Finding Jesus this Christmas: An Interactive Countdown Activity

As families in the U.S. prepare for the holiday season, one mother in Texas has created a way to remind her family of the true meaning of Christmas.

Lillian Ritchie from Dallas has introduced “Finding Jesus,” an interactive Christmas countdown designed to share the Nativity story. The activity incorporates a plush Jesus doll and 24 puzzle pieces, allowing families to explore the story of Jesus’ birth through Scripture.

During a recent Bible study, Richie shared that the inspiration for her project struck her while discussing the challenges of keeping the focus on the season’s significance amid the usual holiday chaos. “We were talking about how difficult it is to stay focused on the reason for this season,” she recalled.

She mentioned an incident in the group where a child kept picking up and then dropping a baby Jesus figurine. As one mother repeatedly asked, “Where’s Jesus?”, it resonated with Richie. It brought to mind the question of whether we should be searching for Jesus instead of getting lost in holiday distractions.

Feeling a calling, she expressed a desire to help children focus on seeking Jesus during Advent rather than simply participating in typical holiday activities.

Last year, Ritchie launched the plush toy in a limited run of 10,000 units, which quickly sold out. “I wanted something easy, simple, all-in-one, and not intimidating,” she explained.

She aimed to tell the birth narrative without any added commentary: “I wanted something that would tell the story of the birth of Jesus. It’s all Scripture, no comments from me. Just a way to stay focused on the reason for the season.”

Ritchie’s initiative seems to resonate with many, particularly in light of recent events that have sparked a religious revival in the country. Following the tragic death of Charlie Kirk in Utah, there’s been a notable increase in people returning to their faith, with reports of more individuals picking up the Bible than in years past. “More people are praying. The church is coming back… Religion is coming back to America,” remarked a well-known figure during a recent event.

Ritchie has noticed a growing interest among people wanting to reconnect with their faith. “I think people are looking for the feeling that God is within them,” she observed.

Her hope is that the “Finding Jesus” kits will aid families in fostering their relationship with God. “They come down and meet us where we are, toys included,” she added, reflecting on the importance of making faith accessible, especially for children.