Symbols of Christmas 1 Symbols of Christmas

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Symbols of Christmas 1 Symbols of Christmas"

Transcription

1 1 Symbols of Christmas

2 Steve and Kara Murphy. All Rights Reserved. This work is our Christmas gift to you. You may share this freely with anyone. All we ask is that you share it complete and intact and that you do not use portions of this work without express permission from the authors. A Note About Christmas Symbols: Some of our brothers in Christ, good Christians whom we love, object to the use of certain (or all) Christmas symbols because pagans (or people claiming to be God s people) abused those symbols in history past. To that we counter: These elements were and are God s first and we are charged to bring everything under the Lordship of Christ. Years ago, Christians shied from the use of the rainbow because unregenerate men practicing what God calls evil adopted this particular symbol as their own. It took Christian several decades to realize that God gave the rainbow to his people first as symbol of his promise after the flood. Upon this realization, we took it back to use it in its proper way. In the same way, we believe that non-christians borrowed many Christmas symbols from God and his people and used them to worship wrongly. We must reclaim these created objects and use them for the holy purpose for which they were designed to give glory to God (Psalm 19).

3 3 Fifteen Symbols of Christmas The etymology of common symbols of Christmas can be an interesting topic of study. Where and when a practice began, its original purpose, and how it represented Christian truth or was reclaimed by Christians to teach truth is worth examination. Here, though, our purpose is not to discover what a symbol meant, but what it means today and how as we behold these symbols in day-today life we can focus our attention on the Truth of Christmas. How can we see Christ in the Christmas motifs of our day? We hope this guide will help you lead your children closer to the Savior who left his home in heaven, became incarnate as a Man, died to save us from our sin, and rose again to conquer sin and death and keep your hearts focused on the One who gives us merry rest in Him. Merry Christmas! Christmas Wreath with Bows The King s Unending Love The Christmas wreath represents the crown of the King and the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus head in mockery. The wreath is a circle which represents the continuous, never-ending nature of God s love for us. The tied bows represent our bond in Christ purchased through Jesus blood, but also of the red cord Rahab placed outside her window, the sign of salvation for a pagan Gentile and her family.

4 4 Xmas Christ s Death on the Cross Mistakenly, many Christians believe that Xmas is an attempt to take remove Christ from Christmas. Actually, it is short hand for Christ s Mass, the name this holiday was given. X is the Greek letter chi, and the first letter of the word Christ in Greek. Xmas prompts us to take communion on Christmas morning and keep Christ central in importance on this holy day (holiday). Holly and Mistletoe Everlasting Life through the Blood of Christ Holly, an evergreen that reminds us of life everlasting, has sharp points on its leaves that remind us the crown of thorns. Its red berries represent Christ s blood shed for us. Mistletoe has no roots and must live off another tree, reminding us that He is the Vine and without Him we can do nothing. Mistletoe also represents love, our love for Christ, his love for us, and our love for our brothers.

5 5 Old Saint Nick Faithful Generosity Santa Claus is a corruption of Bishop Nicholas of Myra, a generous, loving man who served the Lord faithfully and was particularly attentive to children and the impoverished. The tradition of hanging stockings on the mantel grows from a story about Nicholas trying to secretly provide dowries for three young virgins by throwing gold balls or bags of gold in through a window. They landed in the young ladies shoes or stockings hanging to dry by the fireplace. Most of the commercialized symbols of Saint Nick grow from the Victorian poem, The Night Before Christmas and from Coca-Cola s widespread advertising campaign in the twentieth century. In our home, we celebrate Saint Nicholas Day but do not go see Santa at the mall. Poinsettias Offering Our Best to Christ The five, pointed leaves of the poinsettia flower remind us of the star over Bethlehem that indicated the place of the Christ Child, that earned it the name of the Christmas Star. A Mexican legend about two poor children who had nothing to offer the Lord picked weeds which grew into poinsettias at the manger scene popularized this flower. It was brought to the United States by the first Ambassador to Mexico in 1825.

6 6 Candy Cane Our Good Shepherd, Gave Himself for Us In the story, The Legend of the Candy Cane, the author explains some of the symbolism of this popular candy. It is shaped like a shepherd s crook reminding us of the shepherds who were the first to hear God s message of Christ s birth, the many shepherds God used throughout His redemptive plan, and most of, our Good Shepherd, Jesus. Turned upside down, the candy forms the letter J for Jesus. The red and white stripes represent Christ s blood and purity and that by His stripes we are healed. Bells Rejoice, We Have a High Priest! The first place bells were used was along the hem of the High Priest s garment. The tinkling was heard as the priest entered and left God s presence. It isn t hard to see why churches took up the practice of ringing bells at the beginning and end of times of worship. Bells remind us to rejoice that we have a High Priest who makes intercession for us and through whom we have access to the Father.

