The next couple of days will be busy for most of you. Feel free to do these as time allows.
Thursday, December 24, Day 5
Bible Reading: Luke 1:26-45 and 2:1-7
Memory Verse: “The son of the Most High God will rule forever over his people.” Luke 1:33a
Interesting Facts:
- An engagement in New Testament times could only be broken by a divorce.
- Jesus was probably not born in a barn, but in a cave or first floor of a home where animals were kept during those times.
Thoughts to Share: Can you imagine all of the emotions Mary and Joseph must have felt over the time period covered by this story? They may have felt confused, scared, excited and a lot of other emotions. What we do know is that Mary and Joseph tried to do whatever God wanted them to do. They may not have been able to know exactly what would happen in their future, but they could decide that each time they had a choice, they would choose to do the right thing. God has a plan for each one of our lives. He does not tell us the future. If we obey God and always choose to do the next right thing, we will please God and more easily find the plans He has for us.
Family Fun Instructions: Use supplies you have around your house to make a manger scene. You can make your own pattern or use the one found here. We know that Jesus was probably born in a cave rather than the barns with which we are more familiar. We also know that it is very likely Jesus was actually born in the Spring and not on Christmas Day. December 25 was the day that some early Christians chose to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The important thing is not the actual date of the birth of Jesus, or the Bible would tell us the date. It’s not whether he was born in a cave or a barn. The important thing is that Jesus was born and grew up to die on the Cross for our sins. Mary and Joseph probably became more excited and perhaps even a bit impatient while waiting for Jesus to be born. You may be excited about celebrating Christmas tomorrow. After making the manager scene, use the calming workout below to relax so you can sleep well tonight. You can use this routine anytime you need to relax.
Parenting Tips: Here you will find tips for teaching your kids how to make good choices. It will take a lot of time and practice. If your kids can learn how to make good choices, they will be less likely to suffer the consequences that often come with making poor choices. As a bonus, the calming routine your kids used tonight can be used anytime they need to calm themselves. Use it regularly so they can eventually remember the routine without your help. Learning how to calm themselves before making choices will also increase the chances they will make a good choice.
Calming Workout
It can be difficult to calm yourself. Doing the following routine when anyone is anxious, afraid, worried, overly excited or upset, can help the person calm down.
- Take three slow, deep breaths
- Name five things you can see
- Stretch your arms to the sky, then touch your toes. Do this three times.
- Count backwards from 20 slowly.
- Name three things you can hear.
- Give someone or yourself a big hug.
- Name five things for which you are thankful
- Pretend to chew gum and blow three bubbles
- Say the books of the Bible
- Sit down and put your head between your legs for five seconds
- Lay down, close your eyes, sing your favorite church song then pray to God and ask Him to help you stay calm because you know you can trust in Him