Hello Chapel Hill Families!

On Sunday we heard the story of Jesus’ birth. We talked about what a nativity was and shared what our nativities at home looked like. If you have a nativity at home, spend some time talking with your child about the different figurines and how they fit in with the story of Jesus’ birth.

We sponsor cousins, Neema & Kikwete, who live in the Angel House Orphanage in Tanzania, Africa. We have pledged to give $90/month in order to provide food, clothing and schooling to these children at Angel House. Each Sunday, kids have the opportunity to bring money to put into our offering for Neema and Kikwete. Would you help us meet our goal by sending your child with $1.00 each week? Our former Director of Children’s Ministries, Raegan Brane, has visited Angel House in the past. You can find out more information about the Grassroots Organization and Angel House by clicking HERE.

REMINDER:

If you have a 3rd, 4th or 5th grader that has a Deep Blue Bible, please help them remember to bring it with them to Sunday school each week! We don’t have many extras of that particular version at the church and they will be looking up and reading scripture every time they come to church from now on.

Please  join us this Friday for our annual Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on December 24th at 5:0o or 7:00PM online or in-person. We have twelve talented CH Kids and Youth participating in the services this year. Nursery will be available for kids birth through pre-k. CH Kids K-5th grade are invited to attend the service. I have prepared several clipboards with sanctuary activities for the children. The service will be child friendly including a children’s sermon with Pastor Jeff. Bring a friend!

Don’t forget to check our Chapel Hill Kids Facebook Group regularly for the most up to date information. If you haven’t checked your child’s information on the birthday post, please make sure you do so as soon as possible. I have marked it as an announcement so you can easily find it. If you have moved in the last year, please contact the office so that we have your correct address on file so they can receive some birthday mail. The office number is (316) 684-1117.

Blessings to you and your children,

Allison

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.

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

Jesus is born, and the waiting is over. Actually, waiting is not over for everyone. In our Bible story this week, we meet Simeon and Anna in the temple. Mary and Joseph have come to the temple for the ritual purification of Mary and the dedication of the baby Jesus. This was done to fulfill the requirement of Jewish law. While at the temple, Jesus is immediately recognized as a special baby by Simeon and Anna.

Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and praises God. A long time ago, God spoke to Simeon and told him he would not die until he saw the Messiah. Simeon praised God and rejoiced that God’s words had been fulfilled: baby Jesus was the Messiah. Mary and Joseph were amazed at the wonderful words Simeon said.

Anna was also present at the temple on that special day. She was a devout widow who spent her days in the temple fasting and praying. Like Simeon, she was very old. When she saw Jesus, she also praised God and declared to everyone who could hear that the baby Jesus was the Messiah.

Simeon and Anna waited for years and years for the promised Messiah. They never stopped hoping the day would come and, when it did, they knew immediately that the baby Jesus was “the” Gift from God.

As we see, with Anna and Simeon, waiting is a part of a bigger story in the Bible. Anna and Simeon did not sit by waiting for God to casually plop Jesus in their lap. They prayed, stayed faithful, and kept their eyes and hearts open to recognize Jesus when he was presented. We, too, must actively wait and be prepared to see and hear the words God speaks to us.

Light all the candles on the Advent wreath, including the Christ candle. Offer your presence to God and sit silently as you imagine God’s love washing over you.