7 7 Angels and Stars Announce the Birth of the Savior The Bible speaks to the angels and the star as symbols of Christ s birth. Angels proclaimed the message of salvation to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The start appeared over Bethlehem guiding the Wisemen to the place where Jesus lived. These are among the many miraculous signs surrounding the Lord s birth. You may want to point out the error of the effeminate representations of angels we often see. When angels appear, people tremble. They may be white robed, but they do not look like overgrown boys choir members! Christmas Carols Glory to God in the Highest! Singing is a natural expression of the joy we feel at the birth of our Savior. Throughout redemptive history, the people of God express themselves in song during times of triumph, giving thanks and praising the Lord. One of the things I love about Christmas carols is that you will see the most anti-christian pagans singing praise to the Lord in the theologically sound words of Christmas carols He makes the very rocks cry out!

8 8 Cookies and Pastries Jesus, the Bread of Life, Gave Himself so We Can Have Sweet Joy The Bread of Life offers Himself in the Feast the bread of communion. Why wouldn t we want to offer out finest breads and pastries to others when the Bread of Life was offered to us in a manger, a feeding trough? Preparing and eating our Christmas sweets reminds us of the sweet joy we experience because the Bread of Life gave Himself for us. Christmas Trees Christ Gives Us Eternal Life in Heaven For centuries the evergreen tree has reminded Christians of the eternal life we experience in Christ. The conical shape points our focus toward heaven. Many of the tree decorations are symbols themselves of Christ and the Christian life (especially if you are intentional about choosing them.) The tradition of topping trees with stars or angels reminds of the first Advent. This tree also reminds us of the first Tree of Life in the Garden. Even the fact that it is cut down and then erected again can remind us of the Resurrection.

9 9 Christmas Lights and Candles Jesus is the Light of the World The prophets prophecy that Jesus will be a light in the darkness. In the same way, we are to be lights, a city set on a hill, proclaiming His gospel to people who walk in darkness. One of the most common symbols of the Advent season is the Advent wreath with four candles each representing preparation, anticipation, hope, peace, and Christ. The light from the candles (and later, electric lights) also remind us of the star. Lights on the tree represent Christ, the Light of the world who offers everlasting life. Christmas Presents Because God Gives Us Gifts, We Offer Gifts The Wiseman brought gifts to Jesus, the first Christmas presents. God also gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, the greatest Gift we can receive. Our gifts to one another are a logical outworking to the Greatest Commandment to love the Lord and your neighbor as yourself. Focus your attention on the gifts that you give to others. Let your gifts be given meaningfully and lovingly, not begrudgingly or out of duty. God gave, so we give.

10 10 Snow and Ice, December 25 Christ Melts Our Hard Hearts and Ends Our Spiritual Winter Although it is likely that December 25 was not Jesus actual birthday, the weather in the northern hemisphere reminds us of the hardness of our hearts and that Christ melts those hard hearts to soften them to the Gospel. December 25, the date set by the Church as the date to celebrate Christmas Day, is soon after the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) and the return of longer days with more sunshine reminds of the hope we have in Christ and the effect his Advent has on the World, bringing more and more light into the darkness. Gingerbread Men Created Man has Hope Only in the Immortal Christ The poor gingerbread man his only purpose, as we know from the folktale, is to be eaten. The gingerbread man does not create or sustain himself in the same way that humankind must have a Creator and Sustainer. Thankfully, we do not get eaten like a gingerbread man, but we are created for a specific purpose and we are to be consumed (though in a different way) by Christ. The spiciness of the gingerbread can also remind us of the spices offered to the Savior at his birth, and just before and after his death. May we be like Mary who poured out her best, most expensive in worship of her Lord.

Katherine Hilditch www.understandingchristianity.co.uk Happy Christmas! by Katherine Hilditch ~ Copyright 2013 Katherine Hilditch. All Rights Reserved. Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations

More information

Christmas. Ten Symbols of LIGHTS. TREES. STARS. BELLS. EVER WONDER WHAT ALL THESE CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS MIGHT MEAN?

Christmas. Ten Symbols of LIGHTS. TREES. STARS. BELLS. EVER WONDER WHAT ALL THESE CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS MIGHT MEAN? Find the true spirit of the season Ten Symbols of Christmas LIGHTS. TREES. STARS. BELLS. EVER WONDER WHAT ALL THESE CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS MIGHT MEAN? By Charlotte Larcabal and Eric B. Murdock Church Magazines

More information

Prepare Him Room. an Advent devotional from Veritas Church

Prepare Him Room. an Advent devotional from Veritas Church Prepare Him Room an Advent devotional from Veritas Church 2 Prepare Him Room An Advent Devotional Veritas Church, 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS Advent in your church... 4 Advent in your home... 4 This booklet...

More information

I LOVE CHRISTMAS VOCABULARY

I LOVE CHRISTMAS VOCABULARY I LOVE CHRISTMAS I love Christmas. I love the Christmas lights in the streets in December and the s in all the shop windows. I love going to the shops and buying presents for my family. And I love getting

More information

The King Has Come. An Advent Devotional Veritas Church, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Advent in your church Advent in your home...

The King Has Come. An Advent Devotional Veritas Church, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Advent in your church Advent in your home... 1 2 The King Has Come An Advent Devotional Veritas Church, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Advent in your church... 4 Advent in your home... 4 This booklet... 5 Advent Devotions... 7 Daily Readings... 19 A Christmas

More information

Session One: 1. Greet kids with Christmas greetings and Christmas music playing

Session One: 1. Greet kids with Christmas greetings and Christmas music playing Christmas Objective: To develop an understanding of Christmas tradition To develop an understanding of the true meaning of Christmas To practice dialogue and perform it Sing Christmas songs Express good

More information

Christmas. Pre-Reading. A. Warm-Up Questions. B. Vocabulary Preview. Holidays & Events. 1. When is Christmas celebrated?

