This Week in Preschool

God sent an angel to tell Mary and Joseph that God’s Son, Jesus, would be born
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56

BIBLE VERSE:
“God loved us and sent his Son.”  1 John 4:10

One Christmas night, so long ago
a star shone down so all would know
that in a manger, on that night
a Savior was born- our guiding light!

Now Christmas time is almost here
a very special time of year
when everyone anticipates
that night where we can celebrate!

As you remove a link each night,
remember the star that shone so bright
and told the world of Jesus’ birth-
the Son of God- here on earth!

Hi Preschool Parents,

Its the most wonderful time of the year for sure because our Savior was born. The fulfillment of God's promise expresses so much love for us that it's beyond our understanding. No matter what happens, you have God's promise of love and help today and eternal life tomorrow.

In our story this week God keeps His promise of a Savior. Hope is trusting that you will see the fulfillment of what you long for. The Israelites had hoped for thousands of years that the Savior God had promised would come. And it was this hope of a Messiah that caused ordinary people to do extraordinary things. God did fulfill His promise through a young girl bringing His Son into the world. He sent His Son as the Messiah to live among people and to die in our place for the punishment of our sins in order to reunite us forever with God. We can all be thankful and excited that our Savior was born. As we celebrate the season of Christ birth, share His love with others and tell them how Jesus desires to have a personal relationship with them. Share the joy and excitement of Jesus with your children and celebrate the promise and gift of God's love.

"She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

"For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." Luke 1:31

Celebrate the coming of our Savior and the hope we have!

Enjoy the Christmas season celebrating our Savior,
Melanie Ekblad
Nursery Preschool Director

Sunday December 12th

Come hear the story of Jesus’ birth and celebrate with a special snack, treat, game, craft, and so much fun!

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Wednesday December 15th 7-9:30p

For children 6 weeks through 6th grade

Enjoy an holiday evening out and let us watch the kids! Children can join us for Christmas crafts, story time, a movie, & a snack.

Putting Christ Back into Christmas

Most of the world doesn’t look to Jesus for its celebration of Christmas. We have Santa, trees and the ecstasy of unwrapping gifts. Our kids can give Sunday-school answers about why we celebrate Christmas, but is that what they are really excited about? To achieve Christmas enthusiasm about Jesus, it takes more intentional parenting. Here are some things to do to set the right tone for the Christmas season:

Talk about Jesus early and often. Tell/Read them the Christmas story of Christ’s birth. Scripture reminds us to talk about the teachings of God with our children constantly (Deuteronomy 6:7). With a strong spiritual foundation, the observance of Christmas is truly something to celebrate.
Focus on experiences more than gifts. According to a 2013 Gallup poll, Americans estimated spending nearly $800 on Christmas gifts. But another study concluded that life experiences actually make people happier than material purchases. I can’t tell you what I got for Christmas when I was nine, but I can vividly recall watching movies and looking at lights with my family on Christmas Eve.

Make giving a priority. Christmas provides a special opportunity to model for our kids how we can serve others. Maybe bake cookies for a neighbor, the mailman, or friend. During the Christmas season, work together to give to someone in need – either through Operation Christmas Child (filling a shoebox with gifts for a child in another country) or Salvation Army Angel Tree (buying gifts for a child in our local community). Choosing a child who is about the same age as your child is a fantastic way for them to feel connected to the child.

A Stocking for Jesus

To help our children celebrate Christ’s birth and to teach them to be concerned about others, hang a Christmas stocking with Jesus’ name on it. On Christmas Eve, talk about what Jesus would like in his stocking.  Children come up with ideas such as obeying their parents, sharing their toys with others, treating others with kindness, treating their siblings well and showing respect to Mommy and Daddy. You can tell the children how Jesus wants nothing more than to be their forever friend and Savior.
 
Gentle Reminder for Very Small Children

Use a little manger containing a baby doll wrapped in “swaddling clothes,” as part of your Christmas decoration making this a meaningful tradition for their young years. Your child will probably reach for the doll, cuddle and pat it. As they hold the baby remind them that “Jesus loves them.” Every time they hold the Baby Jesus affirm His love for them.