Advent and Love in Children's Ministry

The main event is almost here, and the excitement about the gifts already under the tree is building, not to mention seeing Star Wars, school holiday time (although today's weather here was literally a washout) and good food and family and traditions.

The candle of love can seem anti-climactic. We're so close to the birth of Christ, the big night, the special Christmas Eve services and favourite movies as we count down. But, it's essential that we take the time to sit in the glow of the candle of love before the pace goes haywire and frantic.

Without love, we are and have nothing. God's love, shown in Creation, in our being privileged to even be here, our blessings, our story, is the bedrock of who we are. Jesus' love, shown in His healing, teaching, caring and sacrifice, is the foundation of our faith. And the love that is shown in our families and faith communities is an indicator of how we are doing and where we are going.

So take a moment to take stock. In what ways is love being shown to people of all ages in your family and church? How is love being shown to the stranger, the strange, the poor, the misfit, the refugee? How is love being shown to the staff and minister and volunteers who sacrifice and share their gifts so freely? How is love being shown to those who are finding this Christmas difficult?

Kids are sensitive to the needs of others. We can encourage healthy responses to the struggles of others by opening the conversation to talk about who particularly needs love right now. You can add to your Advent wall with the word LOVE and WHO NEEDS IT? Brainstorm together and think of who might be finding Christmas tough this year. How can we incarnate the love of Christ to those people? That's a big word for little people but we can also just say "How can we show God's love to them?"

Maybe a child will choose to sit with someone who is lonely during church or coffee time. Maybe candy canes can be handed out. Maybe hugs can be offered. Maybe practical items can be collected (or have been already and it's time to hand them out). Maybe an impromptu caroling group can travel to some shut-ins or a nursing home. Maybe handmade Christmas cards can be given. Maybe your kids will have even better ideas, and they don't have to happen before the end of the year. Ideas may be sparked that reach into January and beyond that remind us to always share the light of God's love and remember those who need help and care.

With your volunteer team, celebrate the love that you witness shown to and among your kids. Acknowledge, either quietly to the side or in front of the group or with a high-5, those who have gotten the idea of sharing God's love. Depending on the child and the sharing that's happened, one of these may be far more appropriate. Also celebrate with your team how God's love is coming through learning that is happening, God's Word being shared and understood, music that the kids have latched onto or games and crafts that have helped them grasp a key idea. Pray for kids and families where love seems in short supply, for "tough" kids to reach who make it tempting to turn off the love supply, for leaders who are drained or overwhelmed with personal circumstances. How can the love of Christ be shown to them?

As you prepare your heart for the birth of the Christ Child, Emmanuel, God-with-us, reflect on this amazing gift, one we never have to wonder about whether it will ever arrive. It always does, and usually in ways we don't expect but that remind us of the God of Love we serve.