Christmas. Pre-Reading. A. Warm-Up Questions. B. Vocabulary Preview. Holidays & Events. 1. When is Christmas celebrated? Christmas Pre-Reading A. Warm-Up Questions 1. When is Christmas celebrated? 2. Is Christmas a religious holiday? 3. What Christian event does Christmas celebrate? 4. What are some symbols of Christmas?

More information

THE CHRISTMAS TREE DÈCOR WRITTEN BY: RE PLICC 2014/12/27

THE CHRISTMAS TREE DÈCOR WRITTEN BY: RE PLICC 2014/12/27 THE CHRISTMAS TREE DÈCOR WRITTEN BY: RE PLICC 2014/12/27 FIRST ITEM: THE PINE TREE We are Trees of life : Psalm 1 talks about a blessed tree, a tree planted by the streams of water, whose leaves do not

More information

Focusing on the True Meaning of Christmas with Children. By Debbie Kolacki of PRC - Practical Resources for Churches

Focusing on the True Meaning of Christmas with Children. By Debbie Kolacki of PRC - Practical Resources for Churches Focusing on the True Meaning of Christmas with Children By Debbie Kolacki of PRC - Practical Resources for Churches 1 Introduction The topic of this booklet is such an important one for those involved

More information

Family Advent Activities Activities

Family Advent Activities Activities Family Family Advent Advent Activities Activities Ideas to help Dads and Moms point their children to the gospel throughout the Christmas Season Dear Parents, Oh, how busy the holidays can become! Yet,

More information

Silent Night. A Child is Born. The Pathfinder

Silent Night. A Child is Born. The Pathfinder Music notes to Silent Night Silent Night Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin, mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly

More information

Who is Santa Claus anyway?

Who is Santa Claus anyway? The Fig Tree Advent & Christmas The seasons of Advent and Christmas are two of the shortest seasons celebrated by the church. Advent usually begins around the start of December and marks the beginning

More information

& Happy New Year Coloring Book

& Happy New Year Coloring Book & Happy New Year Coloring Book asdfasdfsdf Merry Christmas! According to Rick Warren's The Purpose of Christmas, Christmas is a party. Specifically, it's a birthday party for Jesus and birthdays are meant

More information

Christmas Eve Services 5:30 and 7:00 pm. Family Advent Guide

Christmas Eve Services 5:30 and 7:00 pm. Family Advent Guide Christmas Eve Services 5:30 and 7:00 pm Family Advent Guide 1 A Note for Families Advent is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the birth of Jesus. But, for some families, this time of year can be filled

More information

Discussion and brainstorming page. Match the pictures and the words. bells a stocking a star a Christmas tree gifts Santa Claus candles decorations

Discussion and brainstorming page. Match the pictures and the words. bells a stocking a star a Christmas tree gifts Santa Claus candles decorations Discussion and brainstorming page. Match the pictures and the words. 4 1 2 5 3 6 bells a stocking a star a Christmas tree gifts Santa Claus candles decorations 7 8 1 Coloring page. Color the picture as

More information

Angels We Have Heard On High. Deck the Halls

Angels We Have Heard On High. Deck the Halls Angels We Have Heard On High Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing over the plains And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains. In excelsis-de-o Shepherds, why this Jubilee? Why your

More information

Singing in a Winter Wonderland by Karin Holm Randall

Singing in a Winter Wonderland by Karin Holm Randall Singing in a Winter Wonderland by Karin Holm Randall As our theme this month we are focusing on appreciating the moment and giving to others. How better to appreciate this time of year than to immerse

More information

The lights on the bedroom fade up as PRESENT speaks. PRESENT I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Come and know me better, man!

The lights on the bedroom fade up as PRESENT speaks. PRESENT I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Come and know me better, man! (frightened, looking around the room) I am here. Who are you? Where are you? The lights on the bedroom fade up as speaks. I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Come and know me better, man! The bedroom

More information

Forres Academy Christmas Carols & Songs

Forres Academy Christmas Carols & Songs Forres Academy Christmas Carols & Songs Away in a Manger Away in a manger No crib for His bed The little Lord Jesus Lay down His sweet head The stars in the sky Look down where He lay The little Lord Jesus

More information

The Work of St. Joseph. A Bright New Star

The Work of St. Joseph. A Bright New Star The Work of St. Joseph Read Matthew 1:19- An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her

More information

DAILY ADVENT READINGS

DAILY ADVENT READINGS DAILY ADVENT READINGS December 1 - Deuteronomy 6:4-9 The Shema, or confession of faith, reminds us of who God is and the place He wants to have in our lives. 1) Why are actions, not just words, important

More information

Catholics Basics Saint of the Day and Prayer. November 25, 2013

Catholics Basics Saint of the Day and Prayer. November 25, 2013 Catholics Basics Saint of the Day and Prayer November 25, 2013 What is an Advent Wreath? By the Middle Ages, Christians were using Advent wreathes as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas Wreath

More information

Encounter Him Living Wreath

Encounter Him Living Wreath Encounter Him Living Wreath Hello and welcome to our liturgy. It is all about Advent, a time to prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This liturgy is to remind us that Jesus was born for us.

