(5-8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will discuss a family who chooses to forgo presents in attempt to focus on the real reason for Christmas.
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Note that many people struggle to keep their Christmas holidays focused on the gift that is Jesus. Share the following: The members of one Christian family felt like they were missing the point of Christmas. They felt like their focus on gifts and giving led them to experience disappointment and sadness after the gift giving was over. After a family discussion, they decided to make a change in order to reestablish the real reason for the holiday and chose to not get each other presents. The message the parents wanted their children to understand was that Christmas was not about them, but is about Jesus being born to be crucified for our sins, and of the faithfulness of God. Since they see Christmas as a holiday about love, their Christmas day won’t be about gifts but rather being in their community and serving others.
Lead learners to discuss the following questions:
Share that it is not wrong to give gifts, but it is important to keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus. Say: In today’s lesson, we are going to discuss how God’s gift of Jesus was an act of extravagant love.