Session 3 Jesus Is Born

Similar documents
Session 1 John the Baptist Prepares the Way for Jesus

The Son of God Is Born! Luke 1:26-45; 2:1-20

John the Baptist Prepares the Way for Jesus

Session 2 God Dwells With Us

Answers Hannah s Prayer 1 Samuel 1:1-28

An Angel Frees Peter From Jail Acts 12:1-18

Zechariah Prophesies About Jesus Luke 1:68-79

Jesus Is Born Luke 2:1-20; Hebrews 1:1-4

Jesus Demonstrates His Authority Mark 1:21-28

The Israelites Cross the Jordan River

God Dwells With Us John 1:1-14

Speaks to Samuel 1 Samuel 3:1-21

God Speaks to Elijah in a Whisper 1 Kings 19:9-18

Jesus Comes Back to Life

Isaac Marries Rebekah Genesis 24:1-67

Foreign Visitors Worship Jesus Matthew 2:1-12

The Israelites Worship a Golden Calf Exodus 32:1-25

God Gives the Ten Commandments (Part 2) Exodus 19:16 20:21

Saul Becomes King 1 Samuel 8:1-22; 9:1-2; 10:17-24

God Promises to Restore Israel After the Exile Jeremiah 29:4-14

Wise Men Find Jesus Matthew 2:1-12

Jesus Surprises Nathanael John 1:43-51

Jesus Appears to Mary John 20:1-18

Angels announced that Jesus is God s Son.

Joseph Takes His Family to Safety in Egypt

Session 5 Noah Builds the Ark

Stephen Forgives His Accusers as They Stone Him

Session 7 Jesus Appears to His Disciples

We can tell others about Jesus birth.

Isaac Marries Rebekah

Session 4 Cain Kills Abel

News About Jesus Spreads Matthew 4:12-25

Abram Follows God s Direction

Moses Sends Spies Into the Promised Land

Jesus Teaches About Loving Enemies Luke 6:27-38

Moses Meets God at the Burning Bush Exodus 2:11 3:20

Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet John 13:1-17

Jesus birth is good news.

Samson Receives Strength From God Judges 15:9-16; 16:4-30

Elijah Challenges the Prophets of Baal 1 Kings 18:16-40

Josiah Promises to Follow the Lord

Jesus Tells About the Good Samaritan

Jesus Teaches About Commitment Mark 8:31-38

Solomon Writes Many Proverbs 1 Kings 4:29-34; Proverbs 1:1-7

The Israelites Cross the Jordan River Joshua 3:1 4:24

Jesus gives us new life.

Jesus is the Messiah.

Adam and Eve Sin Genesis 3

Session 8 Abram Follows God s Direction

Jesus Feeds Thousands

Joseph Forgives His Brothers Genesis 42 45

Christians Care for One Another Psalm 23; Acts 2:42-47

Session 10 Philip Tells the Ethiopian About Jesus

The Story of Jesus Birth

Jesus Birth. Four Lessons on Jesus Birth. Module 1

Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch Acts 11:19-26

Advent 4: Shepherds See God s Promised Son Lesson Aim: To praise God as the shepherds did when they saw baby Jesus.

Jesus Is God s Gift. Teacher Enrichment. Jesus Is God s Gift of Love Lesson 3. Bible Point. Bible Verse. Growing Closer to Jesus

Heals the Blind Man Mark 10:46-52

He Cares for You (1 Peter 5:7)

God Provides Water Exodus 17:1-7

Jesus loves us. Teacher Enrichment. Jesus Loves Us All the Time Lesson 12. Bible Point. Bible Verse. Growing Closer to Jesus

STILL STILL STILL. Preschool/Kindergarten Christmas Program. by Kremer Resources

O Come, All Ye Faithful VU 60

Wise Men Knew God s Promise Lesson Aim: To know promises from God are found in the Bible.

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE

The Israelites Escape From Egypt Exodus 11:1 12:36

It s good to tell God how much we love him.

Paul Teaches About Spiritual Gifts

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel Genesis 29:15-30

Jesus Is God s Gift. Teacher Enrichment. Jesus Is God s Gift, and We Love Him Lesson 4. Bible Point. Bible Verse. Growing Closer to Jesus

Shepherds at the Stable

Jesus Is Born. Large Group Openings. Jesus Is Born 151

The Growing Seed Lesson Aim: To know God makes us grow.

