2009 Scripture Adventures. Scripture

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "2009 Scripture Adventures. Scripture"

Darrell Parsons
5 years ago
Views:

1 m ple file Adventures A Christmas Adventure Sa An adventure in God s Word for your Family Scripture Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with your family Scripture Adventures Page 1

2 A Christmas Adventure Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year. This resource will help you and your family appreciate the symbols of Christmas and put Christ at the center of your celebration. The Bible says, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). As you celebrate Christmas, remember that it is God s love that gave us the gift of Jesus Christ. We honor the birth of Christ because of his miraculous life and his sacrifice for us so that we can repent and be with God again! That s the good news of the Christmas season. A Christmas Adventure is a meaningful way to count down the days until Christmas morning. Each day offers an insight into a Christmas tradition or symbol and how it relates to the life of Jesus. Crafts, hands-on activities, service ideas, and easy-to-make recipes will keep your children focused on the birth of the Savior. There are even memory verses for your family to memorize. Enjoy learning more about the season that honors God s son! At the end of A Christmas Adventure, you ll find ideas for Christmas service projects, more Christmas recipes, coloring pages for younger children, and a charming retelling of the Christmas story by Jesse Hurlbut, originally published in Enjoy all of these resources to help you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas! If you d like to study the Life of Christ with your family, check out the great resources available at Scripture Adventures offers a comprehensive study of the Old and New Testaments designed for kids! Set your children on an adventure through God s Word at Scripture Adventures Page 2

3 A Christmas Adventure: Day 1 Merry Christmas! Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15) COUNT DOWN TO CHRISTMAS! Christmas is an exciting time of year when we celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. He was God s greatest gift to the world and through him, we can return to God again. Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). This Christmas season, make an effort to focus on the birth, life, and mission of Jesus Christ. Invite his Spirit to be with you as your and your family celebrate together. We sincerely hope that the activities, scripture passages, stories, recipes, and ideas in the next few pages will help you get more meaning from your celebration together! CHRISTMAS SCRIPTURE CHAIN Make a paper chain from red, green, and yellow construction paper. Cut out the 25 Christmas Bible verses from the next page. Paste one scripture on each link of your chain. Use your chain to count down to Christmas by tearing off a link everyday starting on December 1 and reading the Christmas Bible verse with your family. Memory Verse: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Scripture Adventures Page 3

4 Merry Christmas! Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15) Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Isaiah 9:7 He will reign on David s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not your own understanding. Isaiah 42:2-4 I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations...in faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Isaiah 42:1-4 Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel. Isaiah 9:6 He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:15 John will testify concerning him. He cries out, saying, This was he of whom I said, He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me Scripture Adventures Page 4

5 Psalm 98: 4-6 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram s horn shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Luke 2:30-32 For my eyes have seen our salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Psalm 98:8-9 Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:4-7 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David...While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger. Luke 2:8-10 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:11-12 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:9-12 They went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was...they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Luke 2:13-14 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told Scripture Adventures Page 5

6 A Christmas Adventure: Day 2 Where Did the Tradition of the Christmas tree begin? There are many stories about why the evergreen tree has come to be such an important part of Christmas, and no one is really sure exactly how it happened, but the stories can help us appreciate the life and mission of Jesus. One story says that in Germany, in about the 8th century, there was a young missionary called Winfred who was walking through the woods. He came upon a group of men offering a sacrifice near an oak tree. Enraged by what he saw, the young missionary chopped down the oak tree immediately. The legend says that once the tree was down, Winfred noticed that a tiny fir tree had miraculously sprung up in its place! The fir tree was a symbol to him of righteousness and goodness overcoming evil. Unlike trees that lose their leaves in the winter, the evergreen tree is always green always alive. So people all over the world have come to see it as a symbol of life. That makes it a great choice for Christmas, when we celebrate the most precious life of all the life of Jesus Christ who lived and died and lived again so that we can all have eternal life! The trees that we see at Christmas time point heavenward and remind us of the love of God in sending his Son, Jesus who who bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness (1 Peter 2:24). As you set up your Christmas tree this year, remember that For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). You can make Krispy Christmas Trees using the recipe on the next page. The Christmas tree reminds us that God loved us enough to send us His Son to be our Savior Scripture Adventures Page 6

CRISPY CHRISTMAS TREES 3 T butter 1 10-oz package of marshmallows Green food coloring 6 Cups Rice Krispies Small candies or chocolate chips for decoration Small amount of icing, if desired for

