PARENTS GUIDE GOD S UNFOLDING STORY FOR KIDS: HOME EDITION PARENTS GUIDE CHRISTMAS

Transcription

1 GOD S UNFOLDING STORY FOR KIDS: HOME EDITION PARENTS GUIDE CHRISTMAS PARENTS GUIDE

2 GOD S UNFOLDING STORY FOR KIDS: HOME EDITION PARENTS GUIDE CHRISTMAS By David and Amy Morrow Illustrations by Heath McPherson 2015 God s Unfolding Story Visit God s Unfolding Story For Kids: Home Edition Online PARENTS GUIDE 2

3 About is a PDF guide designed to be read on your computer or electronic device. Created to help parents know how to use God s Unfolding Story for Kids: Home Edition Christmas, this guide includes instructions, each Bible story, and supporting crafts. It s one part of a package of downloadable resources. The other parts include: Christmas Craft Reproducibles printable PDFs for use in completing suggested crafts. Christmas Story Book a collection of Bible stories created to be read aloud to the child, designed to be read or shared on a computer, tablet, phone, or other smart device. If you have a touchscreen, we recommend that you open this pdf in the Kindle app (available free for most tablets, phone, and smart devices), which will allow you to flip through the book page by page. Christmas Activity Book printable PDF activities of various kinds related to the Bible story that can be used by children. Choose the activities that work best for your kids, then print out and give those pages to your children to enjoy the puzzles, games, coloring pages, and other activities. Find more information and helpful articles online at God s Unfolding Story For Kids: Home Edition. PARENTS GUIDE 3

4 How to engage your children in the story of The Prophets Told About Jesus Birth (Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; Luke 2:7) PARENTS GUIDE 4

5 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children The Prophets Told About Jesus Birth Bible phrase: To us a child is born, to us a son is given (Isaiah 9:6). There are many reasons Christmas is a favorite time of the year. Think about it. Depending on the age of the one making the list, items might include: Seeing family, being out of school, receiving gifts, enjoying great meals and 24/7 snacks, the fun of decorating for Christmas, remembering special people, and recalling times past. Yet the root of believers joy lies in the significance of Jesus birth. As you go though these next weeks with your child, keep in mind that he or she will be drawn to the excitement of decorations and gifts. Enjoy those things with them, but remind them regularly of the source of true joy at Christmas. 5

6 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children The Prophets Told About Jesus Birth Our first story is from long before Jesus was born, a time when God revealed His plan through the prophets. Help your children complete the crafts found on the upcoming craft pages (which are found after the story). Select appropriate activities from the Activity Book for your kids to complete, then talk about them. 6

7 Bible Story The Prophets Told About Jesus Birth (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) A long time ago there were men called prophets. Prophets were like our preachers. They helped people know about God and how God wanted them to live. God would give messages to the prophets, and they would share them with the people. Isaiah was one of God s prophets. One day God gave Isaiah a very important message to tell the people of Israel. Isaiah spoke these words from God, To us a child is born, to us a son is given (Isa. 9:6). One day God s Son, Jesus, would be born. Jesus would come to help people understand about God s love and forgiveness. Isaiah must have been glad to share God s special message with the people. 7

8 Bible Story The Prophets Told About Jesus Birth (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) At about that same time, God spoke special words to another prophet named Micah. God told Micah to tell the people that a very special birth would take place in Bethlehem (see Mic. 5:2). Micah shared this message. Isaiah s words and Micah s words helped the people know that one day God s Son, Jesus, would be born. For a very long time, God s people waited for the promised Son. They waited, and they waited. Finally, at just the right moment and just the right place, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. God sent His Son, just as He had promised (see Luke 2:7). 8

9 Craft Make a Bible Scroll Supplies: Copy of Bible Scroll (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons or washable markers Craft sticks Tape Yarn or ribbon 9

10 Craft Make a Bible Scroll What to Do: Cut apart the Bible Scrolls. Distribute the scrolls and invite child to color the Bible story picture on the scroll. Give child 2 craft sticks and demonstrate how to tape a stick to each end of his or her scroll. Show child how to roll each end to the center. Assist in tying a length of yarn or ribbon to hold the scroll. Link to the Bible Story: Remind child that God used men called prophets to tell people Jesus would be born. God would tell prophets to write down His words. The prophets would write the words on scrolls. Today we read God s words from a book called the Bible. The same things God told the prophets to write on their scrolls, we read in our Bibles today in our language. Invite child as he or she works to say the Bible phrase: To us a child is born, to us a son is given (Isaiah 9:6) and God s Son will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Express to child that he or she can tell people that God s Son was born in Bethlehem. 10

