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3Session

34 FaithWeaver • Winter Quarter

Session Sequence What Children Will Do Supplies

Let’s Praise God!

(up to 25 minutes)

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)

KidsOwn Worship Kit:Songs From FaithWeaver

Classroom Supplies: Bible, Advent wreath, candles, matches, bucket of water, large sheet of newsprint or poster board, marker, CD player


Let’s Learn the Point!

(up to 25 minutes)

Jesus’ Baby BookMake baby books for Jesus.

Classroom Supplies:1 sheet of newsprint and 1 marker per child, scissors

Wrap a PresentWrap a present that includes gifts God gives us.

Classroom Supplies:Box, tape, scissors, wrapping paper, marker, 1 adhesive bow and 1 colored index card per child

Celebrate JesusEnjoy a Christmas party.

Classroom Supplies:Christmas treats, napkins, cups

Jesus Is BornLuke 1:26-38; 2:1-20

Worship Theme: Jesus’ birth is something to celebrate.

Weaving Faith Into Life: Children will celebrate Jesus’ coming.

Jesus Is Born Jesus Is Born Jesus Is Born Jesus Is Born Jesus Is Born Jesus Is Born Jesus Is Born

Session 3 • KidsOwn Worship 35

* Starred activities can be used successfully with preschool and elementary children together.

Customize your session to fi t 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.


Let’s Pray! (up to 10 minutes)

The Off ering Commit to celebrating Jesus this week, and give their off erings.

Classroom Supplies:Advent wreath, candles, matches, bucket, water, doves cut from the “Advent Symbols” handout, off ering bowls

Grant Us PeacePray a musical prayer of peace.

KidsOwn Worship Kit:Songs From FaithWeaver: “Dona Nobis Pacem” (track 2)

Classroom Supplies:CD player

Yea, God!Pray a prayer of celebration.

Gift box from the “Wrap a Present” activity



(up to 25 minutes)

* Candy Cane BlessingsMake Christmas gifts to distribute.

Classroom Supplies:At least 1 of each per child: candy cane, self-stick label, marker

* “Jesus Is Born”Watch a video about the Christmas story.

KidsOwn Worship Kit:KidsOwn Worship DVD: “Jesus Is Born”

Classroom Supplies:TV, DVD player

* Christmas CelebrationMake music, and enjoy snacks.

KidsOwn Worship Kit:Cheerful Whistles, Songs From FaithWeaver

Classroom Supplies:Christmas treats, napkins, cups, CD playerChristmas treats, napkins,

Songs From Songs From Songs From

Christmas treats, napkins,


These passages provide the only extensive account in the Bible of Jesus’ birth. These events may have held greater sig-nifi cance 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 confi rm in peo-ple’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 hus-band 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, fol-lowing 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 fi nd 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 trou-bled world.

Bible Background for Leaders


Devotion for LeadersWe celebrate the birth of our best friend at Christmas. Jesus came to this world as a baby and fully experi-enced 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 sa-cred 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 LeadersFew 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 fi nd all they need as members of God’s family. There’s no better reason to worship God!

Easy Prep for LeadersLet’s Praise God!—

• Set up the Advent wreath from Session 1. Place a bucket of water nearby.

• 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 notes you’ll need to complete the project.

“Jesus Is Born”—Set up a TV and DVD player. Prepare the KidsOwn Worship DVD to play the segment titled “Jesus Is Born.” Watch the segment at least once before the children arrive.

The Off ering—Cut the doves from the “Advent Symbols” photocopied for the fi rst session. Save the rest of the page for other lessons.

Preschool Activities—Refer to the preschool pages for preparations.

Web Help: Get bonus leader tips and ideas at kidsownworship.com!

Let’s Praise God!Play Songs From FaithWeaver, Winter 2011-2012 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!”

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Christmas will be here soon!

Light the purple and pink candles.

The candle for today represents 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

WEB

FaithWeaver • Winter Quarter38

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).

• What does peace have to do with Christmas? (Jesus brings peace; it’s a peaceful time.)

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.

