What is Operation Christmas Child?

from the old testament

• God’s people have always been called to care for the vulnerable and poor as that reflects God’s heart: “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18). This means that mercy ministries are to be a part of God’s people’s lives.
• Note that Israel’s role as providing material needs for those within its national borders is different than the church’s role, which is more restrained (see the New Testament section). However, as God’s people, Israel demonstrated how God works through His people to benefit others. For example, regarding harvesting laws, God said, “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:9–10). They were to intentionally leave food behind so even the poor in the land could still eat.

from the new testament

• After Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit established the church (Acts 2:1–4), which Jesus had said He would build (Matthew 16:18). The church is different from Israel. Hence, its mercy ministry commands look different.
• Whereas Israel had to provide for everyone within her land, the church has no land. Instead, its primary focus is on helping those inside the church with needs. For example, Paul said, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).
• Notice, however, that Paul said “especially” the church, not “exclusively.” Because a church’s resources are limited and churches already have members with needs (e.g., 1 Timothy 5:3–4), the primary outpouring of physical support should be reserved for those in the church, to protect and care for its own. As James noted, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:15–16).
• However, James also said, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27). This care for the vulnerable in general echoes Israel’s care for the vulnerable. Therefore, it is right and good for the church to help the vulnerable in general once it has cared for its members.
• Jesus called the church to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20a). Parachurch organizations should not just provide for physical needs but spiritual needs, as well.
• Christians have many ministry options with which they can partner. Operation Christmas Child is one of those options. There are many ways we can use our money, talents, and time. However, we must not neglect giving regularly to the church as that is God's ordained means of spreading the gospel to those nearest us (1 Corinthians 16:1–2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–7). We are to ensure that our pastors can focus on preaching by providing for their needs (1 Timothy 5:17–18). Also, churches are to be the ones sending out missionaries (Acts 13:2–3), so supporting your local church is supporting those they send out.
  
• An outreach like Operation Christmas Child is just one of many ways that children can be reached with the gospel. It pairs mercy ministry with evangelistic outreach in connection with the local church. Children in impoverished areas are both particularly vulnerable and open to the gospel because of their childlike faith (cf. Matthew 18:2–4).
• While parachurch organizations might provide access or specialized skills, the church is Jesus’ ordained means for spiritual growth so we must continue to support the local church, not just parachurch ministries (Ephesians 4:11–13).

implications for today

It's Christmas time. Children and adults alike find delight in giving and receiving gifts—a new pair of shoes, a new family game, a new Lego set, stockings filled with treats as well as necessities like socks. How can we not let Christmas become a consumeristic holiday but keep Jesus at the center of it? Operation Christmas Child provides an opportunity to do just that.

As you shop for your own family, you can also shop for a child you'll likely never meet this side of eternity.  There is something uniquely joyful about packing a box, knowing that what feels like a simple gift to you may become a treasured possession to a child—and, more importantly, the first time they hear that Jesus loves them. Packing a shoebox can become a Christmas tradition that is also an act of worship and evangelism, a reminder that Christmas is ultimately about God's greatest gift to the world: His Son. While no gift can save a child, a simple shoebox can open the door for them to hear the gospel, perhaps for the very first time. Every shoebox is more than a gift—it’s an opportunity for a child to hear the life-changing hope of the gospel.