11 Craft Make a Prophet Puppet Supplies: Paper plate Crayons or washable markers Craft sticks Tape Glue Black and red construction paper Wiggly eyes 11

12 Craft Make a Prophet Puppet What to Do: Cut paper plate in half. Cut black paper into 2- and 4-inch strips to be used for hair and beards. Cut mouths from red construction paper. Glue longer strips along the flat side of plate to be prophet s beard. Next, have child glue smaller strips at the top of the plate for the hair. Then add wiggly eyes, and a mouth. Child also may want to draw a nose. Assist in taping a craft stick on the back side in the middle of the flat edge. Link to the Bible Story: Remind child that God used men called prophets to tell people that Jesus would be born. God would tell prophets to write down His words. The prophets wrote the words on scrolls. The same things God told the prophets to write on their scrolls, we read in our Bibles today in our language. Invite child to hold the puppet and quote the Bible, To us a child is born, to us a son is given (Isaiah 9:6). Tell child to use the puppet to tell a friend or family member the Bible quote. 12

13 How to engage your children in the story of The Angel Gabriel Appeared to Mary (Luke 1:26-56) PARENTS GUIDE 13

14 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children The Angel Gabriel Appeared to Mary Bible phrase: Mary will be Jesus mother (Luke 1:31). As Christmas gets closer, excitement builds for children. Enjoy all of your family traditions and start some new ones. These are days your children will remember all their lives. Be sure to remind your child that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus birth. Begin this story by asking, How do you think an angel looks? (You may have ornaments or cards with pictures of Christmas angels.) Explain, We are not sure how angels look, but we do know there was a mighty and strong messenger from God named Gabriel in our story today. Listen to see how you think he may have looked. 14

15 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children The Angel Gabriel Appeared to Mary Read the story aloud. Talk about Gabriel and his message with Mary. Share the Bible Phrase and pray, thanking God for His powerful angels and their message of God s love. Help your children complete the crafts found on the upcoming craft pages (which are found after the story). Select appropriate activities from the Activity Book for your kids to complete, then talk about them. 15

16 Bible Story The Angel Gabriel Appeared to Mary (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) A very long time ago, God promised to send His Son. Years passed as God s people waited. Finally, one day God sent an angel named Gabriel to talk to a young woman named Mary. Mary lived in a small town called Nazareth. She had been waiting for God to send His Son, too. Gabriel went to Mary and said, Mary, God is pleased with you! You love God and serve Him. God is with you. Mary was frightened by the angel and what he was saying to her. 16

17 Bible Story The Angel Gabriel Appeared to Mary (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) Then Gabriel said, Don t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. At first, Mary was confused about what Gabriel was saying. She listened as he explained how this would happen. Mary began to understand and then told Gabriel she was pleased to serve God in this way. 17

18 Craft Make a Paper Plate Angel Ornament Supplies: Copy of Angel Ornament (Find in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons Stapler or tape Hole punch Ribbon Glitter glue or glitter paint Brushes Paper plate 18

19 Craft Make a Paper Plate Angel Ornament What to Do: Precut angel ornament. Pour a small amount of glitter paint or glue onto paper plate. Give child an angel ornament to color and paint with the glitter paint or glue. You can assist with bringing the edges of the angel s skirt together and taping or stapling to hold. Punch a hole in the top of the angel and tie a small ribbon for hanging. Link to the Bible Story: Remind children of this chapter s Bible story. Express that after waiting a very long time, God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she would have God s Son, Jesus. 19

20 Craft Make a Stand-up Angel Supplies: 8-inch paper plate White paper Stapler or tape Glitter glue or glitter paint Brush Paper plate for glue or paint 20

21 Craft Make a Stand-up Angel What to Do: Cut paper plate in half, form into cones and staple. Draw eyes, nose and mouth at the top of cone to make the angel s face. Pour a small amount of glitter paint or glue onto paper plate. Assist child in tracing his or her hands on the white paper and cutting out. Staple or tape child s handprint to the back of the angel for the wings. Invite children to paint some glitter glue or paint on the angel s wings and skirt. Link to the Bible Story: Remind child of this chapter s Bible story. Express that after waiting a very long time, God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she would have God s Son, Jesus. 21

22 How to engage your children in the story of An Angel Visited Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25) PARENTS GUIDE 22

23 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children An Angel Visited Joseph Bible phrase: You will name the baby Jesus (Matthew 1:21). Surprise! Sometimes we like surprises, even though some surprises are overwhelming. From the Bible passage, we can surmise that Joseph was overwhelmed when he learned Mary was going to have a baby. Then, during the night in a dream, an angel of the Lord helped Joseph realize the news about Mary s baby truly was wonderful. Consider how you might have responded if you had been in Joseph s sandals. Begin the story time with your child by asking, What do you think it takes to be a good daddy or mommy? (Talk about the important things daddy s and mommies do.) 23

