Introduction
Animator – In December we celebrate a great feast. Which one is it?
It’s Christmas! The feast,when Jesus Christ was born and became a human like us.
Let us sing together:
Song – Away in a Manger
The Story of the Stable
Animator – We are going to take a look at the animals who were present on Jesus’ birth in the stable.
The animals were:
The Donkey
The Cow
The Sheep
The Christmas Story
(Luke 2:1-7)
Animator: Now we shall be reading or relating the Christmas Story in one’s own words to learn why Jesus was born in a stable. While relating the story, one can show this image to the children.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out an order from the Emperor of Rome Caesar Augustus, to get information about who was living in his empire.
And all went to give the information, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Joseph was with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered the baby.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Mime
The animator re-read the story and the children will carry out these gestures when hearing the names of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Joseph – a tall man
Mary – smiling
child/son – rocking Baby Jesus together
Questions/Small Discussion
Who are the people in the story? Jesus, Joseph, and Mary
Why did Joseph go to Bethlehem? To be enrolled in the list and to pay the tax.
Where did Mary lay Baby Jesus? In a manger
Why they were in a stable? There was no room for them in the inn.
Song – Jesus Saviour of the World
Prayer
Baby Jesus, we love you loads.
Introduction
Animator – Dear students, we are in the month of December, the month in which we celebrate the pleasant feast of Christmas. What does Christmas mean for you? Mention words that remind you of Christmas.
This activity can take place either orally, or by writing on a whiteboard or interactive, the word Christmas at the center, and jotting down around it all that the students say.
Song
The Heroes of the Christmas Story
- Saint Elizabeth and the birth of Saint John the Baptist
2. The Angel Gabriel visits Mary
3. The Angel visits Saint Joseph
4. The Magi stops King Herod form doing harm to Baby Jesus
5. The Magi adores Jesus
6. The angels sharing the good news to the shepherds that Jesus is born.
7. The shepherds go to Bethlehem to visit Jesus and back home thanking God.
8. Joseph and Mary presenting Jesus in the temple
Discussion
Jesus brought peace. How can we continue sharing his peace?
Students form themselves in twos. On a paper, each pair writes his answers for this situation, and then it will be discussed as a whole class.
Jamie and Nathalie are siblings. Lately, they’ve been fighting a lot, and yelling at each other. They were taking each other’s belongings and revealing each other’s secrets to their parents. There is no peace in their home, although they share the same room. What shall they do?
Jesus brought peace. How can we continue sharing his peace?
Exercise Together – Strengthening Peace Among Us
On a paper, the students write the word PEACE, and underneath it, they write:
“My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (Jn 14:27)
Students put this message in a place, they come across frequently.
Individual Excercise
Animator: Today, through the narration we heard and read, we learned about the birth of Jesus. We were all born. I shall ask you some questions which I would like you to answer.
I was born……(name of a place)
When I was born my mum dressed me…..(clothes)
If you had to travel for fifty miles with your family, you….
When I was born, I was visited by…..(people)
Usually, on Sunday mornings I am….
When I grow up I would like to be……
Prayer
Thank you Baby Jesus that you were born for us to bring peace to the world. Help us to accept the unique peace you give us to help us understand what shall we do in the difficulties we encounter in our lives, and do not lose heart.
Song
Time
30 minutes
Aim
The students will understand that peace can truly be achieved if we learn to love, accept, and forgive others.
Learning Outcomes
- The students will be able to list practical examples of how to sincerely love and respect other people starting from their home, school, friends, and other communities in their life.
- They explain that love is a responsible decision that the person chooses.
Resources
PowerPoint presentation, interactive whiteboard
Introduction
Step 1
(Slide 1-2) The animator starts by asking the students this question: What does Christmas mean to you? The students can answer orally or write their answers on the interactive whiteboard or on a large paper or flip chart. Then he comments on the students’ answers and encourages them to discuss what they have written.
Lesson Development
Step 2
(Slide 3) The animator asks the students to watch this video clip showing an inspirational story of kindness at Christmas time.
Step 3
(Slide 4) At the end of the video footage the animator asks the students these questions to encourage them to give their opinion.
- What is the video about?
- Why is Christmas stressful for many people?
- How can we make Christmas more meaningful?
- What we can we do to give others joy at Christmas? Give practical examples.
Step 4
(Slide 5-10) The animator the slides to get the students to give practical examples of how they can bring joy to Christmas by being helpful, sharing responsibilities or duties, offering our time to help and listen to others, inviting someone who is lonely to join our friends and activities, reaching out, being generous with the poor and needy.
Step 5
The animator instructs the students that they will end with the prayer for peace by St Francis.
(Slide 11)
Time
30 minutes
Aim
The students will understand that peace can truly be achieved if we learn to love, accept, and forgive others.
Learning Outcomes
- The students will be able to list practical examples of how to sincerely love and respect other people starting from their home, school, friends, and other communities in their life.
- They explain that love is a responsible decision that the person chooses.
Resources
PowerPoint presentation, interactive whiteboard
Introduction
Step 1
(Slide 1-2) The animator starts by asking the students this question: What does Christmas mean to you? The students can answer orally or write their answers on the interactive whiteboard or on a large paper or flip chart. Then he comments on the students’ answers and encourages them to discuss what they have written.
Lesson Development
Step 2
(Slide 3) The animator asks the students to watch this video clip showing an inspirational story of kindness at Christmas time.
Step 3
(Slide 4) At the end of the video footage, the animator asks the students these questions to encourage them to give their opinion.
- What is the video about?
- Why is Christmas stressful for many people?
- How can we make Christmas more meaningful?
- What we can we do to give others joy at Christmas? Give practical examples.
Step 4
(Slide 5-10) The animator the slides to get the students to give practical examples of how they can bring joy to Christmas by being helpful, sharing responsibilities or duties, offering our time to help and listen to others, inviting someone who is lonely to join our friends and activities, reaching out, being generous with the poor and needy.
Step 5
(Slide 11)
The animator instructs the students that they will end with the prayer for peace by St Francis.