Use these tags to add a little touch of Christmas cheer to gifts for volunteers and all of your presents this year. Click on each image below to download a full page of tags.
Christmas Tags – Free Download
The Fourth Week of Advent: LOVE
Have you ever “re-gifted” a Christmas gift? I have … and I have to tell you it wasn’t a good experience for me.
As a Kids Minister, I was always getting “token” Christmas gifts. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciated EVERY MUG I ever got … but there were just so many … (You’re laughing right now because you know exactly what I’m talking about). After three or four years the collection had gotten out of control and I decided to use these jewels as door prizes for my annual Kids Ministry leadership appreciation party. I put some fresh candy in the mugs, wrapped them in red and green cellophane and proudly issued them to teachers and leaders as they left my party.
The next Sunday morning I walked in my office to find one of the mugs I had distributed sitting in the center of my desk with a note underneath. The note read, “Bill, I thought you might want this mug back since it has your name on it. Thanks for the candy though!” Oh, the embarrassment. I never did figure out who re-gifted my re-gift (good manners on his part) … but I have thought a lot about re-gifting since then and I’ve come to the conclusion that re-gifting isn’t so bad if the gift you’ve been given is worth re-giving.
When I think of Christmas and “love” my mind immediately goes to what many call the most loved Bible verse of all, John 3:16, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Today, on December 24 … Christmas Eve, I want to remind us of our obligation to re-gift the Greatest Gift ever given, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He is worth re-gifting. There is no better gift, EVER!
As you go through the next couple of days of celebrating, don’t forget to share what God has done for you. Take the time to acknowledge that Gift and be intentional about “re-gifting” with your family, friends, and those who pass your way. Be careful about the mugs, but be really free with the Savior. There are folks out there who really need that gift this year!
Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.
Large Group Games and the Gospel
Tis the season for Christmas get-togethers and New Year parties. If you have a couple of kids or A LOT OF KIDS all in one place, then we have a game for you! Organized Mass Chaos! (or as we call it at CentriKid Camps, OMC!)
CentriKid is known as the HOME OF OMC! It is our large-group recreation game that takes place on the last full day of camp. If you have never experienced OMC before here are the basics you need to know:
- OMC stands for Organized Mass Chaos.
- Split your kids into different groups. At CentriKid we split our groups up by color teams corresponding with the grade the kids have completed.
- The object of the game is for your team to collectively complete the most individual tasks.
- Each kid is given a task card and whenever they complete it they put it in their team’s bucket only to retrieve another task to complete.
- The game lasts anywhere from 10-20 minutes based on supplies and the location, and weather. (I would cut the game short if it is really hot or really cold.)
Even in the middle of all this fun, we are intentional about sharing the gospel with kids at camp.
Since you know that kids learn in different ways, it is important to take the time to unpack the games that you play in your Kids Ministry. This will help those hands-on learners grasp in a more solid way the connection between everyday life and their relationship with Jesus.
Here is a way you may connect OMC with God’s word:
We have a lot in common with OMC. We all played OMC together, but we are also special and uniquely created. Every player at OMC is dressed differently and had different tasks to do during the game, but God knows each of us individually. Psalm 139:13-14 says “For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.”
God has created us and formed us into the people we are. He has given us our eye color, our personalities, our dreams, and made us different from anyone else on earth. God put in so much more effort into making you special and He loves you so much more. We are God’s creation and He wants us to have a personal relationship with Him. **Now you have a great run-way into sharing the gospel with your kids after playing a game of OMC!
Are you interested in playing OMC with your kids? Check out the Official OMC Game Messy Edition and Yellow Edition to purchase OMC for your ministry!
Once you have the digital version of the OMC game cards, you can access the special bonus editions with additional tasks for all the different seasons and holidays. With these combined versions, you will be good to go create your own Organized Mass Chaos!
View and download all the free special editions at CentriKid.com/OMC!
