Hello Chapel Hill Families!

Celebrate Wonder is a Sunday school curriculum that engages children’s natural sense of curiosity to help them understand God’s love. It creates a safe environment for kids to ask big questions — helping them explore the Bible in ways that feed their imagination and encourages creativity. Through carefully-selected Bible stories, songs, videos, and hands-on activities, Celebrate Wonder gives children the tools to explore their faith while incorporating it into their daily lives.

Since we are not able to meet in person, I have been mailing Sunday School Kits to families each month with printed lesson plans, activity sheets and craft supplies. If you would like to be added to our mailing list for January, please sign up by clicking the button below. I will also continue to attach digital copies of the material to our weekly e- news for you to print at home if you prefer that option.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR JANUARY KITS.

Each month, our weekly stories will align with a Faith Word. The Faith Word for the month of December is, “Joy”.

Shepherds were quietly going about their night, when suddenly an angel appeared to them. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you— wonderful, joyous news for all people” (Luke 2:10, CEB). The Bible states that the shepherds were terrified. Yet, instead of running away in terror, they listened to the message and made the decision to go to Bethlehem to confirm that what the angel said was really true.

Shepherds were the first to hear of Jesus’ birth. There is much speculation on why the angel announced the news to shepherds. Some think it was because shepherds were low on the societal rung, and God wanted it known that Jesus was for everyone.

We may never know why the humble shepherds were the first to hear the news. We do know the shepherds went to Bethlehem; found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus; and shared with them what the angels had said. Then the shepherds returned home and spread the news of Jesus’ birth.

From the angels to the shepherds to the world, the good news of Jesus is for all people, not just the rich and powerful. Spreading the news brought joy to the shepherds and to all who heard it. Joy is meant to be shared, as joy is for all.

Light a candle. Close your eyes and imagine a light around the top of your head. Imagine that light moving all the way down your body. As you let the light pass, say to yourself, “The light of Christ is inside me.” Continue letting the light radiate through your body until it reaches your toes. Then say, “Amen.”

Check out the Norris girls in last week’s video, Session 3- “Jesus Brings Joy” (Luke 2:1-7)