God Gives Victory Over Jericho Joshua 6:1-27

The Israelites Receive Cruel Treatment Exodus 5:1 6:1

God s Unfolding Story. Arrival

Advent 2: God s Promise to Mary Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the Son of God.

Session 1 Jesus Teaches About Commitment

A Preschool Christmas Program. Written by Scott and Andrea Vander Ploeg

God Is With Us. Teacher Enrichment. God Is With Us All the Time Lesson 11. Bible Point. Bible Verse. Growing Closer to Jesus

Jesus Is God s Gift. Teacher Enrichment. I m Thankful That Jesus Is God s Gift Lesson 5. Bible Point. Bible Verse. Growing Closer to Jesus

O Come All Ye Faithful. Be It Unto Me. Luke 1: Luke 2:15-20

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE

Blue Christmas Service

Jesus Explains Why God Sent Him John 3:12-21

Preschool Winter Lesson 4: Shepherds Come to Visit Jesus

Jesus is God s special gift.

Advent 1: Isaiah Tells of the Promised Child Lesson Aim: To know God promised to send His Son to us.

Silent Night! Holy Night!

Here s an overview of what you ll be teaching this week: Make It Fun High Five Help, Please. Make It True Worship Memory Verse Offering Video

Advent 4: An Angel Visits the Shepherds Lesson Aim: To know God sent an angel to tell the shepherds about Jesus.

The Great LATCH Carol Sing

Jesus wants us to love him.

T H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N )

God Sends Quail and Manna

Advent 1: Isaiah Tells of the Promised Child Lesson Aim: To know God promised to send His Son to us.

We can ask God to show us the right thing to do.

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

God wants us to share the good news about Jesus.

Transcription:

Session 3 Jesus Is Born Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20 Worship Theme: Jesus birth is something to celebrate. Weaving Faith Into Life: Children will celebrate Jesus coming. Session Sequence Let s Praise God! (up to 25 minutes) What Children Will Do Sing Dona Nobis Pacem (track 2) Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (track 1) O Come, All Ye Faithful (track 5) Joy to the World! (track 3) To God Be the Glory (track 15) Silent Night! Holy Night! (track 6) Supplies KidsOwn Worship Kit: Songs From FaithWeaver Bible, large sheet of newsprint or poster board, marker, CD player Preschool Session Sequence What Children Will Do Jesus Baby Book Make baby books for Jesus. Supplies 1 sheet of newsprint and 1 marker per child, scissors Let s Learn the Point! (up to 25 minutes) Wrap a Present Wrap a present that includes gifts God gives us. Celebrate Jesus Enjoy a Christmas party. Box, tape, scissors, wrapping paper, marker, 1 adhesive bow and 1 colored index card per child Christmas treats, napkins, cups

Session Sequence What Children Will Do * Candy Cane Blessings Make Christmas gifts to distribute. Supplies Elementary At least 1 of each per child: candy cane, self-stick label, marker Let s Learn the Point! (up to 25 minutes) * The Shepherds Story Watch a video about the Christmas story. * Christmas Celebration Make music, and enjoy snacks. KidsOwn Worship Kit: Lesson Videos DVD: The Shepherds Story TV, DVD player KidsOwn Worship Kit: Cheerful Whistles, Songs From FaithWeaver Christmas treats, napkins, cups, CD player Session Sequence Let s Pray! (up to 10 minutes) What Children Will Do The Offering Commit to celebrating Jesus this week, and give their offerings. Grant Us Peace Pray a musical prayer of peace. Yea, God! Pray a prayer of celebration. Supplies Doves cut from the Advent Symbols handout, offering bowls KidsOwn Worship Kit: Songs From FaithWeaver: Dona Nobis Pacem (track 2) CD player Gift box from the Wrap a Present activity * Starred activities can be used successfully with preschool and elementary children together. Customize your session to fit your needs. You can separate preschoolers and elementary children for Section 2. Or, if you keep the children all together for the entire worship session, we suggest you choose from the starred activities.

