Christmas Children's Clubs

Saturday, December 20: Children, ages 4-14, some shabbily dressed, others in their best (if old) clothes, arrive to the Christmas party, ticket in hand. Under a ceiling of balloons and streamers, they squeeze onto narrow benches, 65 in all. Parents take chairs on one side. After a prayer, that the children repeat, as is customary, the leaders lead the children in a few songs and games with prizes. Then arrive costumed characters (Barney, Tigger, and Pucca (my niece Vasti) with her train) who get the children moving and laughing, as they dance to upbeat music. The children, eyes sparkling, are for the moment care-free.

I teach a lesson on giving ourselves to Jesus, like God did for us, like the wise men did for Jesus--giving the best. God helps me with my Spanish, so that I can present the lesson clearly. The older kids seem to take to heart the story and reflection, although the littlest ones whisper and wiggle. They memorize Matthew 2:11, and then color a picture of the 3 wise men. Afterward, they enjoy a meal of chicken and rice with carrot and peas and potatoes, bread, and hot chocolate (this is not for the cholesterol-obsessed!). Lastly, they are presented with gift bags filled with sugar, fruit cake, hot chocolate, milk, school supplies, colored pencils, yoyo, candy, shampoo, soap, toothbrush and paste, and toilet paper. In addition each gift bag has a wrapped gift according to the child's age--a car of plastic tools or a doll for those aged 4-6, a sports car or hair clips for those aged 7-10, and a soccer ball or volleyball for those aged 11-14. They offer thanks with huge smiles.

Those smiles make every penny, every drop of sweat, every minute--complete worth while!

Sunday, December 21: The celebration of Jesus’ birth is well attended. Over 100 children and their parents heard the message of love. First "Caminando Con Jesus," a ministry of young people that we often partner with, presents their program—dressed up as cartoon characters, they sing dance, and interacte with the children. I teach the message on giving to Jesus as the wise men did, trying to make it even clearer and briefer than the day before. The children pray with me, and then we sing happy birthday to Jesus and blow out candles on two large vanilla cakes, heavy with icing.

The children’s choir sing a few Christmas tunes, and then the children are served their dinner and cake. Lastly they receive their gifts. It is true what I taught in my lesson: it’s more blessed to give than to receive (because when one gives, one does indeed receive—joy and satisfaction)!

Thanks for making so many children smile! Thank you for being a part--for your financial support and prayers! God richly answered our prayers!

See photos in My Photos (photobucket): Christmas Clubs 2008.