Sunday 19th December – The Third Sunday in Advent – The Shepherds Visit
A printer friendly version is available at http://www.stranorlar.raphoe.anglican.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/19th-December-Jesus-and-the-shepherds.pdf
Read: Luke 2:8-20
A very special baby had been born and it was time to start sharing the good news! God sent an angel to the fields to some shepherds who were watching their sheep. The angel told them not to be afraid but that they had news of great joy – a baby had been born, a special baby, a saviour! Then more angels joined, and they all sang God’s praises. The shepherds were no longer scared but wanted to meet this special baby for themselves, so they left their sheep and hurried to the manger. When they got there everything was just as the angels had said. When it was time to go the shepherds could not keep the news to themselves so told everyone they met what they had saw!
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJIC57EvYFo (Saddleback Kids)
Where were the shepherds when the angel appeared? Why did the angel tell them not to be afraid? What good news did the angel tell the shepherds? What did the shepherds do next? How do you think the shepherds would have felt after meeting the baby Jesus?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McaM1YMXOyE&t=78s – He chose the Shepherds
Do:
Colouring Page – https://i1.wp.com/ministry-to-children.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Angels- and-Shepherds-2.jpg?ssl=1
Sheep Craft – https://craftingthewordofgod.com/2014/01/14/the-lord-is-my-shepherd/ Maze – http://www.getcoloringpages.com/coloring/49380
Discussion Questions – https://www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/discussion-questions/the- christmas-story-shepherds/
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: Advent allows us to take time to prepare for Christmas – take 5 minutes each day to read part of the Christmas Story. Share what you learn with others.