December 2, 2012

Opening Song: He Sent His Son (p34)

Closing Song: I Am a Child of God (p2-3)

Christmas Song: Picture a Christmas (p50)
Review Songs: Away in a Manger (p42)

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Identify the doctrine: Heavenly Father loves us so much, He sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to return to live with Him. Jesus was born in a stable. Shepherds came to visit Him that night. The wise men didn't come for another couple of years (that's why we don't sing about them in the song).

Help the children understand it (Attention Getter): Make connection by showing personal pictures of Christmases past. Ask the children to share what they see when they "picture" Christmas (have a partner A and B so everyone gets to share). Then share Gospel Art Kit pictures of Christmas (and connect to how these are pictures of the first Christmas).

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior/Senior Primary

Picture a Christmas (Flipchart)

1. The first 2 phrases tell us to picture something, raise your hand when you hear what they are. (stable in Judea, sacred silent night) Discuss stable and sacred. Have children sing with me and then by themselves.
2. The next phrase has rhyming words, when you hear what they are touch your nose. (hear and near). Have children sing with me and then by themselves. 
3. Sing the next phrase to and with children, then have them sing it by themselves.
4. Sing verse from the beginning. 
5. When we picture the little baby Jesus, what are we supposed to think about? (His life and words so dear) Sing to, with and by. Have children use the sign language for baby and Jesus.
6. We should do 2 things as we picture Christmas this year, what are they? (sing praise and remember Him) Sing to, with and by. Have children silent clap for praise and point to head for remember. Sing chorus from beginning. 
7. Sing verse 1 with  chorus. Have children stand to sing.
8. What are the 2 words that describe Joseph? Hands on your shoulders when you know (kind and gentle). Sing to, with and by.
9. What 1 word describes Mary? (fair) Fair = beautiful. Sing to, with and by. 
10. The next part of a phrase has rhyming words, what are they? (see, rev'rently) Have children sing with me and then by themselves.
11. Sing the last part of the phrase to and with the children, then have them sing it by themselves.
12. Sing verse from beginning. Then sing it again with the chorus. Have children march quietly in place.
13. Sing the whole song through. Have children stand to sing.

Away in a Manger

1. Review verse 1 with chorus. Work on trouble spots.
2. If time, teach verses 2-3 using similar method used above. Solo/Duet for these verses?

*Tell children that after singing Away in a Manger and Picture a Christmas we will be singing "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". We can't practice them in church, so practice them at home during the week. The adults will be joining in to sing with us. 

Nursery (following singing time, go into Nursery and sing the following songs with them)

1. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
2. Away in a Manger
3. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
4. I Am a Child of God