Since my kids were babies, we’ve been using the three Christmas gift plan that follows the wise men and the treasures they brought to baby Jesus. We have loved this gift-giving strategy because it not only keeps things simple, it reinforces the Christmas story and points the kids back to Christ in the midst of their gift-receiving. Everyone gets three gifts.
- Gold – the big gift on their wish list
- Frankincense – something for their body
- Myrrh – something for their spiritual development
Three gifts. If it was good enough for Baby Jesus, it’s more than enough for us.
I love this plan but often, I have found it challenging to come up with new ideas for our myrrh gifts. There are many, quality Christian children’s products on the market but we want to be creative and find ideas that go beyond a simple book each year. At the heart of this gift is the desire for our kids to know the Bible and ultimately, know Jesus. In our search for gifts that will grow their faith, we have found several resources that will do just that.
What’s In The Bible? DVDs
Fast paced and full of Bible-based fun, WITB is a tool your kids will love. Volumes 1-12 are now available to take your child on a journey from Genesis through the letters of Paul (with volumes through Revelation coming soon). Including fun music, interesting characters and information your kids will grasp without even realizing it, What’s In The Bible? is a resource that will build the foundation of faith in your home.
Jesus Storybook Bible
This new (but sure to be classic) children’s Bible, includes beautifully unique illustrations. Author Sally Lloyd-Jones has an incredible gift for storytelling that will invite your child into the adventure of the Bible.
JellyTelly Subscription
This online network for families is a faith-based alternative to other TV networks for kids. JellyTelly provides programming and games for families to engage online in a safe environment. From creator Phil Vischer on JellyTelly, “Churches are doing wonderful work with kids – innovative work – but a church will get about an hour with a child on a Sunday morning and then before it sees that child again, that kid on average has watched more than 22 hours of Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel. Is it any wonder that our kids are growing up knowing more about iCarly than about the apostle Paul?”
With videos and activities for kids that will keep their interest, teach them the Bible and perhaps give mom and dad a break from time to time, a JellyTelly subscription is a wonderful gift for the whole family! Also available now is the JellyTelly IOS app so you can access your account on the go! (Android app coming soon.)
Read and Share Bible
Including activities to encourage scripture memory and reading comprehension, this Bible storybook is a wonderful tool for children. With over 200 stories in simple retellings, the Read and Share Bible encourages kids to read the Word, know the Word and share the Word.
ABC Scripture Cards
Featured on The View, these adorable scripture memory cards, created by a mom who desired to build her kids’ faith, are the perfect gift to encourage your child to hide God’s word in their heart. Each set includes 26 5×7 cards, an easel for easy display and a magnet to display one card at a time (for focused memorization).
Whether you follow a similar gift-giving strategy or simply desire to put faith-building presents under the tree this year, these resources are sure to point your child to Jesus.
What are some of your favorite resources for helping your kids know the Bible?
Jessica Wolstenholm is co-founder of Grace for Moms. After 15 years in the music and publishing industries, Jessica came home to be with her two small children. Although the transition from the corporate world to the playground has been an adjustment, she is learning every day to access the grace available to us through Christ as she navigates the full time job of motherhood. She is the co-author of The Pregnancy Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey to Motherhood and The Baby Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey Through Baby’s First Year. Jessica lives in Nolensville, TN with her husband, Dave and two miracle babies, Hope (5) and Joshua (2).
