Christmas Carol Puzzler #1

Can You guess this Christmas Carol?

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Check back for the answer tomorrow!

For a wonderful collection of similar puzzles click here!

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The Legend of the First Christmas Tree

On the night of the Baby Jesus’ birth, all the living creatures of the world, both plants and animals, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought olives and the palm tree brought dates. But the little fir tree had no gift. The small little fir tree was so tired that the big trees pushed it out of the way and hid it from the baby Jesus.

Then a nearby angel took felt sorry for the little fir tree and took pity on it. The angel commanded a group of stars to come from the sky above and light the branches of the small tree. When the Baby Jesus saw this beautiful lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it. They he declared that from then on, fir trees should always be filled decorated with lights at Christmastime.

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Christmas Tree Evangelism

The History of the Christmas Tree
According to tradition, the Christmas Tree originated in Riga, Latvia. The Christmas legend says that a monk named Boniface used its triangular shape to to explain the trinity – that God was Father, Son and Holy Spirit. From that point on, the Germans call the tree “God’s Tree.” By the 16th century they Western Germany in the 16th century, they were used in plays to represent the tree in the garden with Adam and Eve and were decorated with apples. They were called “Paradeisbaum” (Paradise Trees) and were soon brought into homes and still decorated with apples and other fruits to celebrate Christmas. Later, dates, pretzels, and nuts were also used to decorate the tree.

The evergreen was recognised as a symbol of eternal life. Soon candles were soon added the evergreen branches to represent the stars and that Jesus was the light of the world.

Besides apples and other fruits, tradition says they also added Communion wafers wrapped in gold and silver foil that represented the fact that Jesus came into the world to save it, that like the communion bread, his body would be broken to save us from sin. Later the wafers were replaced with cookies cut into the shapes of bells, angels, stars, and hearts.

A Children’s Sermon or Object Lesson using a Christmas Tree

Gold Christmas Bulb
The Gold Christmas bulb reminds us of Heaven which is filled with the glory of God. The Bible tells us that in Heaven, the streets of the city are pure, clear gold-like glass (Rev.21:21). God wants you to be with Him in Heaven someday.

Have you ever seen a BLACK Christmas Bulb?

THERE IS NO Black Christmas Bulb. Just like there is no black Christmas bulb, there is one thing that can never be in Heaven. That is sin. Doing, or saying, or thinking bad things is called sin. Sin is anything that displeases God. Sin has caused sorrow and sadness in our world. God tells us in the Bible that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). But just