More information

St. John UMC Satellite Invite * Relate * Nurture * Send forth

St. John UMC Satellite Invite * Relate * Nurture * Send forth St. John UMC Satellite Invite * Relate * Nurture * Send forth A Note From Our Pastor.. December 2018 Choir Notes 2 Count Your Blessings United Methodist Men Knitting Fellowship 3 Puzzle 4 UMW 5 Outreach

More information

Make an Advent Calendar Using a Paper Chain. Use Your Christmas Cards to Pray for Those You Love

Make an Advent Calendar Using a Paper Chain. Use Your Christmas Cards to Pray for Those You Love Make an Advent Calendar Using a Paper Chain Create a paper chain with the number of links equivalent to the number of days until Christmas. Add a scripture verse to the inside of each link. One link is

More information

Institute for Creation Research

Institute for Creation Research CHRISTMAS: PAGAN OR CHRISTIAN? by Henry M. Morris Institute for Creation Research Christmas: Pagan or Christian? by Henry M. Morris Copyright 2002 Institute for Creation Research P. O. Box 59029 Dallas,

More information

Christmas. 12 months of

Christmas. 12 months of 12 months of Christmas SECRET SANTA ALL YEAR LONG 1. January // a candle 2. February // bottles of water 3. March // homemade jam/ something sweet 4. April // wrapping paper 5. May // cookies 6. June //

More information

Christmas Trivia. From conversationstartersworld.com/christmas-trivia. History of Christmas

Christmas Trivia. From conversationstartersworld.com/christmas-trivia. History of Christmas Christmas Trivia From conversationstartersworld.com/christmas-trivia History of Christmas 1. What Christian group banned Christmas in Boston from 1659 to 1681? 2. Before becoming tied up with Christmas

More information

BONUS. The Christmas Advent and Nativity. Bible Passage: Matthew 1:21 23, Luke 2:9 11 (Celebrating the Advent of Jesus) Schedule

BONUS. The Christmas Advent and Nativity. Bible Passage: Matthew 1:21 23, Luke 2:9 11 (Celebrating the Advent of Jesus) Schedule date: Bible Passage: Matthew 1:21 23, Luke 2:9 11 (Celebrating the Advent of Jesus) REMEMBER 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

More information

Advent 2: Naming the King Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the name of God s Son, our King.

Advent 2: Naming the King Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the name of God s Son, our King. Teacher s Guide: Ages 2-3 Kings & Kingdoms: Advent of the King Unit 10, Lesson 49 Advent 2: Naming the King Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the name of God s Son, our King. THE WORSHIP Who God Is: The King

More information

Lesson 3 / December 17, 2017 Finding the Meaning

Lesson 3 / December 17, 2017 Finding the Meaning / December 17, 2017 Finding the Meaning Focus: The message of Jesus is for everyone. Bible Basis: Luke 2:1 20, Acts 13:22 23, Romans 8:3 5, Ephesians 2:6 8 By Anne Love Memory Verse: Today in the town

More information

Gift Giving It is sometimes said that the tradition of gift-giving started with the 3 wise men, who visited Jesus and gave him gifts of myrrh, frankin

Gift Giving It is sometimes said that the tradition of gift-giving started with the 3 wise men, who visited Jesus and gave him gifts of myrrh, frankin Christmas Christmas, as most of us know, is the Christian tradition honoring the birth of Christ though it is not celebrated solely as such in our modern society. To us, Christmas represents a time of

More information

Symbols of Christmas Sharing Time An Idea from Little LDS Ideas

Symbols of Christmas Sharing Time An Idea from Little LDS Ideas Symbols of Christmas Sharing Time An Idea from Little LDS Ideas To begin show the children the Mormon Message: Kids and Christmas (2 minutes 52 seconds) 1. Symbol: Tree Image: Resurrection Even before

More information

Sharing the Love of Christ with Others

Sharing the Love of Christ with Others A dvent Newsletter 2017 Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus Catholic Church 704 Mallette Dr. Victoria, Texas 77904 361-573-5304 www.hfccvic.org parish@hfccvic.org www.facebook.com/holyfamilyvictoria

More information

Luke 2:1-20 (tx: 15-18, 20) CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH JOY I. The only cause for it II. The true way to do it INTRODUCTION

Luke 2:1-20 (tx: 15-18, 20) CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH JOY I. The only cause for it II. The true way to do it INTRODUCTION Luke 2:1-20 (tx: 15-18, 20) CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH JOY I. The only cause for it II. The true way to do it INTRODUCTION Now, I m sure, you will agree with me, that joy & happiness are always associated

More information

Advent 2: Naming the King Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the name of God s Son, our King.

