“Friends of ” Edition 34

John 1:1-18 https://youtu.be/zl2HVhwqnMs

It is ! Jesus is born! The time that we have been preparing for and anticipating is here. Across the world, in churches and homes, people are rejoicing at the coming of our Lord and Saviour.

This week we will look at 8 symbols of Christmas. If you look around you, in your home or in church or at public displays of Christmas, you may see these symbols. In your church and your home, you may have a too, that you have been adding animals and characters to, as we have been moving through the season of .

People decorate their with ornaments every year. These ornaments are symbols of the blessings in our lives. Everything we have is thanks to God’s love.

A with its round green branches is a symbol of God’s everlasting love for us. Just as a wreath is round with no start or end, so is God’s love.

A rings to declare the presence of someone or something. In biblical times, a bell was used to guide the lost sheep home. Jesus is our shepherd and we are His sheep. The bell serves to remind us that we have a home in Him.

Presents are symbols of giving love. Just as the wise men brought the of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus, so we give gifts to our loved ones. Many times, gifts are beautifully wrapped with ribbons and bows. The ribbons tie the together just like the love of Jesus ties us all together.

Holly leaves and berries are used in decorations too. The leaves of the and berries are symbols of the crown of thorns and blood that Jesus shed for us.

Many people have an atop their . This angel is a symbol of the angel that appeared to Mary as well as all the that declared the birth of Jesus. Angels are God’s messengers.

The is a symbol of a shepherd’s crook, “J” for Jesus when held upside down and the colours represent the blood of Jesus.

Stars remind us of the star that shone over the stable in on the night that Jesus was born as well as the star that was to guide the shepherds and wise men to find Jesus.

This Christmas, as you see all the decorations and enjoy the candy canes, give a thought to the meaning of Christmas and the unending love of God for us. Quiet Time 1. What blessings has God given you? 2. What is your favourite ? Why? 3. Does your family have a special Christmas tradition? Talk to your family about its meaning. 4. What is the “real reason for the season”?

Fun Time

1. Nativity colouring 2. Decorate a Prayer Time

Dear God, Thank You for sending your son Jesus to be the perfect . Thank you for Your love and grace. May we continue to love and serve You. Amen. Nativity colouring Decorate a Christmas tree 1. Colour the tree green – use different shades of green, if you’d like to 2. Colour the trunk brown 3. Draw 5 presents under the tree 4. Draw lights on your tree 5. Draw a star or an angel at the top of your tree 6. Draw some red, yellow and blue baubles on your tree 7. Add any other of your favourite decorations

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