Merry Christmas!! Today's meeting really helped us focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Following announcements and door prizes, we had time to make an awesome craft - a "handmade" Christmas ornament to give as a gift or proudly display on our tree at home!! Our craft team lead us through the steps - filling a glass ornament with water and ink, swirling that around, and then adding some glitter. After the inside of the ornament was "painted", we got to choose coordinating rub-on stickers, a ribbon for hanging, and an adorable gift box to put the completed ornament in. I saw so many beautiful and creative ornaments!! I'm sure they will look great on everyone's trees this Christmas!
After craft and some small group discussion time, Julie Krause hosted a Birthday Party for Jesus. First, she spoke about how to teach our children that Jesus' birth should be the focus of our Christmas celebrations. She spoke on four key components of a "birthday party" and how they relate to Christmas - invitations, gifts, cake, and "thank you"!!
You can't have a party without the guest of honor...so please don't forget to invite Jesus into the celebration of his birth. You can start by reading the story of his birth, Luke 2, to your children from a children's Bible. Or perhaps look for a book, such as "The First Christmas". Tell your children the facts - Jesus is the Son of God, he was born in a stable/barn, angels came down from heaven to announce the good news to the shepherds, etc. You could try acting out the story with your kids by dressing up or buying them a nativity set that they are allowed to play with. Maybe you would like to attend the Bethlehem Marketplace at Elmbrook Church this year (see Elmbrook's website for details and to order tickets) for a truly "hands on" experience! Finally, learn about and celebrate Advent by using an Advent calendar or lighting Advent candles in your home.
Next, Julie spoke on gifts. As we all know, the 3 Wise Men brought gifts for the baby Jesus. This year, try making or buying gifts with your children that can be given away or donated to those in need. Maybe, visit or serve at a shelter or nursing home. Have your children pick out a charity, such as World Vision or Samaritan's Purse, to donate to at Christmas time. Teach them that it is just as fun to give as it is to receive!
Of course, you can't have a birthday party without a CAKE (and other food). Julie suggested leaving an empty place setting at your dinner table this year to represent that Jesus is there with you at the celebration. You could also make a cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.
Finally, don't forget to say "Thank You" - for all of the gifts you receive this year, but most importantly, for God's greatest gift of all - Jesus Christ!
Following Julie's presentation, the children from the Red Room put on a little show for all of us. They held up pictures of symbols associated with Christmas.
Candles - a symbol for Jesus, the light of the world
Manger - represents the humility of Christ
Angels - a symbol of God's message to his people
Poinsettia - represents the nativity
Shepherds - symbolizing Jesus' care for us, his "flock"
Cattle - present @ Jesus' birth to represent strength and Christ's strength to carry our burdens
Star - symbolizing God's revelation to his people, and that Christ is the "Morning Star"
Wise Men's Gifts: Gold = Purity, Frankincense/Myrrh = holiness (expensive, ceremonial gifts)
Christmas Tree - represents eternal life and God's eternal love for us
We ended the morning by singing "Jingle Bells" and "Away in a Manger" with the children. The kids all gathered around the manger, while "Joseph" and "Mary" rocked baby Jesus. What a beautiful scene!
Merry Christmas to you all from your MOPS Steering Team!! Look forward to seeing you in the New Year (next meeting is Jan 5, 2010).
This blog is dedicated to the Moms of Influence group at Northbrook Church in Richfield, WI.