Bible Background for Leaders Jesus Is Born Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20 These passages provide the only extensive account in the Bible of Jesus birth. These events may have held greater significance for Luke than for the other Gospel writers because Luke was a physician and most likely intimately aware of the process of birth and life. Whatever the reason, God made sure to tell us about these events, though none of the New Testament authors witnessed them. Luke must have gotten his information from Mary. The meaning of the word translated virgin in Luke 1:27 has been contested by some scholars. Though it is possible to translate the word simply as young woman, it seems clear in the context and from other statements that virgin is what Luke intended. He was no doubt seeking to confirm in people s minds that this was a miraculous, supernatural birth. Zeroing in on this supernatural theme, Luke begins by describing the visit of an angel. The angel s announcement that Mary was favored by God no doubt caused her some confusion. She was an obscure person in an obscure family in Israel. In her culture, it was assumed that those in high positions were the ones favored by God. The angel s description of her child must have confused Mary even more. How could any human much less a lowly young virgin give birth to the Son of God? However, Mary s response shows us her heart: As confusing and frightening as the angel s message must have been, Mary wanted what God wanted for her. The census, which involved traveling to the hometown of Joseph s family, created a problem for Joseph. In Jewish culture, if a woman was made pregnant by her pledged husband prior to the wedding, the husband was rejected by his family for the dishonor. If the woman was made pregnant by someone else, the woman was rejected by the husband s family. So Mary and Joseph faced nothing but rejection as they went to visit Joseph s family. Yet they went willingly, following through on God s plan for them. Despite the lowly circumstances of the birth, it was boldly announced by a throng of angels. This announcement truly brought a reason to celebrate: The one who was born would be Savior who would deliver them from bondage, Christ the anointed Messiah promised in the Old Testament, and Lord the Greek name for the Old Testament Yahweh! It s interesting that God made sure the shepherds would know how to find the baby. On this blessed night, he wanted someone to celebrate with Mary and Joseph the birth of the One who would bring light, life, and salvation to our troubled world. Devotion for Leaders We celebrate the birth of our best friend at Christmas. Jesus came to this world as a baby and fully experienced life as a human just so he could be our friend and our Savior. Weaving Faith Into Your Life: When we become adults, Christmas loses some of its wonder. We re so busy, and we ve seen it all before many times. Between the bills and the commercialism of the holiday, Christmas seems anything but sacred. What detracts from your sacred celebration of the Christ child? Think about what Christ s presence on earth and in your heart means to you and celebrate his birth with joy and wonder.

Why We Worship for Leaders Few events in our lives bring as much love and hope as the birth of a child. Imagine the joy of those who witnessed the miraculous birth of Jesus. The tiny child who lay in the manger was God incarnate the very one who spoke the world into being. God knew that we needed what we couldn t supply for ourselves and lovingly gave us his Son to take care of that need. Through the miracle of Jesus birth, we can become part of God s family. Through God s fantastic gift, children can find all they need as members of God s family. There s no better reason to worship God! Easy Prep for Leaders Let s Praise God! On a large sheet of newsprint or poster board, write these words from Luke 2:14 (King James Version) and tape it to the wall: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men. Candy Cane Blessings Decide how big you d like to make the project in Candy Cane Blessings, and acquire the amount of candy canes and self-stick labels you ll need to complete the project. The Shepherds Story Set up a TV and DVD player. Prepare the Lesson Videos DVD to play the segment titled The Shepherds Story. Watch the segment at least once before the children arrive. The Offering Cut the doves from the Advent Symbols photocopied for the first session. Save the rest of the page for other lessons. Preschool Activities Refer to the preschool pages for preparations. Play Songs From FaithWeaver as children arrive. Ask some children to stand at the door and welcome everyone who comes into the room. Ask them to smile, shake hands, and say, Welcome! SAY: Christmas will be here soon! Today we ll talk about peace. During Advent people hope for peace. Listen to the connection the Bible makes between peace and Christmas. Read aloud this portion of Isaiah 9:6-7. For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world (The Living Bible). ASK: What does peace have to do with Christmas? (Jesus brings peace; it s a peaceful time.) SAY: We call Jesus the prince of peace. Jesus is the only one who can bring true, lasting peace to our lives. There s a verse in the middle of the Christmas story in the Bible that s about peace. Let s use it to greet each other. Point to the newsprint with the verse from Luke 2 written on it. SAY: I ll say the first part of the verse, then you all respond with the second part of the verse. Here we go. Glory to God in the highest. Have the children respond by saying, And on earth peace, good will toward men. Repeat the greeting several times. SAY: Let s sing Dona Nobis Pacem. Remember that the words of this song mean grant us peace. Sing this song as a prayer, asking God to send Jesus, the prince of peace.