Advent 2: Naming the King Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the name of God s Son, our King. THE WORSHIP Who God is: The King Who Came to Us Teacher s Guide: Ages 4-5 Kings & Kingdoms: Advent of the King Unit 10, Lesson 49 Advent 2: Naming the King Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the name of God

More information

Christmas Customs or There really WAS a Santa Claus!?

Christmas Customs or There really WAS a Santa Claus!? Christmas Customs or There really WAS a Santa Claus!? by Rev. William Mark Bristow Every year Christians ask me, "Should I celebrate with all the traditional customs of Christmas? They all seem so materialistic.

More information

SHOW AND TELL CHRISTMAS. by Mary Ann Smith

SHOW AND TELL CHRISTMAS. by Mary Ann Smith SHOW AND TELL CHRISTMAS by Mary Ann Smith Copyright Notice CAUTION: Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that this Work is subject to a royalty. This Work is fully protected under the copyright

More information

The Hanging of The Green

The Hanging of The Green The Hanging of The Green Wednesday, December 3, 2014 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary St. Luke s United Methodist Church Yorktown, VA Hanging of the Green Service December 3, 2014 PRELUDE THE CHIMING OF THE

More information

MOUNTAIN PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ADVENT GUIDE

MOUNTAIN PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ADVENT GUIDE ADVENT GUIDE Advent, formed from a Latin word meaning coming or arrival, is about the coming of Christ. It s the celebration of the first advent of Jesus and the anxious awaiting of His second. The season

More information

January 6, Epiphany 2019 Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Matthew 2:1-12

January 6, Epiphany 2019 Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Matthew 2:1-12 January 6, 2019 Epiphany 2019 Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Matthew 2:1-12 Opening words: Today is Epiphany, which means this is the twelfth day after Christmas. The liturgical season of Epiphany will

More information

Christmas Traditions Quiz

Christmas Traditions Quiz Christmas Traditions Quiz There are a lot of traditions around the whole Christmas season but do you know where they came from, or what the stories are that are attached to them? 1. Tinsel represents:

More information

DECEMBER PATTERNS, PROJECTS & PLANS

DECEMBER PATTERNS, PROJECTS & PLANS DECEMBER PATTERNS, PROJECTS & PLANS by Imogene Forte Incentive Publications, Inc. Nashville, Tennessee For information about our audio products, write us at: Newbridge Book Clubs, 3000 Cindel Drive, DeIran,

More information

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room The Advent Season Written by: Kendall Kennedy Edited by: Hayden Sentenn Note to the readers: Thank you so much for your interest in using this devotion to help teach your

More information

BIBLE CLASS STUDY GUIDE Prepared by Ray Reynolds

BIBLE CLASS STUDY GUIDE Prepared by Ray Reynolds Gulf Shores, AL BIBLE CLASS STUDY GUIDE Prepared by Ray Reynolds 1 Bible Class Study Guide (by Ray Reynolds) TABLE OF CONTENTS LESSON OUTLINES PAGE 1) The Christmas Season.................. 3 2) The Christmas

More information

Mt. Lebanon Christmas Traditions

Mt. Lebanon Christmas Traditions Mt. Lebanon Christmas Traditions The Advent Wreath The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreens, is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. During each Sunday of the Advent

More information

to bring new life to your Christmas celebrations and traditions

to bring new life to your Christmas celebrations and traditions where world and worship meet Creative idea Christmas is full of traditions that we use to celebrate with each year some of them are connected to our worship, some to our culture, and some to our own family

More information

Advent Calendar sabato 3 dicembre 11

Advent Calendar sabato 3 dicembre 11 16 6 8 22 11 3 18 7 4 9 24 12 20 19 14 1 21 17 23 13 5 10 2 Advent Calendar 2011 15 Today is the first of December and if you have been studying or working a lot now is the time to reward yourself with

More information

God One Person At A Time

God One Person At A Time USBC News God One Person At A Time Pastor: Pastor: Dr. Dennis Gayle Felder Clifton Volume 22 Issue 12 December 2018 IS CHRISTMAS A MYSTERY? O U R M I S S I O N : Impacting The Kingdom Of There are many

More information

A Family Christmas. by Jake Petzold

A Family Christmas. by Jake Petzold A Family Christmas by Jake Petzold Copyright 2017 Concordia Publishing House 3558 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118-3968 1-800-325-3040 cph.org All rights reserved. This downloadable resource is

More information

TheThe Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Titus 2:11-14 Pastor Pat Damiani November 27, 2016

TheThe Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Titus 2:11-14 Pastor Pat Damiani November 27, 2016 TheThe Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Titus 2:11-14 Pastor Pat Damiani November 27, 2016 Advent This morning is the first Sunday of Advent. Most of us are probably familiar with that concept, but

More information

Spirituality for Children

Spirituality for Children Blue Lotus Healing Arts Spirituality for Children (ages 8 to 14 and all ages everywhere) Rev. Dr Joy Kachel Series I The Foundation Unit 5: Holidays Religious Holy Days Lesson 2 - Christmas (Christian

More information

Children s Christmas Book

Children s Christmas Book Children s Christmas Book Christmas in England 1. Read Before Christmas English people decorate a tree. They put many toys on the tree. They put a stocking under the tree. They put presents in the stocking.