Lydia McMillan works on the CentriKid Camps team. She manages social media, produces videos, works with actors, and leads production elements. She is married to Joshua and they have two kiddos who keep them very busy.
The Second Week of Advent: PEACE
We’re well into the Advent season and I’m getting more and more excited about celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25. I am thankful for the opportunity to be reminded of the Christ child and the gift He is to me.
In March of 2010, my father was given a diagnosis no one wants to hear. My dad was told that he had cancer and that left untreated, he would live about six weeks. Additionally, the doctor shared that because of the kind of cancer he had and because of his age, traditional therapies would not be available to him. It was a pretty tough diagnosis for him and for our family.
I remember visiting dad in the hospital after the diagnosis. I remember that we all had heavy hearts and we were all pretty shook up. I remember my dad telling me that day that he was going to be okay. I remember thinking, “no, dad … you’re really not okay this time.” As we talked he shared with me that for him, it was just a “moving on” from this life to his eternal life with Jesus. He was certain that his life wasn’t going to end; it was going to continue in heaven. He specifically said that he was at peace with God.
As I think about that example of peace I’m even more convinced that the only true peace comes from knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Jesus chose to come to earth and ultimately die for us so that we might have eternal life and a real peace.
My pastor shared it well when he said, “If you want to know the peace of God, you need to be AT peace WITH God!” And, the only way to be a peace with God is to know His Son, the Prince of Peace … Jesus, the baby we celebrate this holiday season.
As the weeks and what turned into months passed it wasn’t always good for dad … but I am thankful for the peace that was my dad’s that first day. I am thankful for the example he gave us as he testified to the knowledge that His Savior, Jesus Christ was enough for him.
Take time today to thank God for His gift, The Gift … Jesus … the Prince of Peace!
Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.
Volunteer Appreciation Resources
Looking for some fun gift ideas to show appreciation to your volunteers? We’ve got your covered! Click below to download some fun ideas.
Soapin’ you have a merry Christmas!
An Advent Plan for Families
Nothing is more precious than a newborn baby. However, in the months leading up to his birth, a lot goes into organizing for that infant’s arrival! One major undertaking for most expectant families is clearing out a room to become the nursery in order to fill it with baby items: a crib, changing table, toy shelves, diapers, burp cloths, and bibs. Hours of thought even go into deciding on a theme for the nursery décor, bedding, and stroller.
Christmas Advent includes preparation as well. Not with finding a spare room in our homes, but in our hearts, for the arrival of Jesus! As we move expectantly into this year’s Advent season, let’s consider the thoughts and actions of a certain mom in biblical history—Mary—as she gave intentional focus to servanthood, acceptance, thankfulness, and finally celebration in preparing for the coming of her firstborn child—Jesus!
WEEK 1 (December 2):
“’I am the Lord’s servant,’ said Mary.” Luke 1:38
Gifting vs. Giving (of Yourself)
From the time we’re young, we aspire to greatness! As children, we tell our parents that one day we will be the best doctor or astronaut or dancer they’ve ever seen! As parents, we then brag to others as we tell them how great our kids are with all their endeavors.
There’s nothing wrong with striving to use God-given talents and skills in the very best ways possible. But proper attitude is key! We’re reminded of this in Philippians 2:3-4, where we read: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Even though many people ascribe to Mary greatness for being the mother of Jesus, Mary’s attitude going into her pregnancy with the Christ child was one of humility in servanthood to God—giving her total being to the Lord without hesitation.
As we look toward Christmas Day this year, how can we change our focus from achieving greatness in the eyes of others to serving one another out of the blessings God has already given us?
FAMILY ADVENT-ure:
This month, try a few of these “giving” activities to those in your community:
- Serve in your city’s soup kitchen for the homeless.
- Take some easy-to-heat meals to an elderly neighbor.
- Collect colorful, fun hats and gloves (child and adult sizes) for a homeless shelter.
- Deliver Christmas goodies to a local pregnancy center.
