Posted on Dec 7, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)--Looking for a way to keep Christ in your Christmas celebration this season? Try this Christian version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

1) Purchase a nativity scene with 12 separate pieces. It can be an expensive nativity or a dollar-store set.

2) Select a recipient for your ministry project, such as a homebound church member or neighbor, a person with an extended illness, or someone who will be alone or hurting this Christmas.

3) Deliver one piece of the nativity set each day for 12 days, ending with baby Jesus on Christmas Day.

The nativity-a-day project can be accomplished by an individual or group. Your Sunday School class can assign a different class member to deliver the nativity piece each day. Deacons can do the project as a gift for their pastor or a terminally ill member.

A friend of mine makes secret deliveries with her children, leaving a gift-wrapped nativity piece with a note on the porch each day. On Christmas Day, they arrive in person to reveal their identity and deliver the baby Jesus. Each year's recipient becomes a dear friend of their family, and, of course, the children begin to eagerly plan for next Christmas' nativity-a-day ministry project.

Christmas holidays are a wonderful time to shine for Jesus. Why not share the true meaning of Christmas with your elderly neighbor, your coffee barista, your postal worker....
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Diana Davis, on the Web at www.keeponshining.com, is the author of "Fresh Ideas -- 1000 Ways to Grow a Thriving and Energetic Church" and "Deacon Wives" (B&H Publishing).