More information

HCPC Advent Introduction. How to use this guide

HCPC Advent Introduction. How to use this guide HCPC Advent 2018 Daniel & Bethany Headley Introduction We are delighted to be part of your Advent celebration this year! Bethany and I have been celebrating Advent every year since 2002 and the addition

More information

Quin Narrator 1: Take a look all around this time of year, and chances are, you ll see the beautiful colors of Christmas everywhere.

Quin Narrator 1: Take a look all around this time of year, and chances are, you ll see the beautiful colors of Christmas everywhere. number(s) you are in (example: Scene 1, third student) and who you stand by. All sing: O Come All Ye Faithful Scene 1: (3H) At the end of O Come All Ye Faithful song, Narrators walk up on platform Quin

More information

2018 Community Carols Night. St Mark s Anglican Community School Friday 7 December 6.45pm

2018 Community Carols Night. St Mark s Anglican Community School Friday 7 December 6.45pm 2018 Community Carols Night St Mark s Anglican Community School Friday 7 December 6.45pm Welcome by Mr Gill We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Led by ELC students We wish you a Merry Christmas We wish you

More information

18-PRO Onehunga. Christmas Lights. Carol book. Friday 1 December 2017, 7pm-9pm. ourauckland.nz/events maungakiekietamaki

18-PRO Onehunga. Christmas Lights. Carol book. Friday 1 December 2017, 7pm-9pm. ourauckland.nz/events maungakiekietamaki Onehunga Christmas Lights 18-PRO-1316 Carol book Friday 1 December 2017, 7pm-9pm ourauckland.nz/events maungakiekietamaki WELCOME TO Onehunga Christmas Lights 2017 This free festival is brought to you

More information

Relaxed Holiday Unit Study

Relaxed Holiday Unit Study Relaxed Holiday Unit Study Terms Of Use All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy,

More information

From EVERLASTING to EVERLASTING The Story of the Christmas Wreath

From EVERLASTING to EVERLASTING The Story of the Christmas Wreath TEACHER SCORE 1 From EVERLASTING to EVERLASTING The Story of the Christmas Wreath INTRODUCTION The story of the Christmas Wreath is the theme for this Christmas worship service. Although we are used to

More information

Table of contents. Appendices: The Ant Lover story page 13. "The Friendly Beasts song page 15

Table of contents. Appendices: The Ant Lover story page 13. The Friendly Beasts song page 15 Christ and His Birth: Object Lessons Ideas for 25 object packages that all lead to increased worship of the Messiah. Table of contents Overview: how it works page 1 Description of the 28 object lessons

More information

Grace Christian School

Grace Christian School Grace Christian School The Talent Show is open to all students. We are looking for a diverse group of acts to make this year s show the best one yet! Small group or solo performances are welcome, as well

More information

NFE CHRISTMAS QUIZ - DECEMBER 0 Score 0 points for every correct answer Score points if half right! Play a JOKER in one round and get DOUBLE points in that round. Show it before you start the round. There

More information

*** Our next meeting is January 6, **

*** Our next meeting is January 6, ** St. Patrick s Religious Education Eucharist I Lesson Plans December 2, 2017 January 5, 2018 (Please note the Lessons have been aligned to coincide with the celebration of Advent and Christmas) *** Our

More information

December 17-18, Worshipping Jesus. We can worship Jesus as the long-awaited Rescuer! Luke 1-2; Isaiah 9:6

December 17-18, Worshipping Jesus. We can worship Jesus as the long-awaited Rescuer! Luke 1-2; Isaiah 9:6 December 17-18, 2016 Worshipping Jesus Luke 1-2; Isaiah 9:6 We can worship Jesus as the long-awaited Rescuer! Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and

More information

December 2 Anchor Hope. December 5 Christmas ornament round Eternity and endlessness

December 2 Anchor Hope. December 5 Christmas ornament round Eternity and endlessness December 1 Advent Wreath Everlasting Life O eternal God, the beginning and the end, you who sustain all things, understand all things, who existed before all things, and who are without end, be with us,

More information

Sparky s at it again!

Sparky s at it again! Sparky s at it again! In Sparky Braves the Big Bees, the fifth book of the series, Sparky teaches the bugs of Sunny Hollow the power of courage. This tale of Sparky the Firefly and his bug friends is sure

More information

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMOR. Contemporary Worship Service Lucia Sunday Sunday, December 9, :00 a.m.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMOR. Contemporary Worship Service Lucia Sunday Sunday, December 9, :00 a.m. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMOR 36051 County Hwy 74, Battle Lake, MN 56515. Church Office 218-495-2563 Email: zionamoroffice@prtel.com Website: www.zionamor.org Contemporary Worship Service Lucia Sunday Sunday,

More information

WICKED PEDIA AND SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

WICKED PEDIA AND SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS WICKED PEDIA AND SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS John Roxborogh (with contributions from Judi Cheah, Irene Lim and Emma McKie) CAST YOUNG PERSON #1 YOUNG PERSON #2 YOUNG PERSON #3 ASTRONOMY (carries a telescope

More information

Advent Book of prayers

Advent Book of prayers A Daily Advent Book of prayers and pictures to color Advent 1 First Sunday of Advent Advent Wreath Everlasting Life O eternal God, the beginning and the end, you who sustain all things, understand all

