Song: “The First Noel” Hymns, 213.
Thought: “Mary reminds us that we need to find a moment to ponder the events of that sacred night in Bethlehem. As we do this, we celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth and the gift heaven gave”—Emily Belle Freeman & David Butler
Scripture: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10).
Lesson:
Use the book Celebrating a Christ Centered-Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, illustrated by Ryan Jeppesen. Here is just one little of it to get you started.
The sun was setting, and all was quiet except for the sound of hooves clip-clopping along the dusty trail. They had been walking for days—Mary, Joseph, and the donkey. Now they were almost to Bethlehem.
The place where baby Jesus would be born.
Soon they would hold Him in their arms. They would open wide a space for Him in their hearts. But first, they had to find somewhere to stay. A quiet place.
They searched the whole city, but everyone they asked turned them away. Until finally, someone offered Joseph and Mary a humble stable. One the night Jesus was born, the innkeeper made room for him. Could you?
The stable was dark and dirty. Even though he was tired, Joseph set to work clearing away the dung and sweeping away the dust. After searching for the cleanest straw, he prepared a soft place where Mary could rest. When he was finished, he hung a lantern in the doorway, and soft light blanketed the room.
All was calm, and all was bright. On this holy night, Joseph’s heartfelt desire was to make sure everything was ready for the miracle that was about to take place. They were weary from the journey in a city far from home, but Joseph knew what to do. On the night Jesus was born, Joseph acted with kindness. Could you?
Activity:
- Read Luke 2:7 and answer the question: If you had been there on the night Jesus was born, what would you have done to help get the stable ready?
- Read Luke 2:19 and answer the question: What do you think Mary pondered in her heart the night Jesus was born?
- Read Luke 2:10 and answer the question: Why do you think the birth of Jesus brought great joy?
Find more questions and scriptures to read in the book!
Discover how each figure of the Nativity story can lead your family closer to Christ this Christmas season. This children's edition of Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas will guide you through seven meaningful traditions inspired by the Nativity setting. These simple experiences are not meant to add more to an already crowded holiday season but to offer something different. They will give your family an opportunity to escape from the frantic bustle of the Christmas season and spend time reflecting on the baby Jesus and the miracle of His birth.
This interactive book invites children to watch each figure approach the waiting manger and encourages them to ask what they might have done if they had been there on the night Jesus was born. Seven beautiful ornaments have been created to accompany the lesson each figure teaches. Displaying the ornaments throughout the Christmas holiday will remind your children of the lessons they are learning about the baby Jesus.