DECEMBER CURRICULUM

God didn’t need cable news or social media to broadcast the greatest birth announcement of all time. Instead, God sent an angel to Mary and to Zechariah and a full-on angel choir to the shepherds. And then, because no-big-deal, God placed a brand-new star to share the news with the wise men. Throughout history, the extraordinary news of Jesus’ birth has been spread in every way imaginable, which is why we’re shouting it out through this month’s theme: “Extra! Extra!: Celebrate the Good News of Jesus’ birth.”

The connection between truth and God’s image, as shown through God’s Big Story

I am created in the image of God and have unique potential and worth.

Week 1 Jesus Is Promised

To start off the month, though, we’re hopping back in time to look at the most important prophecies of Jesus’ birth. Isaiah lived in a tumultuous time as the northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed and enemies closed in on Judah. But God gave Isaiah words of hope and peace for God’s people then… and for the whole world. “A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. His rule will be based on what is fair and right. It will last forever.” That news makes me want to cheer! Then Micah points to a ruler who would be born in Bethlehem. More incredible news.

[BOTTOM LINE] Jesus is good news for everyone.

Week 2 Gabriel Visits Mary

Brings us to the stories of Mary, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. After hundreds of years with no recorded word from God, the rescue plan was set in motion. God sent angelic messengers with amazing news to Zechariah and to an ordinary girl named Mary. While Zechariah couldn’t quite believe that he was part of God’s plan, Mary chose to humbly accept her role as the mother of God’s own Son. No matter how we respond, God’s rescue plan can’t be stopped.

[BOTTOM LINE] God always had a plan to send Jesus.

It’s Week 3, Jesus Is Born

and we’ve reached the main event. Jesus is born! God could have sent His Son to be born in the finest palace – but instead, Jesus was born in a place where the animals stayed with a manger as his bed. The birth announcement was pretty dramatic, though – because God sent brilliant angels to declare the news to a group of shepherds in the nearby fields. And once these shepherds saw the baby king, they couldn’t help shouting out the good news wherever they went.

[BOTTOM LINE] Jesus is the greatest gift.

Week 4 The Wise Men Visit Jesus

We wrap up the month with the wise men and their visit to Jesus. These important scholars lived far to the East of Bethlehem, but that’s no problem for God. In fact, God placed a brand-new star in the sky to spread the news of Jesus’ birth and guide the wise men straight to the new king. The wise men gave Jesus royal gifts and returned home – where you can bet they celebrated their incredible adventure for the rest of the year… and the rest of their lives!

[BOTTOM LINE] Celebrate Jesus all year long.