Sing Dona Nobis Pacem. (Track 2) Lyrics are in the back of this book. SAY: Today we re going to continue to celebrate Jesus birth as we worship him. We celebrate Jesus birth because Jesus is God and he loves us so much that he came to earth to help us and save us. At Christmastime, we re celebrating the birth of the wonderful Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of peace. ASK: What does it mean to celebrate? (To have a party; to be joyful because of something.) How can you tell if someone is celebrating? (They re having a good time; they re happy.) SAY: Today as we celebrate Jesus birth, we re going to talk about some of the people in the Bible who celebrated Jesus birth. One of the ways God prepared the world for Jesus birth was through the prophets. Prophets were like preachers. The prophets were some of the first people to celebrate Jesus birth way, way, way before it even happened. They told people, Jesus is coming one day! Get ready! He will be our Savior and King! We know a song about getting ready for our King. Let s sing it now. Sing Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. (Track 1) Lyrics are in the back of this book. SAY: Jesus was born a long time ago. Many people have lived since then. Many songs have been written since then. One of the old, old songs that we still sing today is O Come, All Ye Faithful. Let s sing this song to remind each other to celebrate Jesus birth. Sing O Come, All Ye Faithful. (Track 5) Lyrics are in the back of this book. ASK: What do people do when something exciting happens? (They celebrate; they cheer.) How do ball players act when they win a game? (They give each other high fives; they shout and cheer; they jump up and down.) Have children practice cheering and shouting hooray! Explain that you ll raise your hand and shake it in the air as long as the cheering should continue. When you drop your hand, the children should be silent. Practice stopping and starting several times. Have a little fun with it. Then enlist student volunteers to read one part of Luke 2:10b-11 at a time, and let the whole group cheer at the end of each part. Do not be afraid. I bring you good news [Hooray!] of great joy [Hooray!] that will be for all the people. [Hooray!] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you [Hooray!]; he is Christ the Lord. [Hooray!] Have kids repeat the verse several times. SAY: Let s sing Joy to the World! It s a song about hoorays. It s a song that tells us to have joy. It s a song that tells the whole earth to celebrate that Jesus came to the world. Sing Joy to the World! (Track 3) Lyrics are in the back of this book. SAY: Many people celebrated Jesus birth. His mother, Mary, did. Joseph did. The shepherds did. The angels did. They said, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Let s give glory to God by saying that verse together again. I ll say, Glory to God in the highest. Then you say, And on earth peace, good will toward men. Lead kids in responding to Glory to God in the highest several times. ASK: What does it mean to give glory to God? (To praise him for what he s done; to worship him; to tell him how great he is.)

SAY: Sometimes at the end of an exciting ballgame, the players of the winning team lift the coach to their shoulders. Those players are giving the coach glory by lifting him higher than everyone else there. That s what we do for God when we tell him how great we think he is and how much glory he deserves. Let s give God glory with this next song. Sing To God Be the Glory. (Track 15) Lyrics are in the back of this book. SAY: Did you know that we don t know exactly what day Jesus was born? We celebrate his birth on Christmas Day, December 25. We know that Jesus was born in a place made for animals to stay. We know that the shepherds heard about Jesus birth during the nighttime. The angels lit up the sky as they spoke to the shepherds. There is a Christmas song called Silent Night! Holy Night! about that special night. Let s sing it now. Sing Silent Night! Holy Night! (Track 6) Lyrics are in the back of this book. Preschool Activities, pages 41-42 At this time, have the preschool leader invite the preschoolers to go to their own room for this section of activities. Tear out the Preschool Activities page, and give it to the preschool leader. Have the preschool leader bring the preschoolers back to participate in Let s Pray! with the older children. If you prefer to keep all the children together, do the starred (*) activities. They will work well with both elementary and preschool children. Elementary Activities * Candy Cane Blessings In this activity, the children will be putting together candy cane gifts to give to others. Before the worship session, decide if you d like the children to give the gifts to their families, to another group in the church, or to the adult congregation. SAY: Glory to God in the highest. Encourage the children to respond by saying, And on earth peace, good will toward men. SAY: Today we re celebrating Jesus birth. ASK: Why is Jesus birth worth a celebration? (He came to bring peace; he came to save us from our sins.) Why is Jesus so great? (He died for us; he is God; he s the King of kings and Prince of peace.) What does Jesus do for us that s worth celebrating? (He helps us be with God; he gives us a friendship.) (continued on page 43)

