Last night’s Christmas devotional with the kids was about money. This year we’ve been teaching Bradley (the 8-year-old) more and more about finances and the importance of giving, so last night’s discussion was a good reminder for him.
Last night, the kids eagerly ran to the tree to find their next present. We had then each unwrap a small container of coins. They counted out their change and listened as we read the full text of Psalm 128.
We chose Psalm 128 because it speaks of the blessing of eating “the fruit of the labor of your hands.” It is important to us that we teach our kids about the gift of work: God has given us the blessing of meaningful labor as a means to provide for our needs. This psalm promises that those who fear the Lord will enjoy the fruit of their work, and their whole family will be like a fruitful garden.
I also discussed Philippians 2:8-11 with the kids. I explained that Jesus, too, worked hard for something. He also enjoys the fruit of His labor. He only did what He saw His Father doing. He became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. And for that he earned the highest honor and purchased our salvation.
In summary, the coins our kids received were meant to remind them of two important lessons. First, we should thank God for the ability to work and earn money so we can buy the things we need. And second, we should thank God for the One who labored for our salvation.
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