Jesus' Birthday and Children's Ministry

So, the big event has happened. The baby arrived, the gifts have been opened, the recycling and garbages are full, the turkey leftovers are taking over the fridge and freezer and many goodies have disappeared.

It is a good time to reflect in the wake of the many worship services and family get-togethers; to take stock of whether this Christmas was any different than the others. Was there something that stood out? Was there a moment that was particularly poignant, pointing you to the precious child in the manger? Or was it a wild marathon, barely survived at break-neck speed, to ensure that everything got done on time?

For worship leaders and children's ministry providers, it can be tough to find the balance of freshness and not repeating the same-old year after year, but also not just going over-the-top to compete with the commercialism and materialism surrounding us at every turn.

During the late Christmas Eve service I watched on tv, the minister had the courage to say some pretty profound but simple things. He talked about how it's convenient to make Christmas all about the children. Then we can sidestep the many difficult aspects of the story - the shame felt by most of the major players for one reason or another, the oppression, the cultural trappings, the fear and the absolutely unromantic and un-picturesque nature of Jesus' birth, contrary to the many greeting cards we receive. I loved this approach. I love that Christmas should be a time where our sense of comfort is confronted, where we are amazed, stretched and reminded of just how difficult this journey was in order for us to have Emmanuel, God with us, at just the right time.

I recently read an article where the author said that every year a special gift was left under the tree to be opened on Christmas morning. It simply said the child's name and "from God". The child opened it every year and inside was the baby Jesus from the nativity set. The figure was always carefully put in the manger and the nativity story revisited. Some may find this too concrete or even tacky, but it makes an important point about the gift we received and the gifts we continue to receive every day because God sent Jesus.

I used to be not very into "Jesus' birthday cake" after church, but the more I think about it, the more I believe it is well worth doing. Jesus was a real person, who had a real birthday (although we know it wasn't actually December 25th), who lived for us and died for us and whose existence was the greatest gift, apart from the promise of life forever with Him and God. I think this does deserve celebrating and taking the time, however we choose to do it. And it's not too late. Have an Epiphany party! Have a belated celebration! And have your kids think carefully about what gift they can offer to Jesus.

As we head into a New Year, take time to reflect and pray for the past one as well as where you're heading. Thank God for the blessings and for the opportunities for new beginnings. Offer praise for all that the reality of Christ coming into the world has meant for you and will mean for you. And take some time to put your feet up before the next leg of the race begins.

Happy New Year!