Westminster’s “Orange Idea” is a monthly, family-friendly, 1-page resource to help you live out your faith at home. But what is “Orange,” you might ask?

As Julie and Matthew explained, it’s not just a colour—it’s a way of thinking: Yellow represents the light of Jesus shared by the church. Red represents the blood and bond of the family. So when you put Yellow and Red together you get… Orange!

So an “Orange idea” is when the church helps people live out their faith in their families and homes. After all, the home is the primary place where faith is formed.

So this monthly resource will help people of different ages learn about and live out their Christian faith in tangible, practical ways.

Here’s November’s Orange Idea: Spread Joy By Filling a Shoebox.

And not just any old shoebox, but an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox. This is a global program run by Samaritan’s Purse which is supported by Westminster. It helps deliver Christmas joy to children all around the world—children who may not have much at Christmas.

Think of this Bible passage:

“When they [the wise men] saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” –Matthew 2:10-11 (NIV)

In the Christmas story, the wise men are “overjoyed” when they see the star of Bethlehem directing them to the baby Jesus. When they get there, they worship him and give presents.

Today, as we participate in Operation Christmas Child, we too can share joy and generosity with others—including children around the world who may not have much at Christmas.

This honours the birth of Christ.

So we suggest you fill a shoebox as a family… together.

Here are a few tips to help you in the process:

1. Pick up one (or more) shoeboxes from Westminster.

2. Pick up a pamphlet that guides you through the process. (Choose a gender and an age category.)

3. (If you missed it, watch the 2-minute Operation Christmas Child video. Just google ‘Operation Christmas Child Promo Video 2016’ on YouTube. You can also see it at the bottom of this blog.)

4. Choose a time to purchase items and pack the box as a family.

5. Talk about how spreading the joy of Christ helps us live out the true meaning of Christmas.

6. Include $7 for shipping the boxes as per the instructions. (A great deal!)

7. Bring it back to the church by November 13^th at the latest for the Dedication during the service.

In the hustle and bustle of Christmas, this can be a great way to honour the birth of Jesus.

Spread Joy by packing an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox.

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