More information

Rev. Troy Lynn Pritt December 20, 2009 Page 1 HOW JESUS WAS BORN "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call

Rev. Troy Lynn Pritt December 20, 2009 Page 1 HOW JESUS WAS BORN And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call Rev. Troy Lynn Pritt December 20, 2009 Page 1 HOW JESUS WAS BORN "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the

More information

THE ADVENT TREE. by Jan Brown

THE ADVENT TREE. by Jan Brown THE ADVENT TREE by Jan Brown Copyright Notice CAUTION: Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that this Work is subject to a royalty. This Work is fully protected under the copyright laws of the

More information

Go Tell It On The Mountain. Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born

Go Tell It On The Mountain. Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born Go Tell It On The Mountain Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born While shepherds kept their watching Over silent flocks by night

More information

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

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

More information

READ PHILIPPIANS 4:4 DAY 1. THANK God for sending His son Jesus so you can have JOY! DAY 2 READ ISAIAH 9:6

READ PHILIPPIANS 4:4 DAY 1. THANK God for sending His son Jesus so you can have JOY! DAY 2 READ ISAIAH 9:6 WEEK ONE K-5 TH READ PHILIPPIANS 4:4 DAY 1 It s easy to be happy when everything is great when life is good and things are going the way we want. But what about when things don t go your way? No matter

More information

Teacher s Notes and Answer Key

Teacher s Notes and Answer Key Teacher s Notes and Answer Key INTRODUCTION Introduce Christmas vocabulary with help of Longman Advent Calendar. Ask your pupils: 1. What do you like about Christmas? 2. Do you know any Christmas customs?

More information

Was Jesus Born in December? December 2018 Faithful Questions Seminar Deacon Ken Crawford

Was Jesus Born in December? December 2018 Faithful Questions Seminar Deacon Ken Crawford Was Jesus Born in December? December 2018 Faithful Questions Seminar Deacon Ken Crawford ALLPPT.com _ Free PowerPoint Templates, Diagrams and Charts NO! (Well, probably not. We don t know for sure.) Session

More information

LARGE-PRINT Devotions for Christmas Eve 2018 It s A Boy! North East United Methodist Church By Rev. Dr. Drew M. Christian

LARGE-PRINT Devotions for Christmas Eve 2018 It s A Boy! North East United Methodist Church By Rev. Dr. Drew M. Christian 1 LARGE-PRINT Devotions for Christmas Eve 2018 It s A Boy! North East United Methodist Church By Rev. Dr. Drew M. Christian Sunday, December 24, 2018 Read Luke 2: 1-20. Down in a lowly manger the humble

More information

Service of Worship First Sunday of Advent. Edward Hays, A Pilgrim's Almanac "Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace.

Service of Worship First Sunday of Advent. Edward Hays, A Pilgrim's Almanac Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. Service of Worship First Sunday of Advent November 29, 2015 Edward Hays, A Pilgrim's Almanac "Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace." 10:30 am How shall we prepare our hearts for

More information

Advent Ideas & Resources

Advent Ideas & Resources Advent Ideas & Resources Advent is the Liturgical Season of the Church in which we are preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Advent comes from the Latin, ad venio, which means to come. Adventus

More information

Absolutely Advent! Day by Day to Christmas 2009

Absolutely Advent! Day by Day to Christmas 2009 PUBLIHING GROUP: PRODUCT PREVIEW Absolutely Advent! Day by Day to Christmas 2009 During this season that struggles for attention against the blares of TV ads and the rings of cash registers, it s truly

More information

Advent Activities for Your Family. Kathleen M. Basi

Advent Activities for Your Family. Kathleen M. Basi Advent Activities for Your Family Kathleen M. Basi Imprimi Potest: Thomas D. Picton, C.Ss.R. Provincial, Denver Province The Redemptorists Published by Liguori Publications Liguori, Missouri To order,

More information

The Shepherds and Angels

The Shepherds and Angels The Shepherds and Angels The focus of this lesson is on the shepherds and angels and why God choose to make this special announcement in this particular way to these particular people. Start the lesson

More information

Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017

Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017 Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 9:30 am Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017 *You are welcome to stand as you are able. Congregational parts in bold. CENTERING MUSIC Please ponder this

More information

THE STAR: A JOURNEY OF HOPE

THE STAR: A JOURNEY OF HOPE THE STAR: A JOURNEY OF HOPE James Martin tells about a trip to the Holy Land. While there, he buys a nativity set for his Sunday School class. It was carved out of olive wood in the town of Bethlehem and

More information

Live Oak United Methodist Church

Live Oak United Methodist Church Live Oak United Methodist Church December 2016 Newsletter Sunday Service Times 8:00 a.m. Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Family Life Center 11:30 a.m. Sanctuary Thursday Night Service 7:00 p.m.

