Annual Trinity Kids Christmas Pageant

Some highlights from the Christmas Pageant are up on the Shuttersweet Photography blog! 

http://www.shuttersweetphoto.com/blog/

ENJOY! 

Christmas Celebration (Dec. 29th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time “Great Green Growing” Season (Liturgical Color: Green)

Story in Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2 

(Journey to Bethlehem, by Josiah Strickland)

Today was a day for celebrating, feasting, and enjoying the excitement of the Christmas season. The children reflected on their time with family and friends, and the entire Christmas story was read again (until now, the story has been only read in parts, as connected with the Advent seasons’ weekly focus). Also, the children discussed the coming year and the ways in which we can glorify God in our work.... in our play... in our rest.... in our celebrations... and in our response to challenges. Ephesians 5: 1-2 was used as a connecting verse, helping the children to consider ways in which their life might be a “fragrant sacrifice” for God. You will notice that they created an orange studded with cloves as a reminder of the commitment to bring our sweet and beautiful offering to God each day. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 

I wonder how I might show God that I love him? 

I wonder what things God wants me to do this year so that I can be my very best me?  

I wonder what things I might sacrifice/ give up in order to please God? (i.e. anger, jealousy, laziness, exclusion)  

I wonder what things I might begin to do that will please God and bring glory to him? (i.e. helping others, patience, prayer, sharing, inclusion)

Prayer: 

“Father, thank you for bringing us safely to another year! You have loved us well and we hope to love you well too. Teach us to give up things that are not best for us and to begin things that help us to glorify you. Amen.” 

Advent IV, The Wise Men (Dec. 22nd)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (purple) 

Story in Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-12

As we have learned together through the weeks of Advent, we have followed the journey of the Prophets, Mary and Joseph, and the Sheperds. This week, we celebrate the inclusion of the three “Wise Men” in God’s Gospel story. These learned men were charged by King Herod to find the Christ child that had been prophesied. We know that King Herod intended to destroy his “competition,” once they found out where the baby was. One of the most significant aspects of this story is that the Wise Men were experts in their various areas of academia- they were perhaps the most skeptical of those that visited Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Yet they worship him, acknowleding his divinity. What a beautiful illustration of how knowledge and mystery can both manifest in our faith and understanding of who God is. As Advent draws us closer and closer to Christmas morning, I pray that your families will take time each day to be still and quiet, relishing the anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. In joyfully welcoming Christmas, we have the opportunity to also look forward to and await the Resurrection and God’s glorious redemption. Praise be to God! Many resources are still available for checkout in the trinityKids Advent Library in the Gathering Room.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what the Wise Men were thinking when Herod sent them to find the baby Jesus?

These men were very smart and had learned about a lot of things- the stars, history, the natural world… I wonder if they had learned about what the prophets said about Jesus? I wonder how they felt when the realized that the prophets words were true?

I wonder what their journey to Bethlehem was like? I wonder what they brought with them as they traveled?

I wonder what they thought they would find when they arrived in Bethlehem? Do you think they were expecting to find the King of the World as a baby in a manger?

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for the story of the Wise Men. We know that you are with us as we learn, as we wonder, and as we ask questions. We are so glad that you have included us in the story of Jesus’ birth. As Christmas gets closer, help us to remember that we are so blessed to celebrate that you have come to be with us and that you provide all that we need. Amen.”

Advent III, The Shepherds (Dec. 15th)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (purple) 

Story in Scripture: Luke 2: 15-20 

This week is the week that we celebrate the role of the Shepherds in the Christmas story. These men were literally on the very outskirts of community when God included them in this incredble story. They were considered unclean, separate, and apart. As important as their work was in the culture of the time, the way in which they worked was not respected as you might think it should be. And yet, in that amazing moment, and angel of God appeared to them. In our storytelling, we explain: “They were afraid. Their hearts were beating so loudly. When they could hear something besides their own hearts, they thought they heard singing in the sky! That also scared them until they heard the words of the song. The angels were singing, “Do not be afraid.” Angels often say that, because it is scary to have a messenger of God come to you. The angels singing sounded something like this: “Don’t be afraid. We bring you tidings of great joy. Peace on earth and good will to everyone. A Child is born. Go. Hurry. Run to Bethlehem to see the Child who will change everything.” How wonderful it is that God includes us all, even those on the periphery, in His story. Whether others consider us worthy, God does. At the risk of being redundant, may I encourage you to create an atmosphere of preparation in your home during this Advent season. It’s easy to focus on the planning and busy-ness of Christmas presents and family visits. Spending intentional time reading what the prophets said about Jesus’ coming, praying quietly to know the ‘way to go,’ and focusing our thoughts on the glory of Jesus’ birth will make space for the importance of Christmas as we begin Advent. Then the Christmas presents and family visits can be truly enjoyed in the context of the miracle of Jesus’ birth and our salvation through Him. Remember, there are many resources available for checkout in the Trinity Kids Advent Library in the Gathering Room.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how the Shepherds must have felt when they first saw the angel?

