Extra Mile
• Work together to memorize this week’ s Key Verse. Each day of the week, practice the verse in a different way, such as writing it, typing it, saying it out loud, meditating on it, or learning it in sign language.
• Compare the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke to that in Matthew 1:1 – 25. Discuss which details have become common knowledge in Christmas celebrations and which ones have not.
• Pull out some baby pictures of your child. Tell your child all about the time just before, during, and after his or her birth or adoption. Tell your child how you felt about that time and how you celebrated and shared the good news with others.
Prepare For Next Week
Help your child prepare for next week’ s lesson by reading The Books of the Bible for Kids, New Testament, Days 6-10, and encourage your child to respond with journaling.
If you are reading The Books of the Bible, New Testament with your small group, you are discussing your questions and insights with them from week to week. Include your family in the conversation about this week’ s reading, using the following discussion starters:
• What did you read that you never knew about before?
• Was there anything you wondered about?
• What did you learn about loving God?
• What did you learn about loving others?
Later Elementary: Lesson 1 New Testament: Jesus Is Born