More information

We look forward to having you come to Sunday School in the New Year! Origins of Advent

We look forward to having you come to Sunday School in the New Year! Origins of Advent ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMOR 36051 County Hwy 74, Battle Lake, MN 56515. Church Office 218-495-2563 Email: zionamoroffice@prtel.com Website: www.zionamor.org Contemporary Worship Service Sunday School

More information

2013 CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT

2013 CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT ST ALOYSIUS CATHOLIC COLLEGE Parents & Friends Association 2013 CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT WELCOME BY ST ALOYSIUS CATHOLIC COLLEGE HOSTS: Alex Donnelly, Ellie Lada, Daniel Prichard MARY S CRADLE SONG Piano

More information

Advent 4: Worshiping the King Lesson Aim: To spread the word and praise God as the shepherds did.

Advent 4: Worshiping the King Lesson Aim: To spread the word and praise God as the shepherds did. Teacher s Guide: Ages 6-7 Kings & Kingdoms: Advent of the King Unit 10, Lesson 51 Advent 4: Worshiping the King Lesson Aim: To spread the word and praise God as the shepherds did. THE WORSHIP Who God is:

More information

Advent 4: Worshiping the King Lesson Aim: To understand worship as a lifestyle.

Advent 4: Worshiping the King Lesson Aim: To understand worship as a lifestyle. Teacher s Guide: Ages 10-12 Kings & Kingdoms: Advent of the King Unit 10, Lesson 51 Advent 4: Worshiping the King Lesson Aim: To understand worship as a lifestyle. THE WORSHIP Who God is: The King Who

More information

Our Mission Statement

Our Mission Statement St. Andrew UMC 3455 Canton Road Marietta, Georgia 30066 770-926-3488 www.thepumpkinchurch.org Preschool office: 770-592-7250 Church Fax line: 770-516-3827 Our Mission Statement St. Andrew United Methodist

More information

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY SCOTT AND ANDREA VANDER PLOEG PREKPLAYS.COM

WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY SCOTT AND ANDREA VANDER PLOEG PREKPLAYS.COM WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY SCOTT AND ANDREA VANDER PLOEG PREKPLAYS.COM All material is copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Once you have purchased The Colors of Christmas, you have permission to make

More information

~ The Epistle. Vol. 19 ADVENT ~ CHRISTMAS 2016 No. 4

~ The Epistle. Vol. 19 ADVENT ~ CHRISTMAS 2016 No. 4 ~ The Epistle ~ Vol. 19 ADVENT ~ CHRISTMAS 2016 No. 4 Newsletter of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Evangelist The Anglican Catholic Church of Canada Traditional Anglican Communion 990 Falmouth

More information

Table of Contents. SUNDAYS 9:30 am & 5 pm. Advent...2. The Advent Wreath...3. Week 1 The People s Hope...4 December 2-8

Table of Contents. SUNDAYS 9:30 am & 5 pm. Advent...2. The Advent Wreath...3. Week 1 The People s Hope...4 December 2-8 2 018 A D V E N T D E V OT I O N A L Table of Contents Advent...2 The Advent Wreath...3 Week 1 The People s Hope...4 December 2-8 Week 2 Mary s Joy...6 December 9-15 SUNDAYS 9:30 am & 5 pm Week 3 Joseph

More information

Advent 4: Shepherds See the Promised One

Advent 4: Shepherds See the Promised One Teacher s Guide: Ages 10-12 Prophets & Promises: Advent of the Promised One Unit 10, Lesson 51 Advent 4: Shepherds See the Promised One Lesson Aim: To understand believers have the promised peace through

More information

Adorning Advent. Second Sunday of Advent Annunciation. Scripture: Luke 1:68-79

Adorning Advent. Second Sunday of Advent Annunciation. Scripture: Luke 1:68-79 Scripture: Luke 1:68-79 Call to Worship: It is indeed right to give you our thanks and praise, Almighty God, for into the nothingness of chaos, you break forth with the light of new creation. Though we

More information

Webquest WORKSHEET. Webquest: Christmas by Luke Vyner. Activity 1: The history of Christmas

Webquest WORKSHEET. Webquest: Christmas by Luke Vyner. Activity 1: The history of Christmas Activity 1: The history of Christmas a. Read the introduction to Christmas taken from history.com. Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two

More information

i explore i go Merry Christmas!! Joy to the World

i explore i go Merry Christmas!! Joy to the World i explore i go Now that you know where you re heading to sing carols and attend the ceremonies this Christmas, don t forget to print out this Hymn Book we have collated for you to carry! Merry Christmas!!

More information

Saint Nicholas. Background information for teachers (KS1 and 2 versions on CD)

Saint Nicholas. Background information for teachers (KS1 and 2 versions on CD) FACT file Saint Nicholas Background information for teachers (KS1 and 2 versions on CD) The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born about 271 A.D. in an area that is now on the southern

More information

Merry Christmas. selection of poems. By Binnie Kaur

Merry Christmas. selection of poems. By Binnie Kaur Merry Christmas To all selection of poems By Binnie Kaur When Santa Claus Comes A good time is coming, I wish it were here, The very best time in the whole of the year; I'm counting each day on my fingers

More information

The Four Weeks of Advent

The Four Weeks of Advent THE SUNDAY GOSPEL Commentary and Reflection Questions for Each Week The Four Weeks of Advent Watching and waiting for our Savior BY AMY EKEH, MA DECEMBER 3 1st Sunday of Advent Mark 13:33-37 REFLECT: The

More information