Preschool Activities Session 3 Jesus Is Born Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20 Worship Theme: Jesus birth is something to celebrate. Easy Prep for Leaders Jesus Baby Book Make a booklet for each child: Fold a sheet of newsprint in half, in half again, and in half again. Crease each fold well. Then unfold the newsprint sheet. Cut on the center fold line as shown. Then fold the paper in half the long way. Hold both ends and push them toward the middle. The sections around the slit will push out and form an eight-page book. On the front cover of each book, write Jesus Baby Book. Wrap a Present Set out index cards in a variety of colors, a box with a lid that can be wrapped separately, tape, scissors, wrapping paper, and self-adhesive bows (at least one per child). Using Theo Consider using Theophilus the FaithRetriever puppet today in these ways: Have Theo lead the preschoolers from the main worship area to the preschool room. Have Theo contribute to the discussion of the gifts God gives us. See the KidsOwn Worship Kit for a puppet skit created to tie in to this week s worship session. Jesus Baby Book Gather the children in a circle. ASK: Do any of you have baby books at home that tell the story of when you were born? What s in your baby book? SAY: Let s make baby books for Jesus. Give each child a baby booklet, and put markers where everyone can reach them. SAY: Listen while I tell the story of Jesus birth. I ll tell you when it s time to draw a picture in your baby book. A long time ago, there was a young woman named Mary. God loved Mary very much. God sent an angel to tell Mary that she would have a special baby named Jesus. Draw a picture of Mary and the angel. (Pause.) Several months later, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem. The king at that time wanted to know how many people were in his kingdom, so he made a law that said you had to travel to the town where your family was from and be counted. Turn the page, and draw a picture of Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem. (Pause.) When Joseph and Mary got to Bethlehem, it was time for Jesus to be born. When he was born, Mary wrapped him in warm cloths and laid him in a trough that usually held food for animals to eat. Turn the page, and draw a picture of Jesus in the trough. (Pause.) Preschool Activities (continued)

Jesus Baby Book (continued) There were shepherds in the fields taking care of sheep. Soon some special visitors would tell them about Jesus. Turn the page, and draw a picture of the shepherds and the sheep. (Pause.) The shepherds were visited by angels. Many angels filled the sky, and they praised God. They said, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. One angel told the shepherds where they could find Jesus. Turn the page, and draw a picture of the angels. (Pause.) The shepherds hurried to visit Jesus in the manger. They found him with Mary and Joseph. After they had found Jesus, the shepherds spread the word about Jesus. They told everyone how they could find what they had seen and heard. Turn the page, and draw a picture of the shepherds spreading the news. (Pause.) Have the children take their baby books home and tell their families the story of Jesus birth. Wrap a Present As a group, wrap the lid and then wrap the box. If you have more than 10 children in your group, separate into two groups one to wrap the lid, and the other to wrap the box. Put a bow on top. Place the wrapped box, opened, on a table in everyone s sight. ASK: What is a gift? What is one gift that you hope to get this Christmas? What is one gift you re going to give this Christmas? God has given us gifts. What are some gifts God gives us? Talk about the gifts that God has given to us, such as salvation, a home in heaven, love, guidance, material things, families, and answered prayers. Be sure to include the gift of Jesus. As you re talking, write each gift on an index card. Keep going until you ve thought of at least as many gifts as you have children. Give each child a self-adhesive bow and an index card with a gift from God written on it. Have the children each place a bow on the blank side of their card and then place the card in the box as they say, Thank you, God. Use an index card to make an oversized tag that says, From: God To: Me and you. Attach the tag to the top of the box. As a ceremony of thanks, put the box top on the box together. During Let s Pray! you ll open the box and let the older kids know about God s gifts. Celebrate Jesus You ll need Christmas treats, napkins, and cups. Serve Christmas treats, such as Christmas cookies and punch. While the children are enjoying their snack, talk about how they plan to celebrate Christmas this year. Then sing the following song to the tune of the Farmer in the Dell. Encourage the children to make up motions for the song. Jesus Christ is born. Jesus Christ is born. Born today in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ is born! Lying in a manger, Lying in a manger, Born today in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ is born! Glory to God! Glory to God! Peace on earth, good will toward men, Jesus Christ is born! (continued from page 40) SAY: Those are all great ideas! Jesus birth really is something to celebrate. Let s help others in our church

