Jj is for Jesus

 

This week we are listening for and looking for the letter Jj. We are learning about Jesus' birth and using the candy cane to see the shape of J.

Our KDI for the week is diversity- Children understand that people have diverse characteristics, interests and abilities. We look at the Christmas story- shepherds, an innkeeper, wise men, a young woman, a carpenter and all those around the world who believe in the same Savior!

Table Activities- This week's table activities include Christmas playdough, making an ornament suncatcher, trimming a paper tree, stamping a string of lights, Christmas experiments, dot painting, a ribbon and wrapping paper cutting bin and making clear ornaments.

Small Group- Our small group activities this week include making a beaded candy cane, making a nativity craft, adding Jj is for Jesus to our journal and our Christmas party.

Large Group- Candy Cane fishing and a tinsel dance are some of the fun group activities we'll do this week.

Books of the Week- "Mortimer's Christmas Manger" by Karma Wilson, "Christmas in the Barn" by Margaret Wise Brown and "A Night of Great Joy" by Mary Engelbreit.

Bible Story- Our Bible story this week is the story of Jesus' birth. Last week we heard about the angel coming to Mary and Joseph. This week we continue as the young couple is commanded by the Roman government to make the trip to the town of Bethlehem, where their ancestors come from, to be counted. They are not alone on this journey. Hundreds of people from all over made their way to the City of David. Mary and Joseph took their time as Mary was close to the end of her pregnancy. By the time they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay. An innkeeper offered the solution of his stable, which was most likely a cave carved in the side of a hill. It was warm and dry, but not ideal. Mary and Joseph had little choice since Mary was about to give birth! Probably unlike most births at that time which were attended by a group of female relatives- moms, aunts, cousins, sisters- Mary and Joseph were by themselves. As Joseph helped, Mary gave birth to a son and they gave him the name Jesus- Joshua or Yeshua in Hebrew- meaning "He Saves" just like the angel instructed them to do. Meanwhile, in fields outside of Bethlehem, shepherds were watching over their sheep. Shepherds were probably men, but also boys and girls were most likely there also. An angel appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified!! The angel told them not to be afraid- he had great news! Their Savior was born, in Bethlehem!! This is how you will know- he will be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger! All of a sudden, there were thousands of angels praising and singing. I like to imagine that one angel came out from behind the curtains of the heavens to give the message and then the curtains were opened and all the angels, bright, shining and glorious, were there singing praises to God! What a glimpse to be given!! When the angels left, the shepherds decided to go and find the baby Jesus! When they found him, they praised him and then went back to their fields telling everyone they saw about what had happened to them that night. Mary treasured up all these events and thought about each one. May we be like the shepherds, glorifying and praising God for all we have heard and seen!!

Have a great week!