All Hands on Deck December 4
All Hands on Deck Jump In
Mary certainly didn’t expect to be visited by an angel. Mary was a young girl, probably 12 or 13 years old, the age that girls were married during Bible times. Mary was an ordinary girl in an insignificant town, until the angel’s visit. The angel tells Mary she has found favor with God. Many assume those who are blessed by God will enjoy wealth and good health. Mary’s blessing, however, is that she is to have a child out of wedlock. Mary’s response of “How can this be?” seems appropriate and believable. The angel assures her it is true, and the baby is God’s son. God is at work among ordinary people, choosing to send Jesus as a message of God’s love, in an unexpected and unconventional way.
Dive Deeper Together Read Luke 1:26-38, 46-47 and “Sailboat: Joy” on page 1138 together in the Deep Blue Kids Bible. OR Read “Mary’s Story”: One day, the angel Gabriel came to visit Mary. He told her that she was blessed and that God was with her. Mary did not know what to think at first, then Gabriel explained she was going to be a mother. Mary was confused–she was not married yet. The angel explained that the baby was to be the Son of God! Mary told the angel she was the Lord’s servant and was willing for things to happen as Gabriel had said. Mary became pregnant. When her cousin Elizabeth realized Mary was going to be the mother of the Jesus, the Son of God, she was told Mary how blessed she was. Mary responded with a magnificent song of praise and all of her heart praised God.
Grow Stronger Together Christians have always been thankful for Mary and her bravery to become the mother of Jesus. She is often called “theotokos” which means “God-bearer” in Greek. Mary is a great example for us. She faithfully follows God, even though doing so could leave her all alone. Together, reflect on Mary’s story. What would you have done if you were her? Which part of the story is your favorite? Then, look online for more information about Mary. You can also find icons of her. Icons are special pieces of art that help us connect with God. Try: https:// iconreader.wordpress.com/2010/07/07/icons-of-the-mother-of-god/
Pray Together Share joys and concerns, and then say this prayer: Dear God, help us to be brave and follow you like Mary did. Amen.
December 4 Unit 1: The Stories of Christmas
BV: A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)
AP: We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Mary’s Story
(Luke 1:26-38, 46-47)
The games in the Deep Blue Adventures app are awesome! Download the app at www.deepbluekids. com/app.
All Hands on Deck Jump In
Of the four gospels, only Matthew and Luke provide us with information about the birth of Jesus, and their accounts differ. In Matthew, Joseph is visited by an angelic messenger in a dream. Overall, the Bible mentions little about Joseph. We are told Joseph is a righteous man and this statement is supported by his actions. Upon learning Mary is pregnant before they were married, Joseph makes plans to divorce her quietly. In those days, once a couple was engaged, they were considered to be married. If Joseph had died during that time, Mary would have been considered a widow. For Mary to have become pregnant before they had marital relations would have been considered adultery. Mosaic Law required capital punishment under such cases. Even before the angel appeared to him, Joseph had already decided not to follow the law and have Mary stoned to death. After the angel’s visit, Joseph took Mary as his wife. Doing so must have caused Joseph to be subject to more than a few questions. Joseph’s willingness to trust God gives us a good idea of the type of man who was Jesus’ earthly father.
December 11 Unit 1: The Stories of Christmas
BV: A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)
AP: We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Joseph’s Story
(Matthew 1:1-18)
Dive Deeper Together Read Matthew 1:1-18 together in the Deep Blue Kids Bible. OR Read “Joseph’s Story”: When Mary became pregnant, she was engaged to be married to Joseph. Joseph heard Mary was going to have a baby and was sad. He became very concerned for her safety. If a woman was pregnant and not married, she could be punished. So Joseph planned to end his relationship with Mary secretly. That night, an angel came to visit Joseph. The angel told Joseph the child was the Son of God. The angel said the child would be Emmanuel, God with us. The angel said God wanted Joseph to raise Jesus as his son.
Grow Stronger Together Make an angel craft together this week. You can find lots of angel craft suggestions on Pinterest. While you craft, talk about the good news the angel told Joseph. Tell your child how you found out that you would be their parent.
