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Showing posts from December, 2020

Jesus Teaches at the Temple

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Luke 2:41-50 Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Luke. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. And the word gospel means “good news!” We have been talking about the true story of Christmas. Do you remember who was in the little family we were talking about? Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. BUT did you know that Jesus grew to be a child? It’s true. Mary and Joseph took the young boy Jesus on a long trip. And some of their family and friends went with them.  They took a long trip to the city of Jerusalem and to the temple there. A temple is like a church where people go to learn about God. Now, the temple where Jesus and His family went looked different than our church, but it was still the place where they worshipped God! Lots of people came to the temple each week, just like we come to our church. All to celebrate God! When they were done, Mary and Joseph started the long trip home with their friends and family. Jesus wasn’t with t...

Wise Men

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Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew was a disciple of Jesus. That means Jesus was his teacher. The word gospel means “good news!” We’ve been talking a lot about the true story of Christmas. There was a baby born. His name is Jesus! Jesus is special because Jesus is God’s Son. But the story isn’t over yet! After Jesus was born, God put something very special in the sky. God put a special star in the sky, and far, far away there were some wise men who saw it.  They knew the star meant something special. They knew God had put the star there to help them find Jesus. The wise men were so excited! “We’ve got to follow that star,” they said. So, they did! And the star led the wise men right to Jesus. When the wise men saw Jesus, they knew He was very, VERY special. They bowed down and worshipped Jesus. Then, they gave Jesus presents to show that they knew Jesus was special. The wise men knew Jesus is special, and now we d...

The Shepherds

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Luke 2:8-20 Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Luke. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. The word gospel means “good news!” One night, there were some shepherds watching their sheep out in a field. Shepherds have a hook they use to help take care of their sheep. It’s shaped just like a candy cane! A shepherd is someone who watches sheep. And you probably know what sheep are. Now, on that very night, while the shepherds watched their sheep, Jesus, God’s Son, was born! It was all very exciting, but the shepherds didn’t know it, yet. All of that would change because God was about to make a big announcement! While the shepherds watched their sheep, an angel appeared in the sky. The shepherds were so surprised! The angel told the shepherds, “A special baby has been born! He is God’s Son! Go and find Him in a manger!” Suddenly, the whole sky was filled with angels! They were praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest!”...

Jesus Is Born

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Luke 2:1-7 Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Luke. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. The word gospel means “good news!” The true story of Christmas began when an angel told a girl named Mary that she would have a baby. The baby would be super special because Jesus is God’s Son! God loves us so much that He gave us His Son, Jesus. Our story is about when Jesus was born. Our story begins with Mary and Joseph going on a long trip. What kind of animal do you think Mary rode? Mary and Joseph needed an animal like a donkey to get to the town of Bethlehem. When they got to Bethlehem, they needed a place to stay. Joseph knocked on a door. The person that opened the door told them there was no room for them inside, but they could stay in the stable outside. So, Mary and Joseph had to sleep in a stable where all the animals stayed. Soon, Jesus, God’s Son, was born! Mary wrapped Baby Jesus up and laid Him gently in a manger. The most ...

Go Deeper: The Angel and Mary

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The beginning of the Gospel of Luke (chapter 1:1-7a), folio 102 in Minuscule 481, made in 10th century. WATCH VIDEO Our preschoolers are learning that Jesus is God’s Son. In our Bible story "The Angel and Mary," Mary heard the amazing news that God was giving us all a very special gift, His very own Son, Jesus. And here, we go deeper. Let's dive in! First, look at this manuscript. It is the beginning of the Gospel of Luke. This particular copy was written in the 10th century. Now, onward. In the introduction to the gospel, the writer states that they carefully investigated the events and they are giving an orderly account so the reader may be certain of the things they have been taught. This same writer also prepared the Acts of the Apostles for the same reason. But who is the writer? Based on Paul’s references in his letters to the churches, and the writer’s references to themselves in Acts, the early church understood the writer of both to be Luke, the physician who acc...

The Angel and Mary

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Luke 1:26-33, 38, 46-49 Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Luke. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. The word gospel means “good news!” Our true story of Christmas starts when God sent an angel to announce that God would give a gift to everyone! Do you like to get gifts? I do, too! Let’s play a game called, ”Which would you rather have?” I will say two gifts, and you choose which you would rather have. Ready? Which would you rather have, soccer ball or watercolor paints? Both are super fun gifts.  Let’s try another one. Which would you rather have, a train car or a teddy bear? Fun, right? Now think about this. Why do we give gifts? Do we give gifts to show people we love them? Yes! Well, God loves you and me so, SO much that He gave us the most special gift ever! It all started long ago when God sent an angel to a girl named Mary. Mary was surprised and afraid when she saw the angel. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid, ...