December 25th - What We Learned

This Sunday, Christmas morning, your two to five year old child in the Reign Forest heard how the wise men followed the star God had hung in the sky to lead them to the new king.  (Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11)  Then the class celebrated Jesus' birthday with birthday cake! 

The last week of the Christmas rhyme goes like this:

WEEK 1
The angel came down (make a flying motion)
from God to say (cup hands around mouth like you want to say something)
that Mary will have a baby on Christmas Day. (pretend to rock a baby in your arms)
His name will be Jesus (make a "V" with both arms up and fists closed)
God's only Son. (point a finger and arm straight up)
He will show that God loves everyone! (hug yourself)

WEEK 2
Mary and Joseph traveled far, far away. (walk in place)
When they got to Bethlehem, there was no place to stay (hold hands out and shake head "no").
God gave them a stable filled with cows and sheep. (make a roof over your head with your hands)
Jesus was born, (pretend to hold a baby)
and on hay He did sleep. (fold your hands under your head like you are sleeping)

WEEK 3
The shepherds were watching their sheep at night. (place your hand over your eyes like you're looking for something)
An angel came and caused a great fright! (put your hand to your mouth like you are scared)
"Don't be afraid. (shake your head no)
I have good news!" (give two thumbs up)
Jesus is born (make a V with both arms up and fists closed)
for you and you and you! (point to different people)
The angels sang (pretend to hold a microphone)
and the shepherds ran (run in place)
to see the baby (pretend to hold a baby)
God sent to man! (point both thumbs to your chest)

WEEK 4
Then wise men came following a special star.  (make twinkle fingers over your head)
All the way to Jesus (make a "V" with both arms up and fists closed)
they came from afar. (put your hand over your eyes like you're looking out)
They knocked on His door (pretend to knock)
then they knelt on the floor.  (kneel down on both knees)
Then they gave their gifts to Jesus.  (hold your hands out like you're giving a gift)

This Sunday, your kindergarten to fifth grade child in Land of Promise also heard the story of the wise men who visited Jesus. (Matthew 2:1-12)  This story illustrated the importance of getting wrapped up in others.  Think of all the ways the wise men gave to Jesus—not just the three gifts, but their time, energy, money, and intentionality.  Bottom Line: When you give, it shows others how valuable they are.
 
Your child learned that other people should be valuable to us because they are valuable to God.  When we give to others, it shows God that we value the people He loves so much that He sent His Son.  Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.  The monthly memory verse challenges us that there are many ways to be generous besides giving gifts that cost money. 

How will you “be rich in good deeds … be generous and willing to share”?  (1 Timothy 6:18, NIV)