Birthday father gift idea

Jesus, the gift of Christmas

As Christians, we believe that we received a priceless gift when Jesus was born: a gospel of love and eternal life. And we believe this is the legacy of all who will accept the Father's gift of love: Jesus.

In preparing for the lesson of Christmas with young children, try to be as simple as possible. Avoid lengthy explanations of Christ's dual nature or his coming as our Savior. Young children cannot grasp abstract theological concepts, and the beauty of the Christmas story can be easily lost in the labyrinth of dogma.

As catechists, our approach should be based on the idea of "gift." Throughout the year, we speak of God's gifts that surround us in creation. We speak of God's living presence and of God's desire to give us joy. Now, as if we are revealing a wonderful secret, we can tell the children about God's greatest gift of all: God, our Father, loves us so much that he gave us his Son, whom we call Jesus. All this can be explained in the context of gifts and Christmas.

Perhaps we can dramatize the significance of "gift" for the little ones, who may think of gift solely in terms of something we buy at the store. (How often we see little children with their hands outstretched, pleading, "What did you bring me?") We can help them to understand that "doing" can be a gift. In fact, we can demonstrate for them that "doing" often has greater meaning than an expensive, store-bought item. Consider using the moving story of the Little Drummer Boy to illustrate this idea to your class.

A tangible gift can be a beautiful sign, as is prayer when it is verbal. But we cannot forget the intangible gifts-the thoughts that are prayers and the deeds that are offerings of love. Gradually, the children will come to understand that they themselves are gifts, and that they can give their hearts to God.

Say to the children, "When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Jesus' birthday, just like we celebrate our own birthday. We remember when God first gave us the gift of his love, and that makes us very happy."

We do not speak of Jesus as if he is a baby today, nor do we speak of him as someone who is relegated to the past. Rather, the baby Jesus grew into an adult, and is still with us today.

Talk to the children about the similarities between their births and the birth of Jesus. Who came to visit them? Who brought gifts? What kinds of clothes and blankets did their mothers wrap them in? How did they know they were loved?

Have the children role-play the Christmas story. Distribute simple costumes or props you have prepared.

Teach the song "O Dear Little Children," or some simple, appropriate Christmas carol. Have the children stand in a circle and hold hands to form a Christmas friendship ring (shaped like a wreath), and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Thank God for the gift of our families.

Teach the children this echo pantomime:

I am a Christmas tree, standing up tall.

(Stretch arms above head.)

When I first started, I was very small.

(Crouch down.)

Then I grew bigger with branches wide.

(Extend arms to side and stand up.)

So at Christmas a family brought me inside.

(Make a pulling motion.)

They put on my branches some tinsel and bows.

(Act out decorating the tree.) And now my happiness grows and grows.

(Extend arms out to the front and slowly move them outward.)

I know that I am a special tree

(Gently shake index finger, making a point.)

who really loves Jesus, and Jesus loves me.

(Wrap arms around yourself and rock back and forth.)

We all experience the pressures of a materialistic world at Christmas. We would do well to listen for the music of the little drum, the gift of love that can always be heard above the din.

Sr. Mary Irene is Early Childhood Family Minister, American Martyrs Parish, 770 17th St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90255.