celebrate his birth with us. Distribute markers, candy canes, and self-stick labels. Show kids how to fold a label around each candy cane so the ends of the label stick to each other and form a little flag to write on. Have the children write on each candy cane a reason to celebrate Jesus birth. Pair older children with nonreaders. When the candy canes are finished, tell kids how you plan to distribute the gifts to the intended recipients. You may have kids take them home to their families, distribute them to another group at church, or stand at the church doors and give them to adult worshippers as they leave the building. * The Shepherds Story Show The Shepherds Story on the Lesson Videos DVD. It tells the story of Jesus birth from the shepherds point of view. SAY: Jesus birth is a wonderful thing for us to celebrate every year. ASK: Why do you think the shepherds were so excited about Jesus birth? (Because they saw angels; because they met Jesus.) What do you think makes Jesus birth something to celebrate? (Jesus is God, born as a human; Jesus came to save us and love us.) How does your family celebrate Christmas? (We read the story of Jesus birth; we open presents; we have lots of family at our house.) SAY: Let s spend time right now celebrating! * Christmas Celebration Distribute the Cheerful Whistles. Play the Christmas songs from Songs From FaithWeaver, and have kids sing and play the Cheerful Whistles. There are 20 Cheerful Whistles in the KidsOwn Worship Kit. If you have more than 20 children, make simple noisemakers. For example, put pennies into sealed containers, and have kids shake the containers. Then provide a Christmas treat such as Christmas cookies and punch. If you d like, let kids use this celebration time to decorate the worship area for Christmas. Provide simple decorations, such as festooning or garland. After the celebration is over, put away the Cheerful Whistles and any remaining food. SAY: That was fun! Jesus birth is a special occasion. It really is something to celebrate. Remember to celebrate Jesus birth every day this week. SAY: Glory to God in the highest! Encourage the children to respond by saying, And on earth peace, good will toward men. SAY: Today we talked about peace. ASK: What is peace? (Calm; quiet; knowing that everything is OK.) What is peace on earth? (People getting along; people working together.) How does Jesus bring peace? (He helps us get along with others; we know that everything will be OK with Jesus.)

Distribute the paper doves you cut from the Advent Symbols handout. SAY: Think about how Jesus brings peace. Give the dove to someone this week as a reminder that we can celebrate Jesus birth because Jesus brings peace. Think about who you want to give your dove to as you put your offering in the bowl. Pass the offering bowls, and encourage the children to give their offerings to God. Grant Us Peace SAY: Glory to God in the highest. Encourage kids to reply by saying, And on earth peace, good will toward men. SAY: Let s ask God to grant us peace by singing Dona Nobis Pacem. The words of this song are a prayer to God; they ask God to grant us peace. Jesus is really the answer to this prayer. He came to give us peace in our lives and in our homes. Let s think about the gift of Jesus birth as we sing this song. Sing Dona Nobis Pacem. (Track 2) Lyrics are in the back of this book. Yea, God! SAY: Now let s pray a prayer of celebration for the gift of Jesus birth. Have the preschoolers lead this responsive prayer. Gather the preschoolers in the front of the room. Have the preschool leader help them open the gift box they made and read to the group the gifts God gives to us. As each gift is read, have the preschoolers lead the entire children s church in responding, Yea, God! Encouragement for Leaders Dear God, thanks for bringing joy to our lives. Help me find ways to bring more joy to my students in Sunday School. In Jesus name, amen. From Heartfelt Thanks for Sunday School Teachers. Copyright 2003 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO.

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Come, thou long-expected Jesus! Born to set thy people free, From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in thee. Israel s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art, Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a king. Born to reign in us forever, Now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our hearts alone. By thine all-sufficient merit, Raise us to thy glorious home. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Charles Wesley. Dona Nobis Pacem The lyrics of this song are in Latin, and they mean, Grant us peace. Have the children make the American Sign Language sign for peace each time they sing pacem. To make this sign, begin by putting your palms together at a slight angle: The back of your right hand should be facing you with the fingers pointing to the upper left and the palm of your left hand should be facing you with the fingers pointing to the upper right. Next, rotate your hands so the palms are still facing each other and so the back of your left hand is facing you with the fingers pointing to the upper right and the palm of your right hand is facing you with the fingers pointing to the upper left. Next, separate your hands and position them so the palms are shoulder width apart and face down. Sing as a round: Dona nobis pacem, pacem, Dona nobis pacem, Dona nobis pacem, Dona nobis pacem, Dona nobis pacem, Dona nobis pacem.

