Special Lesson - CHRISTMAS #1 (Announcements)

1) Welcome Activity:

• collect small cardboard boxes, stuff each box with tissue paper and a piece of paper with the word "Jesus" on it in fancy letters. Wrap the boxes in wrapping paper - one for each child. Ask the children... what do you think is in the box? What would be the best present ever? Let them come up with lots of ideas. Then have them unwrap the gift. What is inside? Jesus - the best gift ever!
• alternatively, you can wrap one small box in larger packages and let the children unwrap the layers over and over until you get to the name "Jesus".

2) Songs: Start the Story Hour with the learning our names song. Go around the circle or table and introduce each child.

Christmas Bells (To the tune of "Jingle Bells".)
Christmas bells, Christmas Bells, Ring them all the day.
God the Father sent His son on that first Christmas Day.
Oh, Christmas bells, Christmas bells, ring them all the day.
God the Father sent His son on that first Christmas day.

3) Prayer... Thank God for the greatest gift ever, Jesus Christ, our Saviour!

4) Theme: Remind the children of the theme of the unit: God works among his covenant people to prepare the world for the Savior. Tell them that they are going to hear a Bible Story about the announcement of the birth of the Saviour of the world.

5) Bible Story: Today’s Story is about The Birth of the Savior. Read about A Message for Mary, from the Read and Learn Bible (pages 246-249).

6) Text: Today’s Text is:

7) Craft:

• The Best Gift Ever.. Give each child a piece of construction paper with a large square drawn in the middle with the word “Jesus” in the square. On the top of each page write “The best gift ever” and glue the text on the bottom. Give the children a selection of bits of wrapping paper and small stick on ribbons and have them “wrap” and decorate the box so that others can lift the paper and see the best gift ever.  Materials Required: - wrapping paper scraps - small stick on bows- ribbon scraps -scissors
  - glue - construction paper.  A very simple craft that the children are always so pleased with!

• Christmas Music: Today is a great day to sing some Christmas songs. Children love to accompany themselves with instruments. If you have bells, shakers or other instruments at home that the children could play, this would be a great time to bring them in. Steer away from secular holiday songs and focus the children on songs that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

8) Closing Prayer... say the Lord's Prayer together with the children

9)Going Home: Sing the closing together. Then, check to see if all the children have collected their crafts and coloring sheets before they go home. Say goodbye and tell them that you enjoyed learning about God together and were happy to have them today! You were, weren’t you?

10) Optional Coloring Pages: