Lesson:
Bible Passage:
Scholars generally agree that Jesus was actually born in late September/early October. This Children’s Moment is a good response to the “Christmas Season” that is invading the retail operations this early. Ornaments or other “Christmas gifts” to be given the children can be found at thrift stores, “Dollar Stores,” and elsewhere. If your church uses an “ark” or a “Jesus Box,” have the gifts in there. Otherwise, keep them in a nondescript container, not tipping your hand that you have gifts for them.
We celebrate Christmas in a certain month. What is that month? (December) And we celebrate it on a particular date in that month – does anyone know that date? (the 25th). And why is it we celebrate Christmas? (It is the day Jesus was born).
As Christians, we are lucky in that we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus and his message of love and peace every single day, in the way we speak and the way we act. But people who study such things have told us that Jesus was actually born around the end of September, the beginning of October — around this time.
So while some people wait for December to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I have a very important message for you today. Jesus was born sometime around today, so I want to say… MERRY CHRISTMAS!
(Hand each child an ornament or Christmas-related gift, saying each one’s name as you give them the gift. “Merry Christmas, Brian. Merry Christmas, Melia. Merry Christmas, Karlo…” After everyone has been called by name and given a gift) My prayer for you and for all of us is to remember the lessons Jesus gave us of love and and of peace – lessons I know each one of you follow because I know each one of you … is a Child of God.