Northwood Parents

Yes!  It is crazy!  It’s the most busy … I mean wonderful … time of the year!  While you read this, take time right now to breathe!  Sit back!  Chill!  Relax for just a moment and then come back and finish reading…

Isn’t it amazing that, during the most wonderful time of the year, it’s easy to forget why it is?  It’s most wonderful because of our most wonderful Savior!  Emmanuel – God with us!  Christmas is all about celebrating that we are not alone.  God is here!  With us!  Right now!  It doesn’t matter whether I get or give the right gift!  It doesn’t matter how much money I spend!  It doesn’t matter how many Christmas parties I attend!  God loves me!  He is with me!  He will not leave! 

I am so grateful that, while man cannot see my heart - Jesus does!   While man cannot provide constant comfort and companionship– Jesus does!  While man fails – Jesus does not!  While man looks on the outside – Jesus does not!  While man is too busy for me – Jesus is not!  And that’s why I celebrate!  Hope you’ll join me!

This Sunday, preschoolers will hear about a time when Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem.  When they got there, they had to stay in a stable.  Baby Jesus was born in a stable and went to sleep where the animals eat.  Preschoolers will have the opportunity to pretend that they are Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem.  They will experience the story with live drama and storytellers in their age group appropriate environment.  Sunday night, at bath time, let your preschooler take a bubble bath and make fluffy sheep with the bubbles.  Try to herd the sheep into one end of the tub.  Talk with your preschooler about how amazing it must have been for the shepherds to see Baby Jesus!  Take some time before bed to thank God for His greatest gift, Jesus!

Elementary kids will continue learning about compassion this week.  They will hear how John the Baptist was a “preview” of Jesus.  They will hear that God sent His Son, Jesus, to the world to let us know that He is compassionate and cares about us.  We also have the great opportunity to let others know about this incredible gift!  On the ride home Sunday, talk to your child about a time when you did not show compassion in a situation and wish that you would have.  Help your child understand that we need to show compassion to everyone, at all times!

I can’t wait to see your child Sunday!  Remember … one hour with us is not enough!  Take some time to reinforce what we teach at church by using these suggestions!  I promise …  it will make a difference!

Here’s what’s happening in children’s ministry this week at Northwood…

During the month of December, preschoolers will learn that God loves us so much that He gave us Jesus.  This week, your preschooler will learn that God sent an angel to tell Mary that she would have a baby.  This was going to be a very special baby.  Mary was going to have Jesus!  Your preschooler will watch during story time has an angel announces the news that Mary’s baby is on the way!  Sometime this week, turn off all the lights in the room except for the Christmas tree lights.  You can substitute a candle or special light for the tree.  Lay on the floor with your preschooler and talk about their favorite things about Christmas as you watch the lights.  Then, pray and thank God for giving us Jesus, the most wonderful gift of the Christmas season.

Elementary kids begin a month of learning about the virtue of Compassion – caring enough to do something about someone else’s need.  This week, kids will learn that we can get so wrapped up in ourselves, that we forget about the needs of others.  God wants us to care about others more than ourselves.  This month, kids will have an opportunity to show compassion through our Compassion in Action.  We will ask kids to bring any of these travel size items:  mouthwash, soap, Band-Aids, lotion, hand sanitizer, and packs of individually wrapped crackers.  We will donate these items to the Salvation Army.  We really want kids to understand that, even in this season of getting, we can also have compassion on others by giving to them … but we need your help!  Encourage your child to look for opportunities this month to care more for others than himself.

It’s going to be a great month and I’m looking forward to seeing your child here this week!