Joy to the World! (Raise your arms in celebration.) (Verse) The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him room. And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. (Repeat verse.) (Circle your forearms, beginning over your head and circling them down to waist level.) (Lift your palms higher on each word.) (Put both hands on your heart and tap them to the beat of the music.) (Move your arms as if you re conducting music.) (Raise your arms in celebration.) O Come, All Ye Faithful Come on! Let s go! Come on! Let s go! Come on! Let s go! Come on! Let s go! O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant. O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the King of angels. O come, let us adore him. O come, let us adore him. O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.. Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning. Jesus, to thee be all glory giv n. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. O come, let us adore him. O come, let us adore him. O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Let s go! Come on! Let s go! (Move freestyle in place.) (Beckon with your arms.) (March in place.) (Beckon with your arms.) (Point up.) (Beckon; then put your palms together in prayer.) (Beckon; then put your palms together in prayer.) (Beckon; then put your palms together in prayer.) (Point up.) (Wave.) (Cradle your arms as if carrying a baby.) (Point up; then flutter your fingers.) (Point up; then down.) (Beckon; then put your palms together in prayer.) (Repeat motions.) (Repeat motions.) (Point up.) (Beckon; then put your palms together in prayer.) (Point up.) (Move freestyle in place.)

Silent Night! Holy Night! Silent night! Holy night! (Rock back and forth.) 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 peace. (Put your finger to your lips; then flutter your fingers in a big circle to indicate bright light.) (Rock your arms as if you re holding a baby.) (Put your finger to your lips.) (Cradle your head on your hands.) (Repeat.) To God Be the Glory (Point to others, and then raise one hand high on God, and fling both hands overhead on glory. ) To God be the glory; Great things he has done! So loved he the world, That he gave us his Son, Who yielded his life, An atonement for sin, And opened the life gate That all may go in. (Raise one hand high on God, and fling both hands overhead on glory. ) (Make muscles with one arm and then the other.) (Cross both arms over your heart.) (Sign Jesus by pointing your right middle finger to your left palm and then pointing your left middle finger to your right palm.) (Motion give with hands side by side and palms up.) (Stretch both arms out to form a cross.) (Hold both hands together to suggest elevator doors, and then open them.) (Walk through the door. ) Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father Through Jesus, the Son, And give him the glory; Great things he has done! (Point to others, and then raise one hand high on God, and fling both hands overhead on glory. ) (Wave your hands overhead from side to side.) (Cup your hand behind your ear.) (Wave your hands overhead from side to side.) (Dance around as if you re celebrating.) (Motion come with both hands.) (Sign Jesus. ) (Motion give. ) (Make muscles with one arm and then the other.) (Point to others, and then raise one hand high on God, and fling both hands overhead on glory. ) (Point to others, and then raise one hand high on God, and fling both hands overhead on glory. )

To God be the glory; Great things he has done! So loved he the world, That he gave us his Son, Who yielded his life, An atonement for sin, And opened the life gate That all may go in. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father Through Jesus, the Son, O come to the Father Through Jesus, the Son, O come to the Father Through Jesus, the Son, And give him the glory; Great things he has done! (Raise one hand high on God, and fling both hands overhead on glory. ) (Make muscles with one arm and then the other.) (Cross both arms over your heart.) (Sign Jesus by pointing your right middle finger to your left palm and then pointing your left middle finger to your right palm.) (Motion give with hands side by side and palms up.) (Stretch both arms out to form a cross.) (Hold both hands together to suggest elevator doors, and then open them.) (Walk through the door. ) (Wave your hands overhead from side to side.) (Cup your hand behind your ear.) (Wave your hands overhead from side to side.) (Dance around as if you re celebrating.) (Wave your hands overhead from side to side.) (Cup your hand behind your ear.) (Wave your hands overhead from side to side.) (Dance around as if you re celebrating.) (Motion come with both hands.) (Sign Jesus. ) (Motion come with both hands.) (Sign Jesus. ) (Motion come with both hands.) (Sign Jesus. ) (Motion give. ) (Make muscles with one arm and then the other.) (Point to others, and then raise one hand high on God, and fling both hands overhead on glory. ) (Point to others, and then raise one hand high on God, and fling both hands overhead on glory. )