- Invite a college student (who can’t get home for the holidays) to your home for Christmas parties or on Christmas Day!
WEEK 2 (December 9):
“May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38
Worth the Wait
Especially for kids, it’s hard to wait for Christmas Day to get here! How often do we hear our children ask, “How many more days until Christmas?” The anticipation of ripping open big, shiny, bow-wrapped gifts is almost more than kids can stand! They ask the question each time—even though they really don’t want to wait until Christmas!
As parents, we also get in a hurry for what, how, and when we want things. Waiting often feels unbearable! How can we model to our children the ability to be satisfied with answers given from God, accepting His plans over what we may be wishing for or wanting to hear?
In this week’s Advent verse, Mary’s summation was right on point in her attitude and timing when she told the angel Gabriel, “May it be to me as you have said.”
FAMILY ADVENT-ure:
Use the acronym W–A–I–T for ideas to use with your family as you count down the days leading to Christmas.
W “Welcome Christmastime! Idea Jar” Place a festively decorated jar in a common area of your house, along with small pieces of paper and a pencil. As ideas come for things to do over Christmas break, write them down and toss them in the jar. Then have fun engaging in those activities!
A Assemble a Christmas tree (real or artificial) for an elderly person in your neighborhood or church or help a single mom who might need assistance with her décor.
I Invite families of your children’s friends to a Christmas program at your church.
T Text one person each day between now and Christmas with a heartfelt Christmastime greeting. Adding an appropriate seasonal meme would be a fun touch as well!
WEEK 3 (December 16):
“My soul praises the greatness of the Lord.” Luke 1:46
Birthday Blessings!
There are moments that are difficult to express in words. One such time for me was immediately following my son’s birth. I had a C-section, so I was hooked up to all types of tubes for anesthesia and oxygen. But even with all of those awkward instruments and positioning of my body, I’ll never forget the moment the doctor laid my newborn son to my chest after he was born. My eyes immediately filled with tears of absolute joy in witnessing the arrival of my long-awaited baby boy!
Mary was obviously struck with such great pleasure that her very soul was overwhelmed in thankfulness to the Lord for giving her such wonderful news—that soon, she would be the mother of Baby Jesus!
FAMILY ADVENT-ure:
Assign (or draw for) names of all family members. Each person is to write (or younger children may draw pictures) how they are thankful for the family member assigned to them. In other words, how they’ve been a “Christmas blessing” this past year. The message may be gift-wrapped and then opened Christmas Day.
WEEK 4 (December 23):
“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:47
Let the Party Begin!
This season, no doubt you’ve been part of at least one Christmas party with tables overflowing with food, hours of enjoyment with friends, and possibly funny gift exchanges. Holiday celebrations are simply part of the Christmas spirit!
But years before holiday parties came about, Mary celebrated (rejoiced) over the news that Jesus would soon be arriving! She knew Jesus was not just a baby to be born. He would be “great … the Son of the Most High”—the Savior!
FAMILY ADVENT-ure:
What are some ways your family can celebrate Jesus amidst other Christmas events? Start this focus when your kids are young and make it part of your Christmastime tradition. Here are a few ideas:
- Enjoy a “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” cake as part of your family’s Christmas Eve party. Sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus before you begin eating it.
- Set up a makeshift Nativity scene alongside your Christmas tree décor. Talk with younger children about the biblical story of Mary and Joseph watching over Baby Jesus.
- Keep child-safe Nativity sets available for preschoolers and younger children to play with during weeks leading up to Christmas, and talk about it with them.
This post was provided by ParentLife Magazine. The writer, Dixie Walker is a freelance writer of Christian family ministry resources. She and her family reside in Nashville, Tenn.
Looking for more? Connect with ParentLife online at facebook.com/parentlife or the ParentLife blog. Order at lifeway.com/parentlife.
Family Advent Guide
I
t’s that time of the year! The most WONDERFUL time of the year!! Christmas: A time to focus on and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Hallelujah!
