A Christmas Miracle: Help for Last Minute Volunteers

Twas the week before Christmas
and all through the halls,
Not a teacher was stirring,
they were all at the malls.

The kidmin was restless
Not sleeping a wink
Would she have teachers in place?
Her heart started to sink.

When all of a sudden
She remembered that God
Had not failed her yet
He would send her a squad!

She need only prepare
and be ready for who
God would send ‘cause He cares
He will always come through!

You’re not alone! Kids ministers and directors everywhere struggle with finding volunteers at the holidays. But remember, God loves these kids even more than you do. He will provide—sometimes at the last minute—but He does. (Not His fault…sometimes people just don’t listen when He calls!)

What YOU can do is be faithful to do your part and be ready for who He sends. 

• Mark a Children’s Bible at Luke 2:1-20. Include a preschool version written out for less experienced leaders. Suggest that the teacher or an older child read the Bible story while the kids act out the parts.
• Provide individually gift-wrapped Nativity pieces. As each piece is unwrapped, tell where that piece fits in the Bible story. Use child-safe pieces for preschoolers to play with. Encourage kids to act out the story as they play.
• Provide a simple craft.  Have all the supplies readily available in a tub.
• Make Christmas cards for friends or family using construction paper, markers, stickers, etc. Print Bible verse labels to be used in the card.
• Provide a coloring sheet that depicts the Christmas story. Encourage the teacher to sit with the kids as they color and talk about the picture.
• Take the kids Christmas caroling through the hallways. Add instruments for more fun! 
• Kids love to wrap and unwrap gifts! Provide small boxes, wrapping paper, removable tape, and ribbons. Preschoolers will enjoy pretending to give each other gifts again and again!
• Give tips on guiding conversations away from the secular points of Christmas back to the celebration of Christ’s birth. If kids begin talking about gifts from Santa, remind them that God loves us so much, He gave us His Son, Jesus. Or, talk about the gifts that the wise men brought Jesus when they visited Him later.

Lastly, show appreciation to your volunteers (both last-minute and regulars) by providing Christmas snacks or a small gift. (Maybe even a future “parents’ night out” at no cost for those with kids!)

Now relax!
Stop your fretting
And don’t be surprised
when God shows up big
He always provides!

Sunday morning went great!
Not one tear was shed
By a child or a teacher,
They were happy instead.

The day went so well,
I heard that it’s said
The kidmin was joyful
The Good News was spread!

She went home rejoicing
And exclaimed with delight,
Merry Christmas to all!
And to all, a goodnight!

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.