24 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children An Angel Visited Joseph Say, Our story today is about Joseph s finding out Mary was going to have a baby and who that baby was. Listen carefully to learn who visited Joseph and what the baby s name would be. Tell the story. Talk about the angel s message. Pray, thanking God for sending Jesus. Help your children complete the crafts found on the upcoming craft pages (which are found after the story). Select appropriate activities from the Activity Book for your kids to complete, then talk about them. 24

25 Bible Story An Angel Visited Joseph (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) Joseph was a man who lived in a town called Nazareth. He worked as a carpenter, which means he sawed and hammered wood to make furniture and other things that people might need. Joseph loved God and always wanted to do what was right. He and a young woman named Mary planned to be married. Then Joseph learned Mary was going to have a baby. He wondered about the baby, and he wanted to follow God s plan. One night as Joseph slept, he had a dream. In his dream an angel appeared with a message from God. 25

26 Bible Story An Angel Visited Joseph (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) The angel said, Joseph, you are to marry Mary; the baby she will have is God s Son. When He is born, you are to name him Jesus. The angel explained that Jesus would be born because of God s promise long ago and would grow up and help many people. Joseph was glad the angel had helped him to know more of God s plan. Joseph probably told Mary about his dream. Surely they also talked about the baby s name. Soon Mary and Joseph were married, and they waited for God s Son, Jesus, to be born. 26

27 Craft Make an Angel s Wing Ornament Supplies: Copy of Angel s Wing Ornament (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons or washable markers Cotton balls Hole punch Ribbon Glue 27

28 Craft Make an Angel s Wing Ornament What to Do: Cut out angel s wings. Give child angel s wings to color. After coloring, child should glue cotton balls to the wings. Punch a hole where indicated and tie a small length of yarn for hanging. Use as a decoration. Link to the Bible Story: Talk about how Joseph may have felt when he awoke after the angel s visit. Express that Joseph obeyed the angel s message by marrying Mary. Say the Bible Phrase together as child works. 28

29 Craft Make a Handprint Angel Ornament Supplies: Copy of Handprint Angel Ornament (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons or washable markers Red, green, or yellow washable tempera paint Sponge brush Ribbon Hole punch 29

30 Craft Make a Handprint Angel Ornament What to Do: Cut apart the ornaments. Invite children to color the stars on their ornaments. As children are coloring, take one or two children at a time to make handprints. A handprint should be made so the fingers are pointing down from the halo. Punch a hole where indicated and tie a length of ribbon or yarn for hanging. Link to the Bible Story: Talk about how Joseph may have felt when he awoke after the angel s visit. Express that Joseph obeyed the angel s message and married Mary. Say the Bible Phrase together as child works. 30

31 How to engage your children in the story of Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7) PARENTS GUIDE 31

32 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children Jesus was Born in Bethlehem Bible phrase: Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1). God used a decree by the Roman Emperor to place Joseph and Mary exactly where God wanted Jesus to be born, in Bethlehem. Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for them at the lodging place. God s promised and long-awaited Messiah did not come with glory as we might expect, but humbly. This event along with others surrounding the birth of Jesus are intended to help us believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. Help your children complete the crafts found on the upcoming craft pages (which are found after the story). Select appropriate activities from the Activity Book for your kids to complete, then talk about them. 32

33 Bible Story Jesus was Born in Bethlehem (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) Around the time baby Jesus was to be born, the king ordered everyone to return to their hometowns to be counted. So, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, which was Joseph s hometown. When they arrived, the streets were crowded with people. Everyone was coming home to be counted in the census. Joseph went from inn to inn asking, Do you have a room for me and my wife? (An inn is similar to a hotel.) Each time, an innkeeper said, No, we are full. 33

34 Bible Story Jesus was Born in Bethlehem (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) Finally, one innkeeper looked at Mary. He saw how tired she was and that she really needed a warm place to sleep. So, the innkeeper said, I don t have a room, but I have a warm place where I keep my animals. You can stay there. So, Joseph took Mary to the stable. There was clean hay, and it was warm. Joseph made a bed for Mary on the hay. He probably covered her with a warm blanket. Soon, baby Jesus was born! Mary and Joseph took care of baby Jesus. Mary wrapped Jesus in a warm blanket and laid Him in a type of food container for animals called a manger. 34

35 Craft Make a Three Dimensional Christmas Ornament Supplies: Copy of Three-Dimensional Christmas Ornament (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons Glue Yarn or ribbon Hole punch 35

