FAMILY PLUS Preschool - December 9

Hi Parents and Grandparents,

This week your preschoolers will learn that God chose Joseph to help care for Baby Jesus. God chose Joseph to be Jesus’ earthly father. Ask your preschooler questions like: “What are some things daddies do to make boys and girls laugh?” or “What do daddies look like?” Remind your preschooler that Jesus had an earthly daddy named Joseph, who helped care for Jesus. Pray with your preschooler, thanking God for Jesus and for daddies. If you miss any week this month due to travel or vacation, read the passage from the take home page to your preschooler. Discuss the story as a family and talk about ways your family can help to celebrate the good news of Jesus at Christmas.

This Sunday, December 11, 2011 Your preschooler will hear this story:
Mary and Joseph Heard Good News (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-56)
Bible Story Brief -
• God sent an angel named Gabriel to the town of Nazareth to talk to a woman named Mary. “Mary,” the angel said, “God is pleased with you. He has chosen you.” Mary wondered what the angel meant. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said. “God has chosen you to be the mother of a special baby boy. His name will be Jesus.”
• Mary did not understand. Gabriel said, “You are part of God’s plan. The baby will be God’s Son.” Mary said, “I will do what God
wants me to do.”Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who was expecting a baby. Elizabeth was very happy for Mary. Mary sang a song to thank God. Later, Mary returned home.
• Joseph was a kind man who loved God. He wanted to marry Mary and do the right things for her. One night, God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, do not be afraid to marry Mary. She is going to have a baby, God’s Son. You will name Him Jesus. He will help all people.”
• When Joseph awoke, he knew the words had come from God. Joseph did what God told him to do. Joseph and Mary were married. They became a family. They waited for the day Jesus would be born.

Bible Truth - God chose a family for Jesus.
Life Application - I can understand God chose Jesus’ family.
Bible Verse - You will give birth to a son and call Him Jesus. Luke 1:31

Conversation Starter - If you have time, purchase two matching sets of Christmas cards that feature the biblical theme of Christmas. Cut the front off of each card and make a matching game. Place all cards face up and challenge your child to find two cards that match. As you play the game, review the Bible verse, “You will give birth to a son and call Him Jesus. Luke 1:31.” Show your child Luke 1:31 in the Bible. With conversation, help your child understand God chose Jesus’ family. Say: “God chose Mary and Joseph as parents for Jesus.”


UPCOMING EVENTS
Family Plus Event Jan 5
Preschool Pajama Party Feb 23 (3 year olds - Kindergarten)

If you have any questions about these events or any area of our New Generations Ministry please do not hesitate to contact me.
If there is something that I can help you pray about with you or your family please let me know.

Don't forget to send me those sweet stories about your preschooler. I hope you have a blessed week!!

REMINDER: Your preschooler needs to wear blue jeans and a black long sleeve shirt for a video we will be filming Wednesday, December 14.

Thank You for sharing your preschooler with us,

Bridget :)