30 "But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God." 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Luke 1:30;38
It was so exciting to have the school-agers join us for chapel this week! Due to a school delay we had the opportunity to have a special chapel session just for them! This week is the start of Advent and the timing couldn't have been more perfect! We had a great time singing and learning about Christ's birth as found in Luke 2.
Our story was desinged to be an interactive "Right/Left" game. We had the children stand in a circle in the back of the Chapel. Pieces of the nativity were wrapped in paper and given to various children around the circle. The children were instructed to pass the gifts around the circle according to the directions given throughout the story.
Here is a short example from what was read:
"Mary and
Joseph walked all around Bethlehem asking if there was a place they could sleep
for the night, but everyone they met said there was no room LEFT. Finally, one kind inn keeper offered to let them stay RIGHT in his stable."
The children did a fantatic job listening and obeying directions! When the story ended whoever was left holding the presents got to open them.
Together we discussed how God had a special purpose and plan for each person in the nativity story and how each of them listened and obeyed God.
As the children came up to place their character in the nativity, they read a short sentence then talked about how each of the characters were obedient to God.
- Mary was obedient by loving God.
- Joseph was obedient by trusting God.
- The shepherds were obedient by believing what the angels said was true.
- The Wise Men were obedient by being faithful as they followed the star.
Our school-agers LOVE praise and worship time!
Here are the youtube links to the music videos of the songs we taught them.