36 Craft Make a Three Dimensional Christmas Ornament What to Do: Invite child to color the three circles. Suggest using red and green on the blank circles. To make a three-dimensional circle ornament, fold each circle and glue each half together. Punch a hole where indicated and tie with yarn or ribbon. Link to the Bible Story: Call attention to the picture of Jesus birth on one of the circles. Emphasize that Jesus was born just as God said He would be. Express that God wants us to tell about Jesus just as the shepherds did. 36

37 Craft Make a Bible Story Book Supplies: Copy of The Story of Jesus Birth (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons Christmas stickers (non-fantasy: i.e., nativity, stars, angels) Green and red construction paper 37

38 Craft Make a Bible Story Book What to Do: Cut covers for the books from construction paper by folding paper in half lengthwise and cutting on the fold. Have child color the pages of the book. Help child cut along the cutting lines. Instruct child to put the pages in order. Fold the construction paper covers around each book and staple on the sides. Child can decorate the covers of their books with the stickers. Link to the Bible Story: Read the book with the children. Encourage them to share the book with a friend or relative. 38

39 How to engage your children in the story of The Shepherds Learn About the Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8-20) PARENTS GUIDE 39

40 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children The Shepherds Learned About the Birth of Jesus Bible phrase: The shepherds praised God for Jesus. (Luke 2:20). Tell your child this wonderful story of the birth of our Savior. Proclaim it with the enthusiasm of the shepherds. Help him or her get a glimpse of the awesomeness and wonder of this baby King s birth. Take some time this week to internalize what this story really means to you, so that you can share this joy with your child. Remind your child that you have talked about how the prophets told of Jesus birth long before he was born. Remind him or her that angels appeared to both Mary and Joseph to tell them the news that Jesus was to be born. 40

41 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children The Shepherds Learned About the Birth of Jesus This story is about the people who got to see Jesus soon after He was born. Help your children complete the crafts found on the upcoming craft pages (which are found after the story). Select appropriate activities from the Activity Book for your kids to complete, then talk about them. 41

42 Bible Story The Shepherds Learned About the Birth of Jesus (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) Outside the little town of Bethlehem, some shepherds were watching their sheep. Then, unexpectedly, an angel appeared to the shepherds, and a bright light shone around them. The shepherds were afraid, but the angel said, Don t be afraid, I bring you good news of joy. Today a Savior, who is the Messiah, was born for you in Bethlehem. You will find the baby wrapped snugly in a blanket and lying in a manger. Suddenly, many angels begin to praise God. They said, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! Then the angels left and went back to heaven. 42

43 Bible Story The Shepherds Learned About the Birth of Jesus (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) The shepherds looked at each other and said, Let s go to Bethlehem and see what has happened! So the shepherds hurried and found Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus just as the angel had said. Baby Jesus was wrapped snugly and was lying in a manger. The shepherds were amazed, and they praised God by telling everyone they saw about Jesus. 43

44 Craft Make Bible Phrase Jingle Bracelet Supplies: Copy of Bible Phrase Bell (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons or washable markers Red or green chenille stick Medium sized jingle bells (3 or 4) 44

45 Craft Make Bible Phrase Jingle Bracelet What to Do: Cut out each Bible Phrase Bell and punch holes where indicated. Invite child to color the bells. Help child string his or her bell and the jingle bells on the chenille stick. Assist in twisting ends to form a bracelet. Link to the Bible Story: Review the Bible story and emphasize how the shepherds praised God for sending Jesus. Express to child that he or she can also praise God for sending Jesus. Lead child to sing a favorite Christmas song such as Away in a Manger or Silent Night. Child can shake his or her bracelet as you sing. 45

46 Craft Baby Jesus Ornament Supplies: Copy of Baby Jesus (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons or washable markers Glue Hole punch Yarn Paper plate 46

47 Craft Baby Jesus Ornament What to Do: Cut out each Baby Jesus and punch a hole where indicated. Also cut each paper plate in half. Have child color paper plate for a manger for Baby Jesus. He or she can color the hay and Baby Jesus blanket. Glue the Baby Jesus figure at the top of the flat side of the paper plate. Attach a small length of yarn for hanging. Link to the Bible Story: Review the Bible story and emphasize how the shepherds praised God for sending Jesus. Express to child that we too can praise God for sending Jesus. Lead the child to sing a favorite Christmas song such as Away in a Manger or Silent Night. 47

48 How to engage your children in the story of The Wise Men Visited Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12) PARENTS GUIDE 48

