Dec 3 Luke 1: 26-27 God sends an angel to Mary. Find as many angels as you can find….from Christmas decorations or just pictures. Find your favorite angel picture at https://www.goodsalt.com/search/angels.html Do you know any angels? Who has been an angel to you? Write a thank you note to and angel in your life.
Dec 4 Luke 1:20 “But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you.” Plan a surprise for someone you love; a surprise card, phone call, even a surprise “I love you.” Find some great “surprise” ideas at https://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/24-random-acts-christmas-kindness-kids/
Dec 5 Luke 1:31 The angel said, “Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” Let’s find some baby pictures. Remember what it was like to have a baby, hold a baby; look at yourself as a baby.
Dec 6 Luke 1:38 Mary said,” …I am ready to serve; let it be with me just as you say.” Start planning a way that you (and your family) might “serve”. Volunteer to serve a meal or be a greeter at church. Be a part of a mission team. Go to https://www.rofum.org/missions/ to find be part of a mission team.
Dec 7 Luke 2:3 “And all went to be taxed, each to his own city.” Let’s look at family roots. Where are you and your family from? Find the city, state or even country on a map. Make something for dinner that reminds you of that place.
Dec 8 Read Luke 2:4-5 Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem. Where is Bethlehem? Find it on a map. Talk about what Bethlehem might have been like as Mary and Joseph travelled there. How long would it take them to travel there. Sing the song… “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
Dec 9 Read Luke 2:6-7 Jesus is born. This is it. God has come to earth in the form of a little baby. Let’s share the good news. Send a card, make and share a craft or some cookies. As the line goes…”this is the reason for the season.” Let’s keep this at the heart of everything we do.
Dec 10 Read Luke 2:6-7 (the repeat is no mistake; it’s that important) What was it like to be born in a manger, in the hay, in a drafty stable? Say the top five words that come to mind. Look at the manger in a Nativity – what comes to mind? Make a manger with straw or with twigs from outside.
Dec 11 Luke 2:8 “And there were shepherds watching their flocks by night.” What do we know about sheep? Why do we call Jesus the “good shepherd”? Find a good “sheep” craft; cookies, cotton ball sheep. Check out https://www.redtedart.com/30-cute-lamb-sheep-crafts/
Dec 12 Luke 2:9 “Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. And they were afraid.” Go out and look at the Christmas lights all around us, a reminder of God’s glory shining in the night saying: “Christmas is coming.”
Dec 13 Luke 2:10 “And the angel said to them, Fear not: for I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people.” Jesus is joy for ALL people. Look up celebrations of Christmas in other countries. Plan a meal or cook something from a different culture. Check out:
www.history.com/topics/christmas/christmas-traditions-worldwide
Dec 14 Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Jesus is born; let’s Deck the Halls. Make a popcorn garland or make a new ornament for your tree. Sing “Deck the Halls” as you work. Here are some ideas for homemade ornaments. http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/20-easy-handmade-holiday-ornaments-and-decorations-pictures
Dec 15 Luke 2:12 “And this will be a sign to you; you will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Spend some time with your nativity scene. Act out or tell the story. Finding or rediscovering Jesus is a big part of the season. What is your Christmas journey?
Dec 16 Read Luke 2:13-14 “…glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Think of what you can do to promote “peace and good will.” Make cookie and/or a homemade card for a neighbor or someone who needs some Christmas cheer.
Dec 17 Read Psalm 95 6-7 “Come let us worship.” At church today, say “Merry Christmas” and hand a candy cane to 5 people that you do not know. (Look for candy canes in Fellowship Hall.)
Dec 18 Luke 2:16 “The shepherds came with hast and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger.” Spend some time thinking about the shepherds. Visit a farm or look through pictures of sheep and other animals. Take some doggie treats to a local animal shelter.
Dec 19 Matt 2:1 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the kind, there came wise men from the east..” Another journey, this time from far away. The wise men are following the star. Find a Star cookie cutter and go crazy in the kitchen….make Cookies… cut Star sandwiches.
Dec 20 Matt 2:2 “We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Make and decorate paper crowns in honor of the 3 Kings. Cut the top of a brown paper bag like a crown …decorate and fill with popcorn or candy. Wear your crown as you share the paper bag treat with someone.
Dec 21 Matt 2:11 “…they saw the young child and worshiped him.” Jesus would tell us that we show love when we feed his sheep. Donate food to someone in need. Bring food into the sack lunch program which feeds the hungry every day.
Dec 22 Mat 2:11 “…and when they had opened their treasures, they presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Spend some time looking at the gifts under your tree. Then write a letter to Jesus thanking him for all the gifts and blessing you have received throughout the year.
Dec 23 John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son….” Sacrifice. Sacrifice time from this busy day in this busy season to do something for someone else. Drive to a store that has a Salvation Amy bell ring and donate; take gifts to a shelter; donate food to a local pantry; visit someone who needs some Christmas cheer. https://www.rofum.org/missions/
Dec 24 2 Corinthians. 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.” Tonight amid the celebrations, the cooking and the caroling, don’t forget to say “thank you”. Thank you to God for sending his precious Son. Thank you to all of those around us who love, care and support us.