Thankful

 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 KJV

We always say, "Thank a vet. Pray for our veterans." But do we accompany those thanks and prayers with actions?

Several years ago, a teacher in our district asked his students to make Christmas cards for veterans in a VA hospital. I believe it was his dad who was willing to take the cards to the hospital. Over the years, this one small request turned into the whole school making cards. Now the entire district sends thousands of cards each year to veterans who otherwise may not receive any other Christmas wishes. There are even opportunities for parents to sign cards at school events. Some of the cards go to veterans' hospitals nearby. One of our veterans makes an annual trip to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC to deliver cards. 

Men and women in veterans hospitals may be far away from family and friends and find themselves alone during the holiday season. Cards from students and their families can mean a lot. Jesus said if we have done it unto the least of these our brethren, we have done it unto Him.

Parents, you may want to investigate the address of a veterans' hospital or visit one if you live nearby. Another idea may be to send cards to someone who is currently serving overseas and won't be able to be with family this year. Your Sunday School class, scouts, home school association or other groups may want to join the mission. 

Thank you to all who serve and who have served.

Families, we thank you for the ones who not only served but willingly gave their lives for our freedom. 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for those who were and are willing to serve to protect our freedom. Father, we thank You that you gave us Your Son to not only show us how to serve others but who willingly gave His life for our eternal salvation. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.

Hey Kids

Here is one idea for making a veteran a Christmas card. 

Making cards are fun and easy. 

Fold a piece of paper in half.

Open the card and write your message before you decorate. Include your favorite Bible verse.
Close the card. Draw a large triangle on the front of the card. 

Put a small amount of glue in the triangle. 

Crumple small scraps of green tissue paper and place them on the glue to make a 3D Christmas tree design. 

Stick colored foil stars to the tissue paper tree. 

Change it up any way your artist's inclinations lead you.

You may not know who received your card, but Jesus sees and is thankful you were willing to bring the message of Christ and Christmas to someone.