A Stocking for Jesus

On the night before Christmas, all our stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but one stocking hangs by the fireplace all Advent long. Jesus'.

That's right, Jesus has a stocking at my house. In preparation for Christmas, the children give Him gifts all throughout Advent. What kind of presents does Jesus want for His birthday? Does He need a skateboard or new bike? No, of course not. With His resurrected body, He can just "puff" and be anywhere He wants to be. Nor does He want a trampoline; He has the clouds to bounce on if He wants! No, Jesus doesn't want any toys; He wants our hearts.

How do we give Jesus our hearts; how do we show Him our love? By doing good to others, by making sacrifices, and by spending extra time in prayer.

[Tweet "Fill a stocking with kindness for Jesus during #Advent! Great child-friendly idea."]

Every time one of my children does something kind for Jesus, they can give Him a present. The "presents" are simply wooden blocks or small empty boxes wrapped in Christmas paper. We have used old jewelry boxes, scrap wood and toy blocks to wrap. Then we place the gifts on the hearth. Any time one of the children allows a sibling to choose the television show to watch, does an extra chore, reads a Bible story, or anything for love of Jesus, they can go to the fireplace and put their present in the stocking.

I, too, can participate. Whenever I refrain from gossip or complaint, get off the computer or phone as soon as possible, forgo the cup of coffee or say an extra rosary, I can place a present in the stocking. The children get a kick out of seeing Mommy giving gifts to Jesus, too.

How good it is to see Jesus' stocking filling up as His birthday approaches! It is an easy way to keep the children focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Happy Birthday, Jesus. We hope you enjoy the gifts.