During the Christmas season, parents busily bounce between work, shopping, decorating, school events, and more. Children eagerly drop hints about what gifts they hope to get. And, who doesn’t like to decorate seasonal cookies that fill – then disappear from – trays set out at festive gatherings? It’s a time of year when generosity flourishes amongst family and friends. It’s also a prime time to bless the forgotten.

What if we adopt a spirit of generosity beyond our immediate family and friends? Imagine if grandparents, biological and surrogate, disciple children to care for the forgotten ones. In doing this, we teach children how to bring the love of Christ to a hurting world. It’s part of our calling as Christians. Begin by asking God to reveal whose lives He wants us to touch with His message of salvation and hope. We don’t need to look far to find people in need of a blessing.

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body,” (Hebrews 13:1-3 ESV).

Bless a Neighbor

Perhaps you have a neighbor who sits alone because their family lives far away. You might invite them to join you for dinner or prepare an extra portion or two of your special dinner to bring to them. Bring a grandchild along when you deliver a meal.

You might know a single working parent whose time is stretched as thin as their budget. Imagine how blessed they would be to receive a gift card for groceries or toys tucked in an envelope with a note of encouragement. Go one step further. Grandmas are noted for baking cookies with grandchildren. Offer to bake cookies with their kids while they do their shopping. The same concerns apply to widows and widowers, chronically ill people, and those experiencing job loss.

Bless a Stranger

Many churches organize food drives during this time of year. Help prepare or pack boxes of food for delivery to needy families. Or, do it for toy drives. Check with your home church, or other organizations in your area. Partner with a non-profit group that raises funds for new Bibles to send to people who are hungry for the Word of God. You might help a child sell bracelets or other items and donate the profits to an organization.

The Salvation Army is a national organization that brings the love of Christ to people at some of the lowest points in their lives. Learn more at: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

Samaritan’s Purse is an international organization established to help those in need and proclaim the hope of the Gospel throughout the world. Learn more at: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/about-us/.

Bless a Prisoner

The best way to demonstrate the love of Christ to incarcerated individuals and their families is to partner with a church or corporate organization that has such a ministry. Be sure to check with your  local Department of Corrections first regarding laws about visiting or providing gifts for prisoners. You might also include incarcerated people in your prayers, especially any you know by name. Check with local prisons or jails to see if they need donated items. Consider helping a grandchild write them an uplifting note or card.

Prison Fellowship is an organization started by Chuck Colson to minister to incarcerated individuals and their families. Learn more at: https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/

Bless the Lord

A migrating bird flew into my window and fell to the ground. I watched as it lay nearly motionless, trying to regain its strength. After several minutes, I picked up this tiny bird with a paper towel and set it atop a shrub where it would be safe from predators. It recovered and returned to its flight. The experience stirred my thoughts to consider what Jesus said about us.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows,” (Luke 12:6-7 ESV).

This is how we are to care for all mankind. From the mightiest to the least among us, we have all been created in the image of God. And we all share a common need for a Savior.

We have numerous opportunities to disciple children by sharing Christmas while reinforcing the Gospel message. Remember to show children how to bless the forgotten. It might even become a habit that we practice with our grandchildren throughout the year, a legacy of giving that lives beyond our time on earth.

Have a blessed Christmas.