The Stories
The Songs
Advent Song
Baby Jesus We Love You
Away in a Manger
Jesus Jingle (Bells)
Joy to the World
Twinkle, Twinkle Shining Star
Go Tell It on the Mountain
The Christmas Story
Read: Luke 2:1-20
Watch: The Nativity by Julie Vivas
Ask: How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they had to sleep in a stable? You might talk about your child’s own birth story.
Play: Get out a child-friendly nativity scene to retell the story. If you don’t have a nativity set, there are many easy make your own sets available on the internet. Have fun thinking about what each character might have been saying and doing during the evening that Jesus was born.
Serve: We give and receive gifts in honor of Jesus’ birthday. Look for gifts that you can give others by going through clothes and toys that you have outgrown and donate those to others that can use them.
Pray: Dear God, you loved the world so much that you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus to be born in Bethlehem to be the light of the world. Help us to follow and to shine his light by loving and serving others. Amen.
Wise Men Visit Jesus
Read: Matthew 2:1-12
Ask: The Wise Men brought baby Jesus gifts that were meant to honor him as a king and priest. What gifts do you hope to receive this Christmas? What gifts are planning to give this Christmas?
Play: Make crowns and dress up as wise men and women. Decorate a big star and hide it somewhere in the house or backyard. Go on the look out for the star. When you find it, bring it to a nativity scene and celebrate Jesus.
Serve: While the wise men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus, the best gift we can give Jesus is our love. We show Jesus our love in the way we love others. Brainstorm ways that you can share love with your family and neighbors at Christmas and make a list to check off as you prepare for the holidays.
Pray: Dear God, thank you for the greatest gift ever - the gift of baby Jesus. Help us to follow him, and to show our love for him in how we love others. Amen.