Christmas can be the most chaotic time of year. With so much focus on material gifts and the anticipation of a certain jolly visitor, families can easily feel they are missing the true meaning of Christmas as they count down the days until December 25. LifeWay Kids is pleased to share a new family Advent guide published by B&H Kids, The Way to the Manger. This resource will engage families with the biblical truth of Christmas through twenty-five Advent devotions that redirect families to their need for a Savior and the amazing gift of Jesus Christ. We hope you’ll consider recommending this resource to families this season.
In addition to this family resource, we’d like to share with you a reproducible, email attachable, family advent guide that you can share with families in your ministry. We hope these will help to focus your ministry emphasis this season and lead families to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
Click this link to download the free guide: Family-Advent-Guide
What About the X in Christmas?
When I was growing up I often saw signs that read, “Merry Xmas” instead of “Merry Christmas.” As a child It hurt my heart to think that my Savior’s name had been taken out of Christmas! What I was not aware of at that time was that the practice of using the symbol “X” in place of Christ’s name has been going on amongst religious scholars for at least 1000 years. The “X” is actually indicating the Greek letter “Chi,” which is short for the Greek word meaning “Christ”. So “Xmas” and “Christmas” are equivalent in every way except their lettering. But, as a child I was confused.
Jump to 2016. In our current culture, as I watch my 13 grandchildren growing up, they are being encouraged to not use the words “Merry Christmas” as we we are told that it is politically incorrect … we should be saying “Happy Holidays” so that we don’t offend anyone. Once again, I have a feeling of sadness that all children of today will hear less and less that Christmas is all about Christ.
With that said … MY plan with MY family is to always keep CHRIST in Christmas. These seven simple suggestions will help communicate to all of my family that CHRIST is the real reason for Christmas:
- Play Christmas music about Jesus in my car and in my home.
- When writing handwritten notes at Christmas, I will be sure to write “Merry CHRISTmas” with Christ in all caps.
- Have a family group time on Christmas day emphasizing that Christ should be the center of our Christmas celebrations.
- Include a child-friendly Nativity Set as part of my home Christmas decorations.
- Try to purchase religious Christmas stamps for my family’s Christmas cards.
- Make sure that going to church is part of my family Christmas tradition.
- Before exchanging family gifts on Christmas, talk with my family about God’s most precious Gift … Jesus!
What’s YOUR plan?
Jerry Vogel is an Editorial Ministry Specialist in LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and has served over 40 years in Kids Ministry at the local church level as well as at LifeWay. Jerry currently teaches four-year-olds at his church.
Christmas Freebie: Downloadable Wrapping Paper
Christmas is fast approaching. Consider this festive wrapping paper an early Christmas gift from LifeWay Kids. We are so thankful for the role you play in kids’ lives. Click the image below to download your freebie today.
Click here to download your free wrapping paper. (PDF)
Christmas Coloring Pages
I’ll never forget when I was a younger, less experienced father taking my oldest sons to a church Christmas musical for the first time. I thought they would LOVE it. I was SO wrong. After a few minutes, they weren’t enjoying listening to the sounds of Christmas as our choir worshiped the Savior. Then, there was the narration. I needed something to keep them occupied and quick!
I always want my kids to be interested in church and do things that are helping them focus on the true meaning of why we are there. But, the truth is, four and five-year old little boys don’t care so much about the “Hanging of the Green” service.
Here are some great Christmas Coloring Pages that will get your kids to think about the true meaning of Christmas. You can place them outside your sanctuary for kids to color during special services or maybe you can use them during a December parent’s night out.
- Prophets Told About Jesus
- An Angel Visited Mary
- Joseph’s Dream
- Jesus Was Born
- Simeon and Anna
- Wise Men Visited Jesus
Jeff Land is Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies For Life: Kids. He holds a BSW from Mississippi College and a MACE from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeff has served as children’s pastor and currently teaches second graders each week at his church. Jeff, his wife Abbey, and their four sons live in Coopertown, TN.
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