Resource Sheet December 20, 2020 A Baby for Mary (based on Luke 1:26–38 and 2:1–7)

When the story quickly moves some “But how can I have a baby?” Mary asked. months ahead, pause and stress “I am not yet married to Joseph.” the sentence or phrase “Yours will be a special baby, Mary,” said that connects the . “Your child will be holy and will two stories. be called the Child of God. Don’t worry. Nothing is impossible for God.” Mary smiled and murmured, “A child, the child of God.” Then she looked at Gabriel. “Here I am, faithful to God. Let all this any years after the people of happen as you say.” Israel had returned to Jerusalem, In a flash, the Gabriel was gone. Mthe capital city of Judah, but still many, many years ago, God sent the angel Days and months went by. Mary and Joseph Gabriel to a town called Nazareth. A girl were married. When it was almost time named Mary lived there. She was engaged for the baby to be born, they had to go to marry Joseph, who was a carpenter in to , a long, hard journey, to be Nazareth. registered by the Roman government. Many other people had to go to Bethlehem too. The angel Gabriel suddenly appeared before When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, Mary. Before she knew what was happening, they could not find a place to sleep. Finally, Gabriel said, “Hello, Mary. God is with you.” someone offered the stable where the What is going on, thought Mary. Who is this animals stayed. stranger? That night the baby was born and they Gabriel saw that Mary was startled. He said, named the baby , just as the angel “Do not be afraid. God has seen that you are Gabriel had said. good and faithful. So, you will have a baby son. You will name your baby “Jesus.” Your child will be great and will be called the Child of the Most High. God will set your child Jesus on the throne of King to reign forever.”

32 Seasons of the Spirit™ 2020–21 2020 Resource Sheet December 20, 2020 s Folded Star For each star:

1. Use four strips of paper (two of each colour).

2. Fold a strip of one colour in half lengthwise; fold a strip of the second colour in half lengthwise around the middle of the first strip (see illustration #1).

3. Fold another strip of the first colour in half lengthwise over the ends of the strip of the second colour (see illustration #2). illustration #1

4. Fold another strip of the second colour in half lengthwise and weave it around and through the other strips. (see illustration #3).

5. Trim the ends of each strip in a V-shape (see illustration #4).

6. Lightly glue the ends together with a glue stick or a drop of white glue.

7. Thread a length of yarn or narrow ribbon through one of the folds as a hanger. illustration #2

illustration #3

illustration #4

Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2020 Seasons of the Spirit™ 2020–21 33 Resource Sheet December 20, 2020 The Twelve Days of Read these ideas with your family and choose some to do during the .

December December Have a spur-of-the-moment Don’t unwrap all the Christmas gifts party 25 at one time. Spread the opening 31 Ask everyone to bring a food or beverage throughout the Twelve Days of to share. Play games. Sing Christmas Christmas, then set aside some unused carols. Exchange inexpensive funny gifts. toys for children who need them.

January Nature walk December Whatever your weather, spend The Light of Christ Etch a symbol for Christ on a big 1 some time outside together. Look 26 white candle. Light this Christ for signs of God. candle each day as a reminder that we continue to celebrate “Emmanuel – God with us.” Give of your time Invite another family’s young 2 children to spend the afternoon with you. Entertain them with craft December Christmas carolling projects and games. Gather family and friends for an 27 evening of carolling on your street and in your community. January Other traditions Use the library in your community 3 or the internet to fnd out about December Christmas productions in other places. View videotapes or watch the Try a new tradition this year. 28 television schedule for special Christmas shows to view together. January Continue the music! Begin or end a meal together by

December Give the gift of yourselves 4 singing a . Listen to Christmas CDs and tapes during all Visit relatives, friends, and church twelve days. 29 members who may be house- bound, lonely, or grieving during this holiday time. January party. Invite friends and relatives to help you 5 plan an “end of Christmas celebration.” December Christmas stories Research medieval Twelfth Night Get books of Christmas stories from festivities. Celebrate the last day of 30 the library and read them aloud Christmas as you did the frst, with joy together. and thanksgiving to God for the gift of the .

34 Seasons of the Spirit™ 2020–21 2020 Patterns and Poetry

Star

Heart

Fish Dove

Haiku poems Haiku poetry is a type of Japanese Example: poetry that has three lines, written Love, , Hope, and Joy in this pattern: candles bring new light Line 1 – five syllables Line 2 – seven syllables Helping us to wait Line 3 – five syllables

102 Seasons of the Spirit™