There are 3 Reading options suggested for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services. I will post for each set of readings over the coming days.
If you are a small congregation please feel free to print these pages and hand them to parents as they arrive.
If you are a parent or guardian, check with the church you are attending as to what readings they will be using at their services, this will make it easier on you if you can prepare in advance.
I will also post some Christmas Day service general ideas for those who visit a congregation that does not use the Revised Common Lectionary.
No matter where you are or where you go, the important part is that you enjoy this holy day together.
Remember that you have bought your child to worship. Enjoy engaging them in it.
Sit towards the front so they can see what is going on
Read during the Bible readings,
Pray during the prayers,
Colour, Draw or Craft during the sermon.
Craft or drawing or play are for spiritual responses not for a perfectionist piece that can be shown off.
Remember that little ones will need their own space to move and wiggle.
Also leave when you need to but make sure you return quickly.
You and your child/ren have as much right to worship as any other member of the congregation.
Point out the change in the colours in the church, they should now be White, no longer purple, as we have stopped waiting, Christmas has come.
Remember every parent/guardian, even Holy ones, will be sleep deprived Christmas Morning. So be kind to yourself.
FIRST READING: Isiah 9:2-7
READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke-WssrVVIE SUN BREAD BY ELISA KLEVEN start at 39 seconds in and finish at the 4.46 point.
a suggestion by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-sunday-january-26-2014/
SING/LISTEN https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/seeds-of-christmas-ep/# NO. 1
MAKE: you will need a black and a white or silver sheet of A4 paper. Glue the perimeter of the black sheet over the white (or silver )sheet. Now tear a hole in the middle, of the black sheet to let the white/silver sheet through. (like a star shining in the night sky)
PSALM: 96
READ: Psalm 96: Words run out
What words can we find?
How can we describe our mind-blowing God?
We have heard words in church:
worship and praise
glory and majesty,
honour and awe …
but what are our words
to tell of God’s greatness?
Maybe we need to shut up
and let the trees say it better …
the waves and the flowers,
the rocks under our feet
and the stars over our head,
they all know how to praise the Lord!
What words will you choose
to be your truth this day?
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
by Rev. Purdie http://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-96-words-run-out.html
Draw: all the wonderful things in the world., flowers, rocks, stars, everything singing.
Draw a baby, another gift from God.
When you sing do you feel Happy or Sad? Make a face to show which one you feel.
SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14
READ/WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD0apYFz5gg What if everybody did that? by Ellen Javernick suggested by http://storypath.upsem.edu/lectionary-links-rcl-christmas-eve-2017/
PRAY: You sent us your son God
He shows us how to live
How to be kind and loving to all
Thank you
Amen
PLAY with dolls, animals or cars anything in community where God’s ways of kindness can be practiced.
GOSPEL READING: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
READ: Bethlehem Town by Andrew McDonough https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/bethlehem-town/
DO: there are some free activities at the end of the story or for about $A5 you can purchase a downloadable package that has more than enough activities for all ages.
SING/LISTEN: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/product/seeds-of-christmas-ep/# NO.6
Prepare a special church bag in advance so that you are ready for the rush.
TO Do LIST:
You might need to purchase
Yellow and white or silver paper
dolls/cars/animals anything for community play
texta’s
paper for drawing
You might need to Print
Lost sheep activity pack https://www.lostsheep.com.au/stories/bethlehem-town/ found at the end of this story
Blessings
Wendy L
The Cross in My Backyard 