7 CRISPY CHRISTMAS TREES 3 T butter 1 10-oz package of marshmallows Green food coloring 6 Cups Rice Krispies Small candies or chocolate chips for decoration Small amount of icing, if desired for decoration Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and continue to stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in a few drops green food coloring. Add Rice Krispies. With buttered hands, carefully shape into triangles. Add a square base for your tree. Allow to cool on waxed paper. Decorate using small candies, chocolate chips, or icing. CRISPY CHRISTMAS WREATHS You can use the recipe above to make Crispy Christmas Wreaths, too. Just shape the treats in a loop, cool, and decorate! It s easy! Memory Verse: Jesus bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might...live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24) Scripture Adventures Page 7

8 A Christmas Adventure: Day 3 When did Christians begin putting lights on trees at Christmas? Not until the 16th century did bringing a living tree indoors become a tradition. Around the year 1500, a man by the name of Martin Luther saw an amazing site one winter evening while walking home on Christmas Eve. He came across a small patch of evergreen trees in the woods, covered with freshly fallen snow that seemed to twinkle in the moonlight, like that stars in the heavens above. He paused to enjoy the moment and feel the Spirit of God. Martin Luther was so inspired by the site and the beauty of God s creation, that he wished to share the site with his family. He cut down a small fir tree, took it into his home, and decorated it with small, lit candles tied to the branches to recreate what he saw. He told his children that the lights on the branches were just like the stars shining in the sky over Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve. As his children gazed into the lights on that beautiful tree, they too were filled with wonderment and joy at the creation of God and his gift to the world on the first Christmas. The tradition of bringing small trees into the house at Christmas time became a popular custom in Germany after 1500 A.D. Later, it spread to other parts of Europe and eventually all over the world. The lights on the tree represent the light of heaven shining down to Earth to bring the message of joy the birth of Jesus. Memory Verse: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12) Scripture Adventures Page 8

9 Molly Learns to Help Others Molly was so excited. It was almost Christmas. She and her little brother, John were going to be in a! had been helping them memorize their speaking parts. costumes. Mom Christmas play was sewing their was going to be an and was going to be one of the. Dad angel wise men You can complete the story in the space on the next page. Use the symbols below or create your own! Baby Jesus hay sheep Santa reindeer Christmas tree candy cane toys snow 2009 Scripture Adventures Page 9

10 Molly Learns to Help Others Use the space below to write and draw your ending to the Christmas symbol story about Molly and her brother. Be sure to show how Molly learned to serve others! 2009 Scripture Adventures Page 10

A Christmas Adventure: Day 4 Why did people put ornaments on their trees? From 1500 A.D. until around 1700 A.D., the indoor Christmas Tree with candles for lights was growing as a German custom.

Since most people couldn t read and didn t have access to a printed copy of the Bible, these plays helped everyone learn the stories of the Bible.

11 A Christmas Adventure: Day 4 Why did people put ornaments on their trees? From 1500 A.D. until around 1700 A.D., the indoor Christmas Tree with candles for lights was growing as a German custom. In medieval Europe, it was traditional throughout the year to perform plays based on the lives of Bible characters. Since most people couldn t read and didn t have access to a printed copy of the Bible, these plays helped everyone learn the stories of the Bible. December 24 was the day that the play about Adam and Eve was performed. Since fruit trees are hard to find in the winter, an evergreen tree strung with apples, was used to represent the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. The audience loved this special Paradise tree, and soon shiny, red apples appeared on Christmas trees in the homes of the people. Nuts dipped in sugar, little gingerbread cookies, and other sweet treats were hidden in the branches for children to find. Also hidden in the branches were small round wafers of bread representing the body of Christ, sacrificed so that we could live with God again. When you decorate your Christmas tree, remember that just like signs of Christ s mission were found on those early Christmas trees, signs of his love can be found all around us in our lives! Memory Verse: The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father s God, and I will exalt him (Exodus 15:2) Scripture Adventures Page 11

¼ cup vanilla frosting 9 ring-shaped butter flavored cookies 1 roll (9 count) fruit flavored Life Savers 1 ½ to 2 yards red string licorice or ribbon Place frosting in small bowl.