Pray Together Share joys and concerns, and then say this prayer: Dear God, help us to be trusting like Joseph. Amen.
The games in the Deep Blue Adventures app are awesome! Download the app at www.deepbluekids. com/app.
All Hands on Deck Jump In
The time for once again celebrating Jesus’ birth is almost here. The last two weeks we have heard the stories of Mary and Joseph. Today we will hear the story of Jesus. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Caesar Augustus was the most powerful person in the world, a world dominated by the Roman Empire. Therefore, when Emperor Augustus decided that everyone needed to travel to their hometowns to be registered, that was what happened. It didn’t matter if this required a journey of over 60 miles by woman about to have a baby. So, Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem. It was surely a long and weary journey, with Mary nearing the end of her pregnancy. When they reached Bethlehem, it was time for Mary’s child to be born. However, many other people were in Bethlehem to be registered and as a result, there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the guestroom. And so, Mary’s baby, Jesus, was laid in a manger. God’s son began life humbly, in stark contrast to the power of Emperor Augustus.
December 18 Unit 1: The Stories of Christmas
BV: A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)
AP: We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Jesus’s Story (Luke 2:1-7)
Dive Deeper Together Read Luke 2:1-7 together in the Deep Blue Kids Bible. OR Read “Jesus’s Story”: When it was almost time for Mary to give birth to Jesus, the Roman Emperor, Augustus, decided it was time to hold a census. For the census, every person had to return to their hometowns. Joseph and Mary had to go to the town of Bethlehem where Joseph’s family was from. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem took several days. When they got to Bethlehem the town was full and every room was taken. Mary and Joseph stayed where the animals slept. During the night Jesus was born! Mary took Jesus and wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger.
Grow Stronger Together December is a busy time for families. This week, take a few minutes to be together and pray. Invite everyone together around a candle. Light the candle, saying, “The light reminds us of the of Light of Jesus Christ.” Take turns talking about your favorite Christmas memories. Say a prayer together.
Pray Together Share joys and concerns, and then say this prayer: Dear God, thank you for Jesus, a very different kind of king. Amen.
The games in the Deep Blue Adventures app are awesome! Download the app at www.deepbluekids. com/app.
All Hands on Deck Jump In
When God’s son was born, he entered the world humbly. Jesus began his life as a baby, laid to rest in a manger because there was no room for his parents in the guestroom. This is not the entrance we might imagine for the Messiah, the promised one. By coming to earth in this way, God identified with the poor, the homeless and the powerless. It is fitting then, that the first people to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth were the shepherds. In Jesus’ time, shepherds were on the fringes of society. They lived a difficult life, spending much of their time outside watching over the herd to protect it from wild animals and robbers. God’s choice of the shepherds as the first recipients of the wonderful news of the birth of God’s son sends a clear message that this good news is for everyone. In contrast to Jesus’s humble beginning, is the announcement of his birth. First one angel and then a multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of this special child. It was an announcement fit for a king.
December 25 Unit 1: The Stories of Christmas
BV: A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)
AP: We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Shepherds’ Story (Luke 2:8-20)
Dive Deeper Together Read Luke 2:8-20 together in the Deep Blue Kids Bible. OR Read “Shepherds’ Story”: On the night Jesus was born, shepherds watched their flocks in a field just outside Bethlehem. Suddenly an angel appeared in the night sky above them bringing good news of great joy for all the world. The angel said a baby was born in Bethlehem who was the Savior! Suddenly the sky was filled with many angels singing, “Glory to God!” When the angels left, the shepherds looked at each other and said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem!” They found the child lying in the manger. The shepherds returned to their flocks praising God for all they had seen and heard!
Grow Stronger Together Celebrate the twelve days of Christmas starting December 25 through January 6. Begin by making shepherd crooks by shaping premade crescent dough into the shape of a shepherd crook. Follow the dough’s instructions for baking. While you snack on the shepherd crooks, come up with 11 other ways to celebrate Christmastide.
Pray Together Share joys and concerns, and then say this prayer: Dear God, thank you for the shepherds and the angels. Amen.
The games in the Deep Blue Adventures app are awesome! Download the app at www.deepbluekids. com/app.
