Kirsty has also put together some resources themed around the Christmas Story rather than the bible readings specified for Sunday in the lectionary. A printer friendly version is available at http://www.stranorlar.raphoe.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Christmas_Story_11thDec.pdf
Read: Luke 2:1-7
Caesar Augustus decided to have a census where he would count all the people – this meant everyone had to return to their hometown. For Mary and Joseph this meant a long journey to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, there were no guest rooms available for them to stay in. Instead, they had to stay where the animals slept. Mary gave birth to her baby boy, and called him Jesus, just as the angel had said. She laid him in a manger to keep him safe and warm. The saviour had been born! Many years ago, prophets had spoken about a King who would be born in Bethlehem, to the line of David – all these things came true the day Jesus was born.
Watch:
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Why did Mary and Joseph have to go to Bethlehem? Why were there no rooms available? Where did they stay? What happened when they were there? Where did Mary put Jesus?
Do: Colouring Page – https://www.bestcoloringpagesforkids.com/wp- content/uploads/2016/12/nativity-coloring-pages-pictures.jpg
Craft – http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2012/12/baby-jesus-manger-biscuits.html
Wordsearch – https://sermons4kids.com/birth_of_jesus_wordsearch.htm?fromSermonId=357
Pray: Heavenly Father, through this season of Advent, we prepare for our Christmas celebrations of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ.
In all the busy times help us to see the importance of your love for us. Show us new ways to share the message of your love for all people. We pray this in the name of Jesus, whose coming we eagerly await. Amen. (Taken from Praying Together)
Father in heaven watch over our loved ones.
Keep them by your side.
May they be safe and peaceful, in you may they abide.
Give wisdom to the doctors and nurses too we pray,
renew their strength and bless them for the work they do each day. Send healing and restoration and let them feel your love.
May your Holy Spirit give them rest as gentle as a dove. Amen (Taken from Praying Together)
Share:
Sing the Christmas Carol Away in a Manger – think about the very first Christmas and how special it was that God’s Son was born on earth.