can I find Christmas and holiday articles for single parents?

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