I’ll say the fi rst 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.

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.”

Lyrics are in the back of this book.

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.

• 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.)

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 fi rst 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 2

Track 1

Song Lyricsand Motions

To make the worship ses-sion go more smoothly, tear out the lyrics sheets in the back of this book and keep them in a separate folder. Each week, pull out only the sheets you need for the day’s worship session.


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.”


• 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 fi ves; 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.

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!”


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.

• 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.)

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.

Track 5

Track 3


Sing “To God Be the Glory.”


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!”



Preschool Activities, pages 41-42At 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 BlessingsIn 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.

“Glory to God in the highest.”

Encourage the children to respond by saying, “And on earth peace, good will

toward men.”

Today we’re celebrating Jesus’ birth.

• 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.)

Track 15

Track 6

(continued on page 43)

Be aware that some children have food allergies that can be dangerous. Know your children, and consult with parents about allergies their children may have. Also be sure to read food labels carefully as hidden ingre-dients can cause allergy-related problems.

ALLERGY ALERT

3Session

Preschool Activities


Jesus’ Baby BookGather the children in a circle.

• Do any of you have baby books at home that tell the story of when you were born?

• What’s in your baby book?

Let’s make baby books for Jesus.

Give each child a baby booklet, and put markers where everyone can reach them.

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.)

There were shepherds in the fi elds 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 fi lled 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 fi nd Jesus. Turn the page, and draw a picture of the angels. (Pause.)


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 TheoConsider 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.


Preschool Activities

Celebrate JesusYou’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,


Glory to God!

Glory to God!

Peace on earth, good will toward men,


Wrap a PresentAs 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.”

• 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.

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 fi nd 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.

Jesus’ Baby Book (continued)

Be aware that some children have food allergies that can be dangerous. Know your children, and consult with parents about allergies their children may have. Also be sure to read food labels carefully as hidden ingre-dients can cause allergy-related problems.

ALLERGY ALERT


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 fl ag 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 fi nished, 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.

* Jesus Is BornShow “Jesus Is Born” on the KidsOwn Worship DVD. It tells the story of Jesus’ birth.

“Glory to God in the highest.”

Encourage the children to respond by saying, “And on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Jesus’ birth is a wonderful thing for us to celebrate every year.

• 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.)

Let’s spend time right now celebrating!

* Christmas CelebrationDistribute 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.

That was fun! Jesus’ birth is a special occasion. It really is something to celebrate. Remember to celebrate Jesus’ birth every day this week.

(continued from page 40)

ALLERGY ALERT See page 40.


Let’s Pray!The Off ering

If you haven’t kept the Advent candles lit throughout the worship service, light them now. If you have more than 20 children, you’ll need an adult volunteer to help during this activity.

“Glory to God in the highest!”

Encourage the children to respond by saying, “And on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Today’s Advent candle represents peace.

• 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.

Hold your paper doves face up in front of you. Hold the dove by the very edges. I’ll come around the room and drop a little bit of the wax from today’s Advent candle onto your paper dove. While you’re waiting, think about how Jesus brings peace. Put the dove in your room when you get home today. It will be your reminder that we can celebrate Jesus’ birth because Jesus brings peace.

Go around the room to drop just a bit of wax onto each child’s dove. Be very careful not to drip the wax on anyone’s hand. Encourage the children to stand quietly while they wait for you. If there are more than 20 children in your group, have an adult volunteer help you by going around the room with one of the other candles.

Once every child has a drop of wax on his or her dove, return the candle to the Advent wreath. Pass the off ering bowls, and encourage the children to give their off erings to God. After the off ering, blow out the Advent candles.

Grant Us Peace “Glory to God in the highest.”

Encourage kids to reply by saying, “And on earth peace, good will toward men.”

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.”


Yea, God! 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!”

Track 2Worship

Leader TipCoordinate plans with the preschool leader ahead of time. If preschoolers did not meet separately to do the “Wrap a Present” activity, modify this prayer by having kids call out gifts that God gives at Christmas time. Have everyone respond to each gift by saying, “Yea, God!”

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