CHRISTMAS MEMORY VERSE

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

During this Advent season, join us as we read through the book of Luke. We look at the life of our coming Saviour from cradle to grave.

Luke 24

This week of Advent, we celebrate the Peace that can only be found through Christ. Jesus came to be our Prince of Peace bringing peace to the nations through his love and sacrifice. Take some time this week in particular to try and memorize the above verse as a family.

Why This Activity?

The craft for peace is creating and building Prayer Trees. The hope and intent is that families spend time reflecting on their lives and the gift of our Prince of Peace as they create a Christmas Tree full of prayers of thanksgiving, requests, and adoration.

Instructions for Craft:

1. Gather a mug, hole punch, and a pen

2. Place the green foam block provided in the bottom of the mug and stick the skewer into the green foam block

3. Write things to remember to pray for this December and in the New Year on each piece of paper, then fold the pieces of paper in squares

4. Hole punch the middle of each folded piece of paper and, starting with the largest pieces, stack them on the skewer to form a Christmas Tree

5. On Christmas day and into the New Year, take turns taking off one piece of paper to pray for daily or be reminded of the prayers by looking at the Prayer Tree daily.

Instructions for Activity:

Gather:

• Mug or small bucket
• Small piece of styrofoam
• Wooden Skewer
• Colourful scrap paper
• Pen or pencil
• Small hole punch

Instructions:

1. Place Styrofoam inside small container.
2. Ask a parent to push dull side of wooden skewer into center of Styrofoam.
3. Invite family members to write a favorite memory from the year inside each piece of paper. You can also write a prayer for a family member or friend.
4. Fold paper into a square. If paper is thick, use a small hole punch to create a hole. Then, starting with larger squares, push papers onto the skewer to form a Christmas tree.
5. On Christmas Day, take turns opening and sharing each memory or prayer!