Christmas 2 Powerpoints Plus the Feast of the Epiphany

Two great powerpoints and some planning.

Nice powerpoint on Epiphany.

Sample :

Share the new targets with the children and explain that this is a short unit – two double lessons.

Read the story of Jesus’ birth from Matthew’s Gospel – Mt 1: 18-2: 23. Who are the main characters in this story? Concentrate on Mary, Joseph and King Herod.

Talk through the story. God had promised a saviour to free us all from our sins and he sent His only son into the world for us.

Talk about the priorities for any family when a baby is expected. (safety and comfort of the mother) .

Activity One

Come back together and watch scene featuring King Herod. Fear gripped King Herod, his mighty power was threatened. He gathered all the chief priests and scribes to see what they knew – they confirmed that Bethlehem had been foretold by the prophets. Herod launched his plan to locate the baby so that he could destroy him. What was Herod’s mistake? (look for the children to understand that Herod thought that Jesus would be an earthly King with a throne and a crown who was overthrow Herod).

What were Mary and Joseph’s feelings about the birth of the baby? Do you think they were scared? Happy? Relieved?

Children to TTYP and discuss – What does the birth of Jesus mean for us?

• Jesus truly God and truly human has come down to Earth.

• He brings peace, love and true freedom to those who seek him.

• He opens the way to heaven for us.

• He has come to save all people.

What does the birth of Jesus teach us?

• God seeks those with an open heart to receive him.

• If you truly seek God, He will find you.

• It’s not money, wealth or knowledge that matters because God seeks the lowly and the humble who are looking for Him.