Bible Point: Jesus was born.

Key Verse: Jesus is the way to God (adapted from John 14:6).

Big Picture: Children will celebrate that Jesus was born.

Note to Parents:

Children love to share stories about what’s going on in their lives, from mundane to very exciting events. Children are excited to share exciting things with loved ones and sometimes even strangers, such as learning a new skill, winning a game, or attending a friend’s birthday party. Remind the children that Jesus was born to help us share God’s love with others. As you encourage kids to be like the shepherds and share the good news about Jesus’ birth, you’ll help many more children learn about God’s love for them.

Bible Story:

This week’s Scripture (Luke 2:1-20; Hebrews 1:1-4) tells us that Jesus was born to help us. Long before Jesus was even born, God’s prophets were telling everyone about his coming. When it was time for Jesus to be born, God chose Mary, a young woman who loved God, to be his mother. She and her husband, Joseph, traveled to Bethlehem to be counted. When they got there, Bethlehem was so full of people that the only place they could find to stay was in a barn where the animals lived. It was here that Jesus was born. The angels told some nearby shepherds about Jesus’ birth, who then came to visit Jesus. They thanked God for sending Jesus to be born.

Play and Pray:

Put together a first-aid kit to be kept in an easily accessible spot. Decorate a shoe box, and include items such as adhesive bandages, pain relievers, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, and medical tape. Talk about what each product does and why you need a first-aid kit in your home.

ASK:

• How can these things help us?

• What are some ways that Jesus helps us?

Outdoor Adventures:

Encourage your child to be a “Little Christmas Helper.” Take a walk around your yard or neighborhood and discover things that you can help with, such as trash that can be picked up off the ground, birds that can be fed, or weeds that need to be pulled.

ASK:

• Why are these things helpful to other people?

• How does Jesus help us?

• How do you feel when you help someone else?

Ready, Set, Grow!

This week, your child learned that we can listen to God. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to practice listening to God. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

• WHEN you celebrate Christmas, help pass out the presents. As you hand a gift to someone, remind that person that Jesus is a gift from God and he was born to help us.

• HANG a gift ribbon or a bow on your Christmas tree to remind everyone that Jesus is God’s special gift to us.

• ON Christmas Day, sing “Away in a Manger” with your family.