Sunday, December 22, 2013

Faithful Families Resources December 22 2013


This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.
- Frank McKibben

I pray that all who read this blog may have a blessed and holy Christmas as we celebrate the coming of Christ our saviour into the world and human history. I hope these resources might help you to enjoy the time with your family and tell the story of Jesus birth really well.

Family Closeness
Game:
Christmas Card Toss
Simply gather together a collection of old Christmas cards and carefully cut off the backs. Avoid glittery cards.

Now set up a "course" by placing a large box or bin on the floor and marking a place to stand some feet away from it, depending on the age of the children. If you are playing with mixed ages, older children should stand further away than younger children. Each family member takes turns tossing a stack of cards (like a frisbee) into the box. Count up and the family member with the most cards in the box wins.

Sharing:
Questions for stimulating discussion in your family. 
  • What is your favourite thing about Christmas?
  • What does it mean to be thankful?
  • What do you find special about the story of Jesus birth?
  • What can we learn about God at Christmas? 

Story
With your family read Luke 2.1-20

Questions for Discussion:
  • How do you think Mary and Joseph felt about having a baby in a place where they didn’t live?
  • Why do you think the shepherds were the first to be told about Jesus birth?
  • What effect did seeing the baby Jesus have on the shepherds?
  • What amazes or intrigues you about this story? 

Prayer and Celebration
Each day choose a Christmas card you received. Put it in a central location such as your dining room table. Pray for the people who sent the card.

Service
Make a special Christmas recipe to share with your neighbours. Include a card with pictures that tell about Jesus birth. (One easy recipe is for Rocky Road. Ingredients. 375g chocolate, 100g mini marshmallows, 200g red & green glace cherries chopped. Slowly melt the choc. in the microwave on medium stirring every minute. Mix in mallows and cherries. Pour onto a paper lined baking tray. Refrigerate until firm.)

Family Time
Story of St Nicholas
With your family discover the real story of Santa Claus – or St Nicholas. Think about his story and let it transform the way you do Christmas. Below are some links to websites with information about St Nicholas.



Christmas is also a great time to read Christmas stories. This blog provides some ideas for great Christmas books.



 (This material is based on and draws from earlier Faithful Families emails by Stephen Harrison & Richard Browning: An Unless Ideas Production.) Unless otherwise noted all material on this blog is copyright Stephen Harrison and Richard Browning

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