Festivals - Christmas

The Gift

The Gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes

And in a manger laid,
A helpless baby lying there

The love of God portrayed.

The world was dark and quiet, but

The angels couldn't keep

Their silence any longer as

They watched the nation sleep-

They broke the sky with glory light,

Their praises rang out clear,

They told the watchful shepherds 'Look

The Gift of God is here.

You'll find Him in a manger and

One day He'll grow to be

The Saviour you've been waiting for-

The Lord and Christ is He!'

(Printable version available here)

From 'The Well Good News of Christmas', available from the Bible Society

'Mary set off travelling, with Joseph right beside,

They walked and talked for miles and miles, till Bethlehem arrived.

With a baby inside Mary, who was going to be King,

When they finally arrived, there was no room at the inn!

So a place was found by haystack and corn,

And in this spot, the baby was born.

So they stayed in the shed where animals fed,

And the baby had straw instead of a bed.'

In Search of Christmas

In Search of Christmas is a trail-based treasure hunt for children and families, using a series of videos to encourage conversation and help crack a code. Videos are accessed by scanning QR codes, as the groups explore the local area. This resource is fun, interactive and engages children in exploring, walking, and sharing their thoughts on the Christmas story. Visit www.su.org.uk/christmastrail to find out more.

Christmas in a Box

Bristol Schools Connection has a great resource to encourage thought and creativity around the Christmas story. Visit their website for more information.

The Real Advent Calendar

The Meaningful Chocolate Company sells the UK’s only Fairtrade Advent calendar which comes with a free 24 page Christmas story-activity book and supports charitable causes. The Real Advent Calendar is designed to share and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas so that Christ is not written out of Christmas. Why not use it in classrooms as a basis for discussion?

Christmas lesson idea

Here is an idea for an activity about sharing the good news of Christmas.

Fantastic video Resources on Youtube

The Greatest Journey – Bible Society Christmas story for children (2017)

https://youtu.be/ggFqPfbry_o - 3 minutes 32 seconds

The First Christmas – Stop-Go Animation / Claymation (1998)

https://youtu.be/y7T23XV-2Ek - 21 minutes 40 seconds

The Christian Story of the First Christmas | Religions of the World

https://youtu.be/FrTFAZPQxpE - 3 minutes 24 seconds

It Begins in Bethlehem – Our 2020 Christmas story for children

https://youtu.be/D06k9vulAVQ - 4 minutes 47 seconds

The Mystery of the New Noisy Neighbour – Bible Society Christmas story for children (2018)