Sunday 13 December
Key Question
The Story
Use this guide to help your family learn how God can help us live with humility.
First, watch this video
Then, follow up with the fun activities below!
Bible Story
Gabriel Appears to Mary
Luke 1:26-56
Activity – Planner
What you need
Two sheets of paper and two writing utensils
What You Do
Tell your child that the two of you will be writing a plan for each other to carry out. Your child will write a plan for you, and you’ll write a plan for them. Then, you’ll attempt to accomplish each other’s plans, step by step.
You can write plans for any task that can be completed in your home. It can be something your child knows how to do, but you don’t know how to do (and vice versa). It can be a plan for making a specific snack or doing a specific chore. Whatever the plan is, each of you should write down each step exactly as it should be carried out.
When you’re finished writing, take turns following each other’s plans. Have some fun with it by following your child’s steps very literally. Monitor each other’s progress and make sure no one skips a step in the plan!
Talk about the Bible Story
o you like having set plans, loose plans, or no plans? (Ask your child to elaborate on their responses.)
(If your family has already made plans for Christmas celebrations, ask your child what parts of your plans they’re most looking forward to. If your plans aren’t set yet, ask your child what they’re hoping IS part of your family’s celebration.)
How was Jesus a part of God’s plan all along?
In our story today, who appeared to Mary? (The angel Gabriel)
What did the angel tell her? (That she would give birth to the Savior of the world)
How do you think Mary felt about the news that she would give birth to God’s Son? (Joyful, scared, probably overwhelmed)
Parent: Share a personal story about a time you had a plan, but God’s plan was different. Talk about how you handled it. Were you able to find joy in the midst of your circumstances? Were you able to feel God’s presence with you?
Prayer
Use this prayer as a guide, either after your discussion or right before bed tonight:
“Dear God, thank You so much for the joy we have in You—during the Christmas season, and always! Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Savior. Thank You for [name your child(ren)], and how You made each of them special and beautiful and smart and funny! We praise You for the plan You have for us, and the truth that we can trust You no matter what. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!”