LUKE 2 (1-7) – The Cross in My Backyard

Have a Blessed Christmas. May the story speak anew to you this season.

This is a page that has collated ideas that suport the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings, which are theologically and developmentally approriate, saving you time in finding resources admist this busy season, be it those in paid church employment or families looking for resources. If you use this page please refer to it as appropriate.

We are entering a new season and you will notice that the colour for the season of Christmas is White ( if you find this offensive please feel free to use gold this season.) The season of Christmas starts on the 24th of Decemeber and there are 3 RCL readings for the 24th and 25th of December Services. If you can check with the congregation you are worshipping with either physically or virtually this season to see which reading they will be using it may help your preparation.

I will post on each of these options, Nativity 1B, 2B, 3B and there is a general Christmas page if you are unsure what the readings might be. If you would like to start with some singing there are some songs that you may enjoy on this page, as well as some Christmas stories, and genral activity and colouring in pages.

If at home prepare a worship space, place a white table cloth, your advent candles, and light the final white Christ candle today. You may also include any items that help you concentrate on the season of Christmas.

PRAY:

God came into our life,

shining light into the night

We welcome God’s gift

Jesus today

Amen

FIRST READING: Isaiah 62:6-12

READ/WATCH: God’s Great Love by Rick Warren I chose this book becasue this reading in Isaiah reminds us of all the things that God would do for his people

PLAY; with blocks, build something wonderful, What do you think God finds wonderful?

PLay with a nativity set? (If you don’t have one you can make one

Free Printable Nativity Craft For Kids

What do you find wondeful? What did God do that was wonderful?

PSALM 97

Psalm 97: Rejoice, the Lord is King!

Rejoice! The Lord is King! (Star Jump beep bow)
Lift up your heart, (raise your arms high above your head)
lift up your voice; rejoice; (open your mouth wide)
again I say, rejoice. (Star Jump)

Power! All the forces in the planet (Show your muscles)
are powered by the Lord. (put your hands in the prayer position)
Love! All the love in the universe (Make a love heart with your hands)
flows from the Lord. (Open your hands out)
Joy! All the happiness in the world (Jump)
is given by the Lord. (hands in prayer position)
Thanks! All our thanks we give back to you. (look up hands out wide)

Words by https://www.conversations.net.nz/psalm-97-rejoice-the-lord-is-king.html read her statement on her page about her influences. Actions (in Italics) by me.

DO: Describe those feelings, Show how these feelings look like in your body or draw it, or point out what it feels like from a set of emotional cards https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/ or the Bears App https://innovativeresources.org/resources/digital-applications/bears-app/

SECOND READING: Titus 3:4-7

READ/WATCH: Horton Hears a Who by Dr Suess I chose this book becasue Titus reminds us that it is not our actions but God’s mercy.(v. 5) And this reminded me of Horton, he could have walked away but he choose to be mercifal and help the Who’s.

SING https://colinbuchanan.com.au/products/practise-being-godly-dvd Titus $AUS2.50

PRAY:

Oh Merciful God,

Thank you

that you care so much you

YOu sent your Son,

and made us part of your family

Amen

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 2 (1-7), 8-20

WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO_ubBfLc9Q&fbclid=IwAR3jjGt1RCwHquKpsPWPZTIPOaA_YTvaRo5L0bBovRKThYhbbohqC78tUMU

SING Joy

OR Angels singin’ Glory https://colinbuchanan.com.au/products/king-of-christmas-dvd $Aus2.50