12 EDIBLE COOKIE WREATH ORNAMENTS These easy to do ornaments are great for younger kids (and the young at heart!). Try them for an easy craft to keep kids busy at a Christmas party, or use them to decorate a table sized tree for a neighbor! ¼ cup vanilla frosting 9 ring-shaped butter flavored cookies 1 roll (9 count) fruit flavored Life Savers 1 ½ to 2 yards red string licorice or ribbon Place frosting in small bowl. Add desired food color; blend well. Place colored frosting in small resealable plastic bag with 1 corner snipped off to make a very small hole for piping. Place 1 cookie on flat surface; lightly outline center hole with frosting. Place 1 ring-shaped candy over frosting, pressing lightly and matching center openings. Pipe frosting decoratively on cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies; let dry. Insert licorice through hole in each cookie; tie in knot or bow. Hang ornaments on tree or use to decorate packages or gift baskets. ORNAMENT COOKIES 1 ½ cups butter, softened 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 5 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt Use an electric beater to cream butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover dough and refrigerate at least one hour. Roll out dough on a floured surface to ½ inch thick. Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes. Use a straw to put a hole near the top of the cookie (for a ribbon). Bake at 400 F for 6-8 minutes. Cool and string red, green, or white ribbon through the hole to hang on the tree. OR add frosting and eat! 2009 Scripture Adventures Page 12

CROCKPOT CARMEL APPLES Enjoy some caramel apples as you talk about the Paradise apples on medieval trees. Be sure to tell the story of Adam and Eve.

13 CROCKPOT CARMEL APPLES Enjoy some caramel apples as you talk about the Paradise apples on medieval trees. Be sure to tell the story of Adam and Eve. 2 pk caramels,14oz each 1/4 c water 8 medium apples In crockpot, combine caramels and water. Cover and cook on high for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring frequently. Wash and dry apples. Insert stick into stem end of each apple. Turn control on low. Dip apple into hot caramel and turn to coat entire surface. Holding apple above pot, scrape off excess accumulation of caramel from bottom apple. Place on greased wax paper to cool Scripture Adventures Page 13

14 A Christmas Adventure: Day 5 How did the custom of Christmas trees come to early America? In America, it took a long time for Christmas trees to become popular. German settlers in Pennsylvania had brought the tradition of Christmas trees with them from Germany. They had Christmas trees in their homes and in public areas. But American settlers from other countries did not like the tradition. They thought it was strange. Some of them thought Christmas trees were pagan symbols. They did not think Christians should have Christmas trees. For example, William Bradford, a governor of the Pilgrims, tried hard to discourage his people from having Christmas trees. Another man, Oliver Cromwell, preached against singing Christmas carols, decorating trees, and anything else that was not considered sacred. In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts made it illegal to celebrate Christmas in any way except by attending church. If people hung decorations, they were fined! But in 1846, Queen Victoria of England did something that made the Christmas tree instantly popular. She was very well liked. Everything she did became fashionable. That year someone drew a picture of her and her family standing around a Christmas tree that had been given to her as a gift from her husband, Prince Albert (who was of Germanic descent). The picture was published in the newspaper. Now everyone in England and the United States wanted Christmas trees! Some of them did not think of it as a religious symbol. They just wanted to be like Queen Victoria. Christmas trees were in fashion! Early Americans decorated their trees with homemade ornaments, apples, and cookies. Sometimes popcorn was dyed in bright colors and strung with berries and nuts. Later electric lights were added to the trees, which was much less dangerous than lighted candles. Pop some popcorn and string it onto thread to make an old fashioned pioneer garland for your Christmas tree! 2009 Scripture Adventures Page 14

15 A Christmas Adventure: Day 6 When did giving Christmas cards become popular? People had been exchanging handwritten Christmas greetings in person and through the mail for many years before the first commercially printed Christmas cards made their debut. By 1822, homemade Christmas cards had become a big problem for the U.S. postal system. The Superintendent of Mail in Washington, D.C. complained of the need to hire sixteen extra mailmen at Christmastime. I don t know what we ll do if it keeps on, he wrote to Congress. He asked them to limit the number of cards that could be mailed! Little did the Superintendent know that his troubles were just beginning. Over in England, a prominent innovator and businessman by the name of Sir Henry Cole commissioned illustrator John Calcott Horsley to design a printed card for Christmas. More than a thousand cards quickly sold that year and the idea of a Christmas card was born! In the next thirty years, wealthy Americans that wanted Christmas cards to send off imported them directly from England. Then in 1875, a German immigrant by the name of Louis Prang, started his very own lithography shop within the United States. At first, Louis didn t create traditional looking Christmas cards that we re familiar with today. As more people requested wintery scenes and Christmas tidings, Louis came up with some of the most beautiful designs ever spied with the human eye. By 1881, Louis was creating better than 5 million Christmas cards every year! (I m sure the Superintendent of Mail was not well pleased!) HANDMADE CHRISTMAS CARDS Make some handmade cards for friends, teachers, or neighbors, drawing scenes from the Christmas story and Christmas greetings inside. Deliver them to old fashioned way (in person). You can use one of the cards on the next two pages, if you like. Just print it out, fold in half, and write a personal message inside! 2009 Scripture Adventures Page 15

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness

Day 1 Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness Day 2 Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; a virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will