Mary certainly didn’t expect to be visited by an angel. Mary was a young girl, probably 12 or 13 years old, the age that girls were married during Bible times. Mary was an ordinary girl in an insignificant town, until the angel’s visit. The angel tells Mary she has found favor with God. Many assume those who are blessed by God will enjoy wealth and good health. Mary’s blessing, however, is that she is to have a child out of wedlock. Mary’s response of “How can this be?” seems appropriate and believable. The angel assures her it is true, and the baby is God’s son. God is at work among ordinary people, choosing to send Jesus as a message of God’s love, in an unexpected and unconventional way.
Dive Deeper Together Read Luke 1:26-38, 46-47 and “Sailboat: Joy” on page 1138 together in the Deep Blue Kids Bible. OR Read “Mary’s Story”: One day, the angel Gabriel came to visit Mary. He told her that she was blessed and that God was with her. Mary did not know what to think at first, then Gabriel explained she was going to be a mother. Mary was confused–she was not married yet. The angel explained that the baby was to be the Son of God! Mary told the angel she was the Lord’s servant and was willing for things to happen as Gabriel had said. Mary became pregnant. When her cousin Elizabeth realized Mary was going to be the mother of the Jesus, the Son of God, she was told Mary how blessed she was. Mary responded with a magnificent song of praise and all of her heart praised God.
Grow Stronger Together Christians have always been thankful for Mary and her bravery to become the mother of Jesus. She is often called “theotokos” which means “God-bearer” in Greek. Mary is a great example for us. She faithfully follows God, even though doing so could leave her all alone. Together, reflect on Mary’s story. What would you have done if you were her? Which part of the story is your favorite? Then, look online for more information about Mary. You can also find icons of her. Icons are special pieces of art that help us connect with God. Try: https:// iconreader.wordpress.com/2010/07/07/icons-of-the-mother-of-god/
Pray Together Share joys and concerns, and then say this prayer: Dear God, help us to be brave and follow you like Mary did. Amen.
December 4 Unit 1: The Stories of Christmas
BV: A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)
AP: We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Mary’s Story
(Luke 1:26-38, 46-47)
The games in the Deep Blue Adventures app are awesome! Download the app at www.deepbluekids. com/app.
All Hands on Deck Jump In
Of the four gospels, only Matthew and Luke provide us with information about the birth of Jesus, and their accounts differ. In Matthew, Joseph is visited by an angelic messenger in a dream. Overall, the Bible mentions little about Joseph. We are told Joseph is a righteous man and this statement is supported by his actions. Upon learning Mary is pregnant before they were married, Joseph makes plans to divorce her quietly. In those days, once a couple was engaged, they were considered to be married. If Joseph had died during that time, Mary would have been considered a widow. For Mary to have become pregnant before they had marital relations would have been considered adultery. Mosaic Law required capital punishment under such cases. Even before the angel appeared to him, Joseph had already decided not to follow the law and have Mary stoned to death. After the angel’s visit, Joseph took Mary as his wife. Doing so must have caused Joseph to be subject to more than a few questions. Joseph’s willingness to trust God gives us a good idea of the type of man who was Jesus’ earthly father.
December 11 Unit 1: The Stories of Christmas
BV: A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)
AP: We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Joseph’s Story
(Matthew 1:1-18)
Dive Deeper Together Read Matthew 1:1-18 together in the Deep Blue Kids Bible. OR Read “Joseph’s Story”: When Mary became pregnant, she was engaged to be married to Joseph. Joseph heard Mary was going to have a baby and was sad. He became very concerned for her safety. If a woman was pregnant and not married, she could be punished. So Joseph planned to end his relationship with Mary secretly. That night, an angel came to visit Joseph. The angel told Joseph the child was the Son of God. The angel said the child would be Emmanuel, God with us. The angel said God wanted Joseph to raise Jesus as his son.
Grow Stronger Together Make an angel craft together this week. You can find lots of angel craft suggestions on Pinterest. While you craft, talk about the good news the angel told Joseph. Tell your child how you found out that you would be their parent.
Pray Together Share joys and concerns, and then say this prayer: Dear God, help us to be trusting like Joseph. Amen.
