A DIFFICULT JOURNEY

HEY FAMILIES!

This week we'll be exploring the first parts of the Christmas Story.

Do you remember the time Mary and Joseph had to travel for many days to get to the place where Jesus was born?

What could we learn from that journey? Why would the Gospel writers have included it in their tellings of Jesus' story?

Parents, see below what the children will be working through on Sunday, and find some extra activities or discussion questions to enjoy at home.

Here's what we aimed for on Sunday:

Teach children that even when life feels difficult, God’s plan is perfect.
Through Mary and Joseph’s hard journey to Bethlehem, we see that God kept His promise; the Saviour was born, just as He said.

“WOULD YOU RATHER… TRAVEL?”

Ask fun travel questions and have kids move to a side of the room for each choice, for example:

• “Would you rather ride in a car for 10 hours OR walk 10 miles?”

• “Would you rather ride a donkey OR carry a heavy backpack?”

• “Would you rather sleep in an expensive hotel OR in a barn with animals?”

Connect: “Mary and Joseph didn’t get to choose. They had to travel a long way on foot or donkey

while Mary was about to have a baby. Let’s hear their story…

Read Luke 2:1–7 together

Here are some discussion questions and answers:

Q: What decree did Caesar Augustus issue?
A: That a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Luke 2:1

Q: Where did people have to go for the census?
A: Everyone went to their own town to register. Luke 2:3

Q: Which town did Joseph go to for the census?
A: Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

Q: Who went with him?
A: Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:5.

Q: What happened while they were there?
A: The time came for the child to be born. Luke 2:6.

Q: While they were in Bethlehem, it was time for the child to be born. What did Mary do with the baby?
A: She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger. Luke 2:7.

Q: What is a manger?
A: A food troth for animals to eat from.

Q: What was Mary to name the baby?
A: Jesus. Matthew 1: 21

Q: Why was Jesus born among the animals, in a stable?
A: There was no guest room available for them. Luke 2: 7

Let’s pray:

Thank You, God, for always keeping Your promises.

Thank You for sending Jesus, the greatest gift.

Help us remember that even when life is hard,

You are with us and working out Your good plan.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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