Welcome to our MBI Children and Family Ministry Newsletter! We seek to support Children and Family Ministry by providing free or inexpensive resources that inspire and educate faith in Jesus.
“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,” ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” Matthew 21:16
Bible Lessons
As the Christmas season approaches, it is important that our children understand that it is Christ’s arrival that we are celebrating not presents. Jesus’ birth gives us many reasons to celebrate. Here. are four Bible lessons (one for each Sunday in December) that tell of the events leading up to Jesus’ birth—the true reason for the season.
This lesson from Gospel Centered Family focuses on Jesus as the Light who has come into our dark world to bring hope. The lesson includes three different songs that children can learn so that you can praise Jesus together as a family, as well as a final craft that children can keep as a reminder that it is wonderful to live in the Light of Christ! Access this lesson here.
Celebration in Children’s Minstry
Celebration is an essential ingredient to discipleship. Paul says in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” If you desire to foster a deeply personal faith in your children, consider celebrating milestones along the way of their faith journey. Give children moments they can look back on to remember where they graduated clearly from one stage of spiritual development to the next. Learn more about this idea here and learn how to develop your own milestone ministry here.
The Church calendar is about to begin this year on November 29th! If you have never followed the church calendar before, this can be a great way to weave the story of Christ into the daily life of your family. Use this calendar wheel to teach your children the different seasons Christians have historically celebrated. You can also find out more about the Church calendar here or by watching this video! here.
Africa and the Middle East
The African people are known for celebration and one of their most celebrated holidays is the Day of Reconciliation. This holiday commemorates the end of apartheid and the beginning of racial harmony between people groups. Learn more about this unique holiday here.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated by many Jewish families. Often called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah holds great significance to the nation and people of Israel. Learn more about the history of this holiday from a Christian perspective, click here.
Asia
On November 15th in Japan, parents of three and five year old boys and seven year old girls visit shrines to pray for their children’s safety, health, and growth. This is a religious custom, as well as an opportunity for families to celebrate their children’s growth. Learn more about this holiday when you visit here.
Chinese New Year
One of the most wellknown Asian holidays is Chinese New Year. This holiday, typically falling between late January and early February, is celebrated not only by the Chinese, but by people throughout Asia. Learn more about this widely celebrated holiday here.
Europe
On January 6th, several European countries celebrate Epiphany. This holiday ends the Christmas season and is also know as The Three Kings holiday or the 12th Day of Christmas. This holiday honors the Magi, or the three kings, who followed the star to see baby Jesus. Read here and here to learn more about how this holiday is traditionally celebrated.
Christmas
St. Nicholas lived in Europe and served as a missionary for Jesus. He used his resources to care for the poor and needy, and because of this, he was wellknown for his generosity. Stemmed from this historical man comes our modern-day Santa Claus. Read more about the history of St. Nicholas here.