The games in the Deep Blue Adventures app are awesome! Download the app at www.deepbluekids. com/app.
All Hands on Deck Jump In
The time for once again celebrating Jesus’ birth is almost here. The last two weeks we have heard the stories of Mary and Joseph. Today we will hear the story of Jesus. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Caesar Augustus was the most powerful person in the world, a world dominated by the Roman Empire. Therefore, when Emperor Augustus decided that everyone needed to travel to their hometowns to be registered, that was what happened. It didn’t matter if this required a journey of over 60 miles by woman about to have a baby. So, Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem. It was surely a long and weary journey, with Mary nearing the end of her pregnancy. When they reached Bethlehem, it was time for Mary’s child to be born. However, many other people were in Bethlehem to be registered and as a result, there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the guestroom. And so, Mary’s baby, Jesus, was laid in a manger. God’s son began life humbly, in stark contrast to the power of Emperor Augustus.
December 18 Unit 1: The Stories of Christmas
BV: A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)
AP: We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Jesus’s Story (Luke 2:1-7)
Dive Deeper Together Read Luke 2:1-7 together in the Deep Blue Kids Bible. OR Read “Jesus’s Story”: When it was almost time for Mary to give birth to Jesus, the Roman Emperor, Augustus, decided it was time to hold a census. For the census, every person had to return to their hometowns. Joseph and Mary had to go to the town of Bethlehem where Joseph’s family was from. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem took several days. When they got to Bethlehem the town was full and every room was taken. Mary and Joseph stayed where the animals slept. During the night Jesus was born! Mary took Jesus and wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger.
Grow Stronger Together December is a busy time for families. This week, take a few minutes to be together and pray. Invite everyone together around a candle. Light the candle, saying, “The light reminds us of the of Light of Jesus Christ.” Take turns talking about your favorite Christmas memories. Say a prayer together.
Pray Together Share joys and concerns, and then say this prayer: Dear God, thank you for Jesus, a very different kind of king. Amen.
The games in the Deep Blue Adventures app are awesome! Download the app at www.deepbluekids. com/app.
All Hands on Deck Jump In
When God’s son was born, he entered the world humbly. Jesus began his life as a baby, laid to rest in a manger because there was no room for his parents in the guestroom. This is not the entrance we might imagine for the Messiah, the promised one. By coming to earth in this way, God identified with the poor, the homeless and the powerless. It is fitting then, that the first people to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth were the shepherds. In Jesus’ time, shepherds were on the fringes of society. They lived a difficult life, spending much of their time outside watching over the herd to protect it from wild animals and robbers. God’s choice of the shepherds as the first recipients of the wonderful news of the birth of God’s son sends a clear message that this good news is for everyone. In contrast to Jesus’s humble beginning, is the announcement of his birth. First one angel and then a multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of this special child. It was an announcement fit for a king.
December 25 Unit 1: The Stories of Christmas
BV: A child is born to us. (Isaiah 9:6)
AP: We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Shepherds’ Story (Luke 2:8-20)
Dive Deeper Together Read Luke 2:8-20 together in the Deep Blue Kids Bible. OR Read “Shepherds’ Story”: On the night Jesus was born, shepherds watched their flocks in a field just outside Bethlehem. Suddenly an angel appeared in the night sky above them bringing good news of great joy for all the world. The angel said a baby was born in Bethlehem who was the Savior! Suddenly the sky was filled with many angels singing, “Glory to God!” When the angels left, the shepherds looked at each other and said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem!” They found the child lying in the manger. The shepherds returned to their flocks praising God for all they had seen and heard!
Grow Stronger Together Celebrate the twelve days of Christmas starting December 25 through January 6. Begin by making shepherd crooks by shaping premade crescent dough into the shape of a shepherd crook. Follow the dough’s instructions for baking. While you snack on the shepherd crooks, come up with 11 other ways to celebrate Christmastide.
Pray Together Share joys and concerns, and then say this prayer: Dear God, thank you for the shepherds and the angels. Amen.
The games in the Deep Blue Adventures app are awesome! Download the app at www.deepbluekids. com/app.
