All too often we as adults lose the wonder of the Christmas story in the midst of its familiarity. It really is an amazing, awe-inspiring, true story! An angel – yes, big, frightening, heavenly being – came and talked to Mary. He told her she was going to have a baby, and she was still a virgin. This baby would be God’s Son, the long-awaited Messiah, sent to save the people from their sins. That is a story worth taking time to marvel about and to worship our God because it is true. Experience the wonder of the story through the eyes of your preschooler this week as you reinforce this story through these activities.
This week your child learned that Mary was chosen by God for a very special job. She was given this message by the angel, Gabriel, who came to her one day and told her she would have a baby and His name would be Jesus. He would be a very special gift to the world—He would be the Son of God. Mary was frightened, but the angel told her not to be afraid. God was pleased with her and would take care of her. Mary chose to be obedient to God’s plan and trust in Him. She said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” After Mary thought about these things for a while, she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth and tell her the good news (Luke 1:26-38).
Teaching Truths:
- We can trust God no matter what happens
- Jesus is God's plan to rescue the world from sin
Memory Verse:
"For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
3 Activities that Help Us Learn This Week's Teaching Truth:
1. Colorful Angel
Over the next few weeks, let’s make a few ornaments to remind your child of the events of Christmas. This past weekend, your child learned about the appearance of the angel to Mary. So, let’s make a Christmas angel ...First grab your supplies: 2 coffee filters, washable markers, a squirt bottle or small glass of water, plastic spoon, and tape. Lay out the filters and let your child scribble on both of them with the markers. Use the squirt bottle and spray in the middle once or twice and watch the colors spread, usually takes about five minutes. Let the filters dry completely, about 30 minutes. Scrunch one filter in the middle and wrap tape around it for the wings. Fold the second filter in half, wrap together to make a cone and tape it so it is secure. Tape the wings to the back of the cone. Draw a simple face on the plastic spoon and insert it into the hole at the top of the cone. Lastly, as your child finds a spot to place the angel on the tree, talk to him about how Mary reacted to the angel by using these questions.
- Mary had a trusting heart when the angel told her what God wanted her to do.
- What does God ask you to do today?
- How can you trust God like Mary?
2. Song Time
Incorporate Christmas carols into the time you spend together with your child at bed time or during the day singing songs together. Take time to talk about the words to songs like “Away in the Manger”, “Silent Night”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, or “What Child is This”.
3. Hit the Road
Take your family to experience a live nativity! Many churches in the area provide an opportunity to see a live reenactment of the nativity.
Pray
Pray a short, simple prayer thanking God that we can trust Him no matter what happens.