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Family Time with God: December
How to use this section: On this page, you'll find Fun Stuff, monthly activities for your family, and Did You Know, an interesting story to tell your kids. On the pages that follow, you'll learn a new Bible verse a week. The verses are divided into three parts: Preschoolers memorize the words in bold. Elementary kids memorize the words in bold and italics. Teens and parents learn the complete verse.
Fun Stuff
Sweet Oranges: You need: 4 oranges, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 1/4 cup water, Whipped cream, Cherries.Peel the oranges. Break into segments and put into a bowl. Cut the orange rind (peel) from one-half of an orange into thin strips. Boil the sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, water, and the rind peels until the rind becomes almost clear. Pour the syrup mixture over the oranges. Cool. Serve with whipped cream and a cherry on top!
Christmas Tablecloth: Cover the table with a red covering. (This can be cloth or plastic. Or you could use a bed sheet.) Make Christmas designs from construction paper: candy canes, snowflakes, wreaths, etc. Place on the tablecloth; then cover with a clear vinyl tablecloth.
What Is Awana?
Awana® is a nondenominational youth ministry committed to reaching boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and training them to serve him. To learn more about Awana and locate an Awana club near you, visit www.awana.org/about.asp
Why Jesus Came to Earth
| Sun | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat |
| Week 1 Jesus came to earth to show us God.John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was with God. | ||||||
| 1 Only 25 more days until Christmas. Do you have your Christmas shopping done? | 2 Pray that you'll have oppor-tunities this month to tell your friends the real meaning of Christmas. | 3 Read John 1:1-5. | 4 Make a Christmas card for a special person. Use glitter, sequins, or stickers to decorate it. | |||
| Week 2 Jesus came to earth to show his love and grace. John 1:14 The Word became fleshand made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. | ||||||
| 5 What Christmas songs did you hear at church today? Which one is your favorite? | 6 Celebrate a "Be kind to Mom" day. She's probably extra busy with Christmas pre-parations. Help set the table, play with your little brother, or sweep the floor. | 7 Memorize John 1:1. | 8Family Forum: Who is the "Word"? How does Jesus "show" us he is God? | 9 Say your verse before each meal today. (Maybe everyone in your family will learn it!) | 10 Pray for the soldiers who are far away from home this Christmas. | 11Family Fun: Take a ride around town. How many Nativity scenes can you find? |
| Week 3 Jesus came to save sinners. Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. | ||||||
| 12 Thank Dad and Mom for taking you to church. | 13 Bethle-hem is in the country of Israel. Make "Sweet Oranges," a special dessert from the country of Israel (see Fun Stuff, page 22). | 14 Read John 1:6-14. | 15 Save your Christmas cards until supper-time. Open them together as a family. Then pray for each person who sent a card. | 16 Memorize John 1:14. | 17 Are you in a Christmas program at church? Invite someone who doesn't know Jesus to the program. | 18 Christ-mastime is busy. Ask Mom or Dad how you can help clean the house today. |
| Week 4 Jesus came to teach.John 14:24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. | ||||||
| 19 What did you learn about Jesus at church today? | 20 Do you have a relative who doesn't know Jesus Christ? Pray for him or her. | 21 Watch a video that tells the story of the first Christmas. | 22 Make a table-cloth for Christmas dinner (see Fun Stuff, page 22). | 23 Enjoy some Christmas cookies and a cup of hot chocolate. | 24 Read Luke 2:1-14. | 25 Remember the reason why we celebrate Christmas. |
| Week 5 Jesus came to bring us peace.John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. | ||||||
| 26 Write thank-you notes for the gifts you received for Christmas. | 27 Write a thank-you note to God for sending his Son to earth to die for our sins. Thank him that Jesus came alive again. | 28 Read John 14:22-31. | 29 Memorize John 14:24. | 30Family Forum: Ask each family member to share the best thing that happened during 2004. Then thank the Lord for those events. | 31 Celebrate New Year's Eve with your family. |
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Family Time with God: December
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