Finding Jesus: A Mother’s Mission to Keep Christ in Christmas
In a season often overshadowed by commercialism and holiday hustle, one Texas mother has created a meaningful alternative to help families focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Lillian Richey of Dallas developed “Finding Jesus,” an interactive Advent activity that brings the Nativity story to life through a combination of tactile play and Scripture reading. Her simple yet profound concept has resonated with families seeking to center their holiday celebrations around faith rather than consumerism.
The inspiration for “Finding Jesus” came during a Bible study session where Richey and other mothers discussed the challenge of maintaining spiritual focus amid the Christmas chaos. A fellow participant shared how her young son would constantly pick up and misplace the baby Jesus figurine from their Nativity scene, prompting frequent questions of “Where’s Jesus?” This innocent query struck Richey as profoundly symbolic. “Isn’t that what we should be doing — trying to find Jesus instead of all these other things?” she reflected. In that moment, Richey felt divinely inspired to create something that would help children and families actively seek Jesus throughout the Advent season, rather than being distracted by secular holiday traditions.
Richey’s creation consists of a plush Jesus doll and 24 puzzle pieces, each accompanied by Scripture that tells the Nativity story across the days leading up to Christmas. The concept is intentionally straightforward — “easy, simple, all in one — not intimidating,” as Richey describes it. What makes the product distinctive is its focus on Scripture without additional commentary. “It’s just God’s word and just a way to keep the reason for the season in focus,” Richey explains. When she initially launched “Finding Jesus” last year with a modest batch of 10,000 units, they quickly sold out, demonstrating a strong desire among families for Christ-centered Christmas traditions.
The timing of Richey’s creation seems particularly relevant against the backdrop of what some see as a growing spiritual awakening in America. The article references how the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah on September 10 has reportedly contributed to a religious revival, with many non-believers engaging with faith for the first time. This sentiment was echoed by President Trump at a Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony, where he remarked, “We have more people praying. The churches are coming back… religion is coming back to America.” Richey herself has observed this trend, noting that “people are searching for the feeling that God is inside of them.”
Beyond just a Christmas countdown activity, Richey envisions “Finding Jesus” as a tool to help families develop and nurture their relationship with God. The plush Jesus and accompanying Scripture create an accessible entry point for children to engage with the Christmas story in a tangible way. The interactive nature of searching for Jesus each day serves as both a physical and spiritual exercise, reminding participants young and old to look for Christ’s presence in their daily lives. As Richey beautifully expresses, “[Jesus] comes down and meets us right where we are — toys and all.”
In a culture where Advent calendars featuring chocolates, toys, or other material treats have become the norm, “Finding Jesus” offers a meaningful alternative that doesn’t reject the joy and excitement of the season but redirects it toward its spiritual roots. For families interested in incorporating this tradition into their Christmas celebration, Richey’s creation is available through her website, seekhimfirst.com. Through this simple yet profound activity, Richey hopes to help families not only find the plush Jesus during the holiday season but discover a deeper connection to the Christ of Christmas that extends far beyond December 25th.
