The true story of Christmas is not about a jolly man in a red suit. While that figure represents a spirit of generosity and giving, the true story of Christmas is about something so much bigger. It’s about an amazing gift, a sacrificial gift, a gift of such love that it’s almost unfathomable. The true story of Christmas is about how God kept His promise and sent us a savior, the great redeemer, His son, Jesus.
For our kids, we’ll kick off the true story of Christmas with the announcement of Jesus’ birth. An angel was sent to tell Mary that she would have God’s son. Wow! I can’t even imagine what was going through her mind in hearing that. But the angel gave Mary peace and she had faith and trusted in God. So let’s jump in.
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ll show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: God told us He would give us Jesus. (The Angel and Mary • Luke 1:26-33, 38, 46-49)
Memory Verse: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son.” John 3:16, GNT
Key Question: Why is Jesus special?
Bottom Line: Jesus is God’s Son.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch this video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them. Most of us think of singing as the way we worship God. But remember, whatever you do, if you do it for God, is a form of worship. Help show your kids this concept as you sing and dance with them for our amazing God.
Bible Story Video – The Angel and Mary
Worship – The Best Present Ever
Worship – Jesus Is
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice the verse with your kids. The hand motions help them will help them to remember as we practice this same verse all month long. Be thinking of a special prize you can give at the end of the month when they say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce what they’ve learned.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions
Bible Story Activity
Coloring Page
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory verse again. The
angel told Mary that God was giving the world a very special gift: His Son, Jesus. Since gifts are a big part of Christmas, make a list with your family of gifts that we really hope to get this Christmas. Write ‘JESUS’ at the top of your prayer page, because Jesus is the best gift ever. Then have each family member list a gift they really hope to get this year, you’ll use it in your prayer.
PRAYER: “Dear God, thank You for blessing me with (name each family member). I love having each of them in my family. Thank You for Christmas and all we get to celebrate this time of year. Thank You for things like (read what each family member listed). It would be fun to get all of these gifts but help us remember that we already received the best gift ever: Jesus. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I’d like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons [and daughters].”
Galatians 4:4-5
