December 20 * Shepherds

Share the Good News

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

Luke 2:17 (NIV)

Discuss how Jesus coming is Good News. Sharing about Jesus sometimes seems hard. Really it's just telling about our friend, Jesus. The shepherds went and told what had happened to them. Sharing about Jesus is just telling people about the good things Jesus does for us every day.

Other Ideas:

Cup And Ball Shepherd Craft makes a cute little shepherd.

Shepherd's Crook Bookmarkers are easy to make. You could write good news on them and use them for gifts tags.

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December 19 * Sheep

Jesus is the Lamb of God


He saw Jesus walking by and said, “Look, the
Lamb of God!”

John 1:36

Jesus as our sacrifice. What a wonderful gift!

Discuss this wonderful gift with your children, maybe while you try one of the activities below.


This Lamb of God wash cloth craft was designed for Easter. I think it does a good job of talking about the Lamb of God. There are printable or video instructions.

Lamb cupcakes is an edible "craft" idea.

This Paper Loop Lamb Craft is one I hadn't seen. It looks simple and cute.

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December 18 * Stars

 

Jesus is The Way

Jesus answered, “I am the way. And I am the truth and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.”

John 14:6

Stars are amazing. If you can, go out and look at them. You will find the longer you spend the more you can see. Out of all those stars, because of study or prophecy the Wise Men knew one of them meant it was time for the Son of God to be born!

I just got home from a church service where we were talking about Holy Spirit. Jesus said He would send Holy Spirit to guide us and so we would never be alone. As I read over todays devotion I realize I left Him out. When we believe in Jesus and make Him our Lord, Holy Spirit comes to live in us and guide us. All the other ways I mentioned of Jesus showing us the way are true also, but Holy Spirit is always there communicating with our born again spirit.

Activity Ideas

Folding Stars - I haven't got to try these yet, but I think they are super cute, older kids could likely handle them. They are calling them wishing stars. It made me think of writing prayers or blessings in them to remember.

These popsicle stick stars are cute.

Here's a super simple 3-D stars in several color combinations. Scroll down a little way to Christmas Stars.

Turn your star gazing into more of a science lesson, or just more interesting, with information from the Hubble Site. It features a video of what you can see in December.

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December 17 * Wise Men

Obey Jesus

 “If you love me, you will do the things I command.”

John 14:15

The Wise Men are characters in the Biblical account of Jesus first coming which are interesting to me. Finding anything that would be meaningful to young children is proving difficult. I guess that's why I chose to focus on their example of obedience and sacrifice.


Marco Polo wrote about the Magi - an article towards the bottom of the page shares an excerpt. It seems a tall tale, but lends to the historical account of their travel. The Magi, revisited



 
Activity Ideas
Play follow the star. Have one person be the star and all others are wise men trying to do as the star does, either in follow the leader fashion or Simon says fashion.

Our family does treasure boxes for each child for Christmas, rather than stockings. Every year I include a letter of praise and blessing personal for each of them, which is the first thing they open every Christmas.

Watch and do this "finger play" of the Wise men's story.

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December 16 * Gifts

Jesus is the Best Gift

This is how God showed his love to us: He

sent his only Son into the world to give us life

through him.

1 John 4:9

Jesus is the BEST gift. God showed His tremendous love when He gave Jesus. God gave Jesus knowing everything that would happen, and still He gave.

Discuss the things that makes Jesus the best gift.

Make today a day of wrapping presents, resist the urge to fix the children's work. They are more important than a "perfect" wrapping.

Make wrapping paper. This site has great pictures and many suggestions. Just coloring with crayons or markers works, too. Here are some more ideas and examples.

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December 15 * Holly

Jesus Suffered for Me

That is what you were called to do. Christ suffered

for you. He gave you an example to follow. So

you should do as he did.

1 Peter 2:21

I hope your Christmas preparations are going well. Remember to focus on what is truly important, not just urgent. As Christmas gets closer, schedules get fuller and deadlines rush at us, it's harder to take time to slow down or to keep focused on Jesus. I encourage you to take a look at the family calendar and schedule in quiet time.

Look at the words to The Holly and The Ivy, talk about them. 

This craft is adorable and simple. It would make great cards or tags. Fingerprint Holly You can color fingers with markers or use ink pads (like for rubber stamps) if you don't have paint.

Make Holly Wreath Cookies - if you're like me this would mean a trip to the store, so maybe another day?
Being called to suffer, or at least be willing to is a hard concept for children. It's a hard concept for me. Let them ask questions about suffering, of any kind, even if your answer has to be "I don't really know." Then pray for those you know who are suffering and for answers to their questions.

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December 14 * Candles

Share Jesus Light

"You should be a light for other people. Live so they will see the good things you do." Matthew 5:16

Jesus is the light. We can reflect the light of Jesus.

I was going to suggest making candles, but unless you already know how you would likely have to go shopping, so if making candles sounds fun do a little research and make a list. There are MANY options to choose from, including kits with everything you need. If not here are some other ideas.

Have dinner by candle light.

Discuss ways to reflect Jesus.

Make ice candle holders.

Simple Candle Holder idea.

How have you seen Jesus light shine through others?

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