Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year for children, filled with lights, traditions, and—let’s be honest—an overwhelming focus on gifts. From glittering shop displays to incessant advertisements, our culture bombards them with a message that equates happiness with consumption.
As parents, leaders, and church families, we have a unique opportunity to help children see beyond the shimmering shop fronts and into the heart of Christmas—God’s greatest gift in Jesus. Our homes and churches must reflect a countercultural vision—one where the joy of giving, gratitude, and generosity mirrors the heart of God. But how do we cultivate these virtues in children and young people, especially when the world trains them to grab rather than give?
Let’s explore how we can challenge the culture of entitlement, address the lure of materialism through Scripture, and guide the next generation toward hearts shaped by gratitude and generosity, rooted in the gospel.
The Problem: A Culture of Entitlement
Modern culture often convinces children that happiness lies in what they own. From “kidfluencers” on social media showcasing endless products to wish lists that grow longer every year, the message is clear: the more you have, the happier you’ll be. This entitlement mentality can creep into Christian homes, subtly reframing Christmas as a time to get rather than a time to give or reflect on the ultimate gift of Jesus.
But entitlement is dangerous. It breeds dissatisfaction, as the pursuit of more never truly satisfies the soul (Ecclesiastes 5:10). It distracts from Christ, shifting our focus away from the wonder of His incarnation to our personal desires. And it stifles generosity, as a self-centred heart often overlooks the needs of others.
As parents and leaders, we are called to resist this cultural tide. Instead of indulging entitlement, we must foster gratitude and generosity shaped by the gospel.
Challenging Cultural Norms
Shaping grateful and generous hearts requires confronting the cultural narratives children encounter daily. Consumerism preaches that happiness comes from accumulating more, but as Christians, we know a different truth. Scripture teaches that joy and contentment come not from possessions but in and through the Lord Jesus (Philippians 4:11-13).
Instead of focusing on what they receive, we can encourage them to experience the joy of giving. Relationships, too, must take priority over material things. Simple, meaningful moments spent together can teach children that love and connection carry far greater value than any gift.
By living out and teaching these truths, we help children recognise the emptiness of consumerism and embrace the lasting joy found in gratitude and generosity shaped by the gospel.
The Biblical Call: Gratitude and Generosity
The Bible calls us to cultivate gratitude and generosity in the next generation, as these are not merely virtues but reflections of God’s grace and character—gratitude acknowledges Him as the ultimate giver, and generosity mirrors His lavish love and self-giving nature.
With this biblical foundation in mind, let’s look at practical ways we can guide children to live out these truths.
Reframe Christmas Through the Gospel
One of the most effective ways to combat entitlement is to centre Christmas on the gospel. Instead of focusing on what’s under the tree, guide children to see that Christmas is ultimately about God giving His Son—a gift far greater than anything they could imagine.
Start by opening the Bible together as a family or group. Highlight passages like Philippians 2:6-8, which reveal the humility of Christ in becoming human. Reflect on how Jesus, though equal with God, chose to take on flesh, live among us, and sacrifice Himself for our salvation. This incredible act of love reframes Christmas as a celebration of God’s generosity and grace.
Model Gratitude and Generosity
Children learn more from what we do than what we say. To cultivate gratitude and generosity in the next generation, parents and leaders must model these virtues as a response to Jesus, who gave His life for us.
Gratitude in Action
- Pray with Gratitude: Regularly thank God in family prayers for His provision, protection, and the gift of salvation.
- Respond with Gratitude: Teach children to appreciate kindness by writing thank-you notes for gifts, making phone calls to express gratitude and to always acknowledge that the blessing they receive come from God.
Generosity in Action
- Give Sacrificially: Involve children in acts of generosity, like supporting missions, helping families in need, or serving in the church. Perhaps even invite them to give some of what they received at Christmas to those in need.
- Explain the “Why”: Show them how your giving flows from gratitude for Jesus and reflects God’s love, making giving an act of worship.
By modelling gratitude and generosity, we help children connect these virtues to the gospel, teaching them to give joyfully and sacrificially, just as Jesus did for us.
Celebrate Non-Material Blessings
Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to shift the focus from material gifts to the spiritual blessings we enjoy in Christ. By highlighting what truly matters, we help children see that the most meaningful gifts aren’t found wrapped in paper but in the relationships and blessings God has given us.
- Gratitude Jar: Invite family members to write down things they’re thankful for and place them in a jar. On Christmas Day, read them aloud together as a reminder of God’s goodness.
- Youth Group Reflection: Dedicate an evening for young people to reflect on God’s greatest gifts, such as salvation, family, and the church. Encourage them to share examples of how they’ve experienced these blessings and discuss ways they can respond with gratitude and generosity.
These simple practices encourage children and teens to treasure the blessings they already have and foster hearts of gratitude for the greatest gift of all—Jesus.
A Countercultural Witness
As leaders, parents, and church families, we have an opportunity to shape the next generation in ways that challenge the world’s narratives. By fostering gratitude and generosity, we teach children to reject the empty promises of consumerism and embrace the abundant life found in Jesus.
