Mommy Mary and Baby Jesus

Red and Green are everywhere. Christmas songs fill the air. It is a sparkly time of year. It can also be a perfect time to cuddle up on the couch and read a story together. For any of us being read to is a wonderful way to connect. For young children being about to interact with the story enables them to deepen their understanding of the story. In the 13th century St. Francis of Assisi created a living recreation of the birth of Jesus to help the people see and understand that God come to them as one of them, a baby in a manger. Our nativity scenes are a way for us to become part of that holy night, and a way for our children as well. Don’t be surprised if trolls, and horses, and toy cars all make a visit to the manger to meet Baby Jesus and Mommy Mary.

Book Wombat Divine by Mem Fox 
 
Activity
Create a nativity scene (also called a Crèche)
 
You will need:
A small box for the manger.
Toys to be the characters in the story
 
Or you can print out a Paper Crèche  
http://goodgroundpress.com/holyfamilycutouts.aspx
Print on cardstock paper. These crèche figures can be colored and cut out, to create your nativity scene.
 
Some ideas,

• Find a space for the shepherds and sheep to graze until Christmas Eve
• Listen to a Christmas carol while you create your nativity scene.

                                    Silent Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNpiQwgStNA
Away in a manger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuF-D7eaars
O Little Town of Bethlehem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpHY3jU27dc

• Have the wise men travel around that house and arrive at the manger on Epiphany (Jan. 6).

 
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the baby Jesus.
Thank you for the singing angels.
And thank you for the happy shepherds and the kind animals.
We also thank you for ________ (each member of the family adds their “thank you”)
Amen.
 (Say the Lord’s Prayer)
Amen.

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