1. A Bird's Eye View-(Supplies: paper and
markers.) Send children to tables with paper and markers.
Say: Pretend that you were a bird at Jesus' birth. Draw
what you would've seen.
After the drawings are complete, form a circle. Have kids
explain their pictures.
2. Glad-O-Meter-Have a trio of children act out
Jesus' reaction to each of the following scenarios: a shepherd
lovingly caring for his sheep; a shepherd ignoring a hungry sheep;
and two children arguing.
Ask: What things that Jesus sees make him happy? sad? How
can we make Jesus happy? sad? How can you make Jesus happy
today?
3. Sculpted Prayers-Say: Think of one
thing you can do to make Jesus happy. Pretend that you're doing
that thing and we'll close in prayer.
Once kids are in position, pray: When you see us,
Jesus, help us do the things that make you happy. Amen.
4. Snack-Bring all the kids together to prepare
the snack. Sing Christmas carols as the snack bakes. Then finish
the snack and enjoy!
You'll need: Paper baking cups, shredded wheat
biscuits, dried apricots cut in thin round circles, apples cut into
thin wedges, canned biscuit dough, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Directions: Place the apple wedge "body" and apricot
"head" on a flattened biscuit with a dash of cinnamon and brown
sugar. Wrap the biscuit dough around the apple wedge with part of
the apricot showing like a baby's head. Bake as directed on the
biscuit can.
Crumble part of the shredded wheat biscuit into a
baking cup to represent the straw in the manger. Place the baked
treat on the shredded wheat and serve.
Created for grades 1-3
Judy Williamson is a director of children's ministries in
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