I wonder if they thought they were dreaming?

I wonder what they talked about after the angels were gone?

I wonder what they expected to find when they got to Bethlehem?

Last week, we talked about Mary and Joseph on the long a difficult road to Bethlehem… I wonder what was difficult about the journey of the Shepherds?

I wonder why God decided to include the Shepherds in the story of Jesus’ birth?

Prayer:

“Loving Father, thank you for the story of the Shepherds. We know that you want all people to be a part of your story. We are glad that you want us to be a part of your family, even when we don’t think we deserve to be. Christmas is coming, Father! Help us to get our hearts ready to celebrate and be glad. Jesus is coming!! Amen.”

Young Children & Forgiveness

Teaching children to identify a need for forgiveness an to impart grace to one another is a lesson that requires practice, guidance, and most importantly, the modeling of their parents and caregivers. These are a few steps that may help your child learn to ask for forgiveness.

*Identify what they have done wrong.  Many times children are not aware of what they have done wrong, until they have learned what is offensive to others. Each of us are created with selfish inclinations and it is only through focused learning that these traits can be identified in little ones. I would say something like, “Taking that toy away from your friend is being selfish. When you are selfish, you are sharing like a good friend should, and that has hurt their feelings.”

*Ask them how it would feel if it was done to them. Young children live with their whole hearts involved in all they do.  Being aware of this, ask them to consider how it might feel if the same things happened to them. They are often quick to notice why it hurt the other one and are more likely to work on being more kind because they have been able to draw connect their own experience with these feelings.

*Start with God’s forgiveness.  Children should learn at an early age that God’s forgiveness is so important to making our actions better. When children have hurt another, encourage and model for them how to ask God to forgive and help them to do better next time. When they have prayed and are forgiven they feel so much better. Also, it is an important part of building an authentic relationship with Christ, learning to follow in Christ’s example as a disciple. 

*Require a genuine apology. Once they have prayed for forgiveness, an apology is often easier for them to ask for forgiveness from another person.  Some children do well with a simple, “Will you forgive me for __________?” instead of a generic “I’m sorry.” This will aid in further discussion and help to solidify the specific behavior that was hurtful. 

Again, the most important way that children learn about confession and forgiveness is through the example of the adults around them. With that in mind, demonstrate a desire to authenitcally apologize, forgive, and speak to the importance of God’s grace in your own life. 

Advent II, The Journey to Bethlehem (Dec. 8th)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (purple) 

Story in Scripture: Micah 5: 2, 4-5

As we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus, we focus on the Journey to Bethlehem. Today, your child and their classmates talked about the hardships suffered by Mary and Joseph as they traveled. The children are often incredulous about the fact that Mary traveled so far while very pregnant. The donkey that accompanied them played an integral role in their safe arrival in Bethlehem, didn’t he? After discussing that the Prophets pointed the way toward Bethlehem, we travel alongside Mary and Joseph (and the donkey!) on this exhausting and trying journey. The trip is full of uncertainty, wonder, and excitement. Of course, we know that things continue to be challenging once they arrive in Bethlehem- we can only imagine! But this week, we draw our attention to the journey. God was with Mary and Joseph along their way and he is with us as well when we travel through strange, confusing, and often difficult times. What a beautiful example Mary and Joseph are to us- they walked out in faith onto a terrifying and uncertain path, knowing thay God was by their side and giving them strength to sustain the passage! Again, I encourage you to create an atmosphere of preparation in your home during this Advent season. It’s easy to focus on the planning and busy-ness of Christmas presents and family visits. Spending intentional time reading what the prophets said about Jesus’ coming, praying quietly to know the ‘way to go,’ and focusing our thoughts on the glory of Jesus’ birth will make space for the importance of Christmas as we begin Advent. Then the Christmas presents and family visits can be truly enjoyed in the context of the miracle of Jesus’ birth and our salvation through Him. Remember, there are many resources available for checkout in the trinityKids Advent Library in the Gathering Room.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what it must have been like for Mary to go on such a difficult journey?

