This Week in Preschool

God’s Son, Jesus, was born to Mary. Luke 2:1-7

BIBLE VERSE:
“Good news! Today Jesus has been born.”  Luke 2:10-11

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!

Merry Christmas! Preschool Parents,

This Sunday we celebrated Jesus birthday at our Christmas party. It is important that the kids make Jesus the center of the celebration. The Christmas story this week will help the kids know and understand that Jesus' birth is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

It's strange that God would come to Earth in the fragile, vulnerable form of a human baby, isn't it? Yet because of this decision, Jesus -fully God- experienced first hand every high and low of human life. His understanding of our needs and longings has no bounds, just as his love for us has no bounds. And it is because of His great love for us that He became the means of our redemption.

This season make an effort to let Jesus shine through you and your activities so that others will remember that Christmas is a time to recognize the greatest gift of love ever given. Just as God had not forgotten His people or His promise of a Messiah, He does not forget you and your needs or longings. He continues to be the hope for those who believe in Him. So as you celebrate Christmas show the joy and hope you have because of Christ and be an inspiration to your children so they will know and experience the true meaning of Christmas.
 
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end..." Isaiah 9:6-7

"And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15
 
Good News! Our Savior has been born!
See you Sunday,
Melanie Ekblad
Nursery Preschool Director

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.

Parents help your children embrace the reality and truth of Christmas. Sharing the Christmas story with preschoolers and children should be a wonderful experience. As you think about the age of your child, think about the facts you should share that are appropriate for that child. Consider the following suggestions for each age group:

Babies, 1-Year-Olds, and 2-Year-Olds

Younger preschoolers are learning and growing at a fast rate. All of their experiences are new and exciting. These preschoolers are just beginning their discovery of everything!

• Say the name of Jesus often to babies, ones and twos.
• Say simple, factual statements about Jesus' birth: "Jesus was born. Mary was Jesus' mother. Joseph took care of Mary and baby Jesus."
• Provide hands-on experiences for younger preschoolers. They can touch a non-breakable manger scene as you talk about Jesus' birth. They can shake bells as you sing a simple Christmas song about Jesus.

Simple Bible truths will build string biblical foundations in thee young lives.

3-Year-Olds and 4-Year-Olds

Help threes and fours discover more about the events of Jesus' birth.

• Preschoolers can hear that an angel told Mary that Jesus would be born.
• They can understand that God planned for Joseph to be part of Jesus' family.
• They can learn more about the shepherds who came to see baby Jesus and wise men who brought gifts to the child.
• They can also begin to understand that Jesus was sent by God.

Simple Bible verses such as "Jesus was born in Bethlehem" (Matthew 2:1) will help threes and fours know that the story of Jesus' birth is in the Bible. Emphasize that Jesus' birth is the reason for Christmas.

Kindergarteners

Kindergartners' knowledge is expanding rapidly in all areas. They will ask many questions—maybe questions you find difficult to answer.

• Answer questions simply and encourage a child to inquire further if needed.
• Kindergartners can learn more about Christmas and Jesus' birth. They can begin to understand that God planned for Jesus to be born.
• Introduce the word prophet to a kindergartner. Say "A prophet told God's message. Isaiah was a prophet. He told that Jesus would be born."
• They can begin to understand that Jesus is God's Son and that God sent Jesus to earth because He loves them.

Kindergartners are forming foundations about God and Jesus. They cannot yet grasp the full meaning of Jesus' birth; however, you can develop foundations for later understanding.

Focusing on the Truths of the Christmas Story

No matter the age of your child, Christmas will always be an exciting time. Help your child focus on the truths of the Christmas story in ways that will be the most meaningful to him or her.
Consider ways to incorporate the story of Christmas into your family devotions. If you are not currently doing a family devotion, consider Christmas as a time to begin a family worship time that will help bring your family into a close understanding of the truths that God daily reveals in His word.