December 15th, 2016

​ We invite you and your family to join us for advent this season, as we consider Christmas through the lens of Scripture. As we celebrate the birth of the Christchild, we will look as a different aspect of his coming each day. Each day also has a downloadable coloring picture for children to color as they listen, and then hang on the tree as a reminder! We also suggest a song to listen to, play, or sing along with. Most of these can be found in a hymnal to play at home, or on youtube.com - to sing along with! Children old enough to read might enjoy reading the Scripture as well. We hope this simple journey through Scripture helps you celebrate the Greatest Gift of all. 

Ornament: A dove with a crown – (Because Jesus is the Prince of Peace!)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7; John 14:27
Songs: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Let There Be Peace on Earth.

    For hundreds of years before Jesus was born, there were men called prophets that brought God’s message to the people of Israel.  The prophets reminded the people of what God wanted them to do, to be good and kind. The prophets reminded the people to worship only God.

      But more than that, the prophets also reminded the people that God had promised them a Savior.  The people of Israel could have hope for the future, no matter how many troubles they hand, because God was sending them a Savior. 

     In the Old Testament, we can see how many different names the prophets called Jesus. They called Him Wonderful. They called Him Counselor.  They called Him Mighty God.  And, they called Him the Prince of Peace. Can you think of other names for Jesus in the Bible? (The Good Shepherd, Light of the World, Son of God, Son of Man..)

     See the dove in today’s ornament?  That dove reminds us of peace.  The dove is a very peaceful bird – not a predator (hunter), but gentle.  And the crown? What do you think the crown means? (a king or a prince – a member of the royalty) 

     We are so glad that Jesus is our Prince of Peace! Some kings here on earth want to lead their people into war, or to take over other countries. Only King Jesus comes to teach us to love and care for each other, and to live in peace.

     Questions:  

• When Jesus came as a baby, did he bring an army? (No! Although He had all of heaven's might angels to call, He came in peace.)
• What does the dove in our ornament mean? Why? (The dove is a peaceful bird – gentle, not a hunter. It reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and we are to be peacemakers.)

Prayer:  Dear Lord, please help us remember that You are the Prince of peace, and only You can bring peace in our lives. Help us to follow You, and try to be like You, showing kindness & love and bringing peace. Amen. 

Blessings as you celebrate Christmas,
Patti & Cara

Classic Christianity

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