Angels Spoke
to Mary and Joseph
Dear
Parents,
Thank
you for continuing this journey of The Gospel Project for Kids. We’d like to
take a break from the chronological study of the Bible and invite boys and
girls into the stories of Christmas.
In Children’s Church we attempted to make a connection from
what we have studied so far in the Old Testament to Christ’s birth. We
discovered that what we have learned from Genesis and the first few chapters in
Exodus indicates we need a Savior. We looked for clues in the scriptures we
have studied that remind us of the coming Savior. The clues were found in
Genesis 3, Genesis 7, Genesis 22, Genesis 41-47, and Exodus 12. Look them
up yourself and see if you can find a connection to Jesus and who He is and what
He does for us. I know of one light bulb that was going off as we were
discussing this on Sunday. We talked about how long the Israelites waited for
Jesus and how excited some must have been to hear this “Good News.”
We also viewed the first half of “Why Do We Call It
Christmas?” by the producers of “What’s in the Bible?” This DVD explains
some of the traditions of Christmas and their history and how they actually
celebrate and glorify the birth of Christ.
Today’s story in Sunday School relates a time when angels came to visit Mary and Joseph. The angel Gabriel came to Mary and startled her with his news. Mary felt unworthy, but she humbly submitted to God’s will for her life.
Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy and decided to divorce her quietly, but an angel visited Joseph and encouraged him to follow God’s plan and let the marriage take place as planned. God’s plan was far greater than Joseph’s plan.
What
were Mary and Joseph’s roles in God’s plan? God had chosen Mary and Joseph to
be the earthly parents of Jesus. The baby Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about
the Messiah in Isaiah 7:14. This was one of many Old Testament prophecies which
Jesus fulfilled.
Just in case the “Family Journal Page”
didn't make it home:
Bible Passage: Luke 1:26-56,
Matthew 1:18-24
Big Picture Question: What part
did Mary and Joseph have in God’s plan? God chose Mary and Joseph to be the
earthly parents of Jesus.
Key passage: “But the
angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of
great joy that will be for all people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord,
was born for you in the city of David.’” Luke 2:10-11
Christ Connection: “Therefore,
the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son,
and name him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14). The baby Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s
prophecy, as well as other prophecies of the coming Savior throughout the Old
Testament. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled God’s
plan of redemption that God planned from the beginning of the world.
Family task: Invite
grandparents or another family member or older Christian friend to come share
with your kids about a time in their life when they followed God’s plan. Were
they scared? Excited? Nervous? Share with your kids that God has a plan for
each of them. Ask grandparents, family member or Christian friend to write a
prayer for your kids asking God to help each one understand His plan and obey
it. Review the Big Picture Question.
Next week's lesson: Luke 2:1-20
Next week’s
Children’s Church: Jesus Birthday Party complete carols, cake, and gifts. Hope
you can join us at 9:30.
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