49 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children The Wise Men Visited Jesus Bible phrase: Wise men worshiped Jesus (Matt. 2:11). For adults, as well as for children, one of the great mysteries of the Christmas story is the Wise Men, or Magi. That these scholars from a far country could know a special child was being born and travel such distance taking as much time as they did to bring gifts is amazing. It is just one more way that God validates and tells the world that this was a one-time-in-thehistory-of-the-world event with worldwide and eternal significance. Share your own amazement as you tell this story. Ask this question, When you have a party, who do you like to invite? (i.e., friends, family, etc.) 49

50 Unfolding God s Story for Your Children The Wise Men Visited Jesus Say, In our story about Jesus being born, it is as if God invited people from far away to come see the child, Jesus. Listen to know who these people were. Tell the story. Talk about how special it was for these wise men to come from far away to see Jesus, worship Him and bring gifts. Share the Bible Phrase. Comment that we still can worship Jesus. Help your children complete the crafts found on the upcoming craft pages (which are found after the story). Select appropriate activities from the Activity Book for your kids to complete, then talk about them. 50

51 Bible Story The Wise Men Visited Jesus (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) A long, long time ago, there was a group of men who lived far from Bethlehem, where Jesus had been born. These men were called wise men. These wise men studied the stars and the Holy Scripture. They understood from what they had read that a special baby King had been born, and a bright star could guide them to find Him. The wise men decided to follow this star. They traveled a long time until they came to the city of Jerusalem. The wise men asked to speak to King Herod. They asked the king, Where is this special Child, who is to be King of the Jews? We have seen His star in the sky. The star means the Child has been born. 51

52 Bible Story The Wise Men Visited Jesus (This text also appears in the accompanying story book.) King Herod called his leaders together and asked them about this special Child. They told the king the Holy Scripture said the Child would be born in Bethlehem. So, the king called the wise men and told them to go to Bethlehem to find the Child. The wise men left Jerusalem and continued to follow the star until it stopped right above the place where Jesus and His family lived. The wise men were overjoyed at having found Jesus. They bowed down and thanked God for sending Jesus. They also brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then the wise men returned to their home far away. 52

53 Craft Make a Star Book Supplies: Copy of Star Book (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons Child scissors Stapler What to Do: Invite children to color their stars and the Bible story picture. Encourage children to cut out their star pages. Assist if necessary. Staple the pages together. 53

54 Craft Make a Star Book Link to the Bible Story: When book is completed, invite child to sing the poem on the front of the book to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Sparkle, sparkle bright, bright star wise men followed from afar. Led them to the baby King, they worshiped and three gifts did bring. Sparkle, sparkle bright, bright star, wise men followed from afar. 54

55 Craft Make a Crown Supplies: Copy of Wise Men Crown (Find this in the Craft Reproducibles pdf) Crayons Glue Tape stapler Plastic jewels or sequins 55

56 Craft Make a Crown What to Do: Have child color his or her crown and decorate with jewels. Link to the Bible Story: Call attention to the Bible story picture in the middle of the crowns. Comment that the wise men traveled a long way to worship Jesus. Express that the wise men may have been wealthy and wore crowns to show their royalty. 56

57 God s Unfolding Story For Kids: Home Edition is one part of a package of downloadable resources. The other parts include: Christmas Craft Reproducibles printable PDFs for use in completing suggested crafts. Christmas Story Book a collection of Bible stories created to be read aloud to the child, designed to be read or shared on a computer, tablet, phone, or other smart device. If you have a touchscreen, we recommend that you open this pdf in the Kindle app (available free for most tablets, phone, and smart devices), which will allow you to flip through the book page by page. Christmas Activity Book printable PDF activities of various kinds related to the Bible story that can be used by children such as coloring pages, puzzles, mazes, etc. 57

58 God s Unfolding Story For Kids: Home Edition is brought to you by the same people who publish God s Unfolding Story and SundaySchoolZone.com. God s Unfolding Story is ongoing Bible study curriculum for children for use in churches of all sizes. SundaySchoolZone.com provides free Bible learning activities for kids and can be used by parents and teachers at home, in churches, and in Christian schools. Other editions of are being published. To see the latest list of available topics, visit God s Unfolding Story For Kids: Home Edition Online. For comments or questions, please Info@SundaySchoolZone.com. 58

59 God s Unfolding Story For Kids: Home Edition FIND MORE RESOURCES ONLINE! Come to SundaySchoolZone.com for articles and activities to help you teach young ones more about the Bible. Bible activities for children [Click here!] Helping Kids Memorize Scripture [Click here!] More than 100 Easy Bible Memory Verses for Children [Click here!] 13 Tips to Help Children Remember Bible Verses [Click here!] 59