In this series, I’ve challenged us to make sure our classes are ready to celebrate our Lord’s birth. I hope the series reminds us to give Jesus our best. I am suggesting twelve gifts this Christmas. In Part 1 I asked how you would fill in that day’s verse of this variation of the song, Twelve Days of Christmas (for a YouTube of the original song to inspire you, press the link). Here is what I have offered for the first six verses:
- On the first day of Christmas, my Sunday School class gave to Christ…Love of God, neighbors, and self.
- On the second day of Christmas, my Sunday School class gave to Christ…Start of a second class.
- On the third day of Christmas, my Sunday School class gave to Christ…Prayer for three prospects.
- On the fourth day of Christmas, my Sunday School class gave to Christ…Four ministry calls.
- On the fifth day of Christmas, my Sunday School class gave to Christ…Five quiet times.
- On the sixth day of Christmas, my Sunday School class gave to Christ…Six acts of kindness.
Take a moment to consider how you would complete the seventh verse:
On the seventh day of Christmas, my Sunday School class gave to Christ…
How did you complete the verse? Ask for your class’ response. Turn it into a request for class members’ commitment. Give your response to Christ and to each other. Make Christmas special by giving Jesus twelve birthday presents this year!
Here is how I would respond to today’s verse:
Seven days of prayer.
Yes, I know that prayer has been mentioned previously (day three). But that prayer was focused on three lost/unchurched people. This prayer is focused on a daily relationship with God. It is “as you are going” prayer. This is prayer for the day (quiet time from day five) but more than that. It is listening and talking to God. It is praying for every decision and interaction rather than only during your quiet time.
It is praying with people. It is praying for people. It is praying for work, family, school, and life. It is sharing our concerns, hurts, questions, and thoughts with God. It is confessing and even praying scripture (see Teaching Sunday School Members to Pray Through Scripture). It is asking for help and direction. It is seeking to get to know an awesome God and his ways and will.
Pray for the class. Pray for the lesson. Pray for application. Pray for the pastor and message. Pray for people who will be reached. Pray for people who will be touched and cared for this year.
Love God. Pray daily. Pray throughout the day. Pray conversationally. Be honest. Be open. Pray without ceasing. Do more than sing the words to today’s verse! Commit to it! Live it! Do it! Pray. Read. Listen. Apply. Share. Grow. Make disciples. Be revolutionary!
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