I wonder how Joseph was feeling about all that was happening? Do you think he was nervous or scared?

I wonder what other people passing along the way though when they saw Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem?

I wonder if Mary and Joseph were thinking about the words of the Prophets while they traveled along? I wonder if Mary was remembering what the angel told her about this baby?

Prayer:

“Dear God, we are so very thankful for the story of Mary and Joseph. It’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to travel on the road to Bethlehem, but we know that you were with them. We are on a journey too, and we are glad that you are with us also. Help us to think about you during this Advent time; we want our hearts to be ready for Jesus’ birthday on Christmas! Thank you for your son and for loving us so much. Amen.”

Advent I, The Prophets (Dec. 1st)

Season of the Church Year: Advent (Liturgical color: purple) 

Story in Scripture: Isaiah 35: 1-10

This week, we begin the season of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus. Advent is also a special time to learn more about the world as it was when Jesus was born and to better understand the importance of his coming. The first week is spent focusing on the Prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming. When explaining the role of a prophet to children, we describe them as people who were so so so very close to God that they were listening for his whisper, his shout, his command at all times. They were listening carefully so that they could share what God had to say with the rest of the world. Simply put, “Prophets are the people who know the most important things. They know which way to go. They are the ones who showed us the way. The prophets were so important because they helped the world begin to get ready. Without their words, we may not have been looking toward Bethlehem. Now we can go to Bethlehem too.” This week, I encourage you to create an atmosphere of preparation in your home. It’s easy to focus on the planning and busy-ness of Christmas presents and family visits. Spending intentional time reading what the prophets said about Jesus’ coming, praying quietly to know the ‘way to go,’ and focusing our thoughts on the glory of Jesus’ birth will make space for the importance of Christmas as we begin Advent. Then the Christmas presents and family visits can be truly enjoyed in the context of the miracle of Jesus’ birth and our salvation through Him. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder what it must have been like for the prophets to hear God’s whisper… his shout… his command?

I wonder if the prophets were surprised that Jesus would come in the way that he did?

I wonder what it must have been like when the prophets shared what they heard with the people?

Do you think everyone believed them? Do you think some people were confused?

Many people expected God to come in a different way- like a soldier in an army. Do you think they were surprised when the prophets said he would come as a little baby?

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for the prophets. We are so glad that they showed us the way to go. They pointed the way to Bethlehem. Thank you for this special time of getting ready for Christmas. Help us to remember that Christmas is a holy time of celebration- it’s Jesus’ birthday! Please remind us that Christmas is not about presents, but about the coming of your son into the world. Amen.” 

Christ the King Sunday, Preparing for Advent (Nov. 24th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time “Great Green Growing” Season (Liturgical Color: Green)

Story in Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 

Today, your child learned about the Advent Jesse Tree. Throughout the month of Advent, we will be discussing and decorating a tree in the main children’s room, but each student worked today to create their own Jesse Tree ornament set to take home. I highly recommend that you follow the Jesse Tree curriculum at home as well. Although we will be discussing it each Sunday, we will not have enough time to devote to each of the 23 days’ topics. Also, please take advantage of the Trinity Kids Lending Library (beside the check-in desk) and check out a book or two to assist your family in your Advent celebrations at home. 

These websites are also valuable during this sacred season of preparation for the birth of our Lord and Savior:  

www.anglicansonline.org/special/advent.html 

http://www.holyheroes.com/Jesse-Tree-DVD-s/82.htm

http://www.loyolapress.com/liturgical-year-advent.htm

http://www.allthingswithpurpose.com/2012/12/top-10-advent-resources-for-kids.html

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 

I wonder why we need to get ready for Christmas… for Jesus’ birthday? 

I wonder how we can make our hearts ready for Christmas? 

I wonder how it must have been for Mary and Joseph to get ready for Jesus’ birthday? 

I wonder what you might do to get ready at home or at school? 

Prayer: 

“Dear God, thank you for the promise of the Christ child. Your story pointed the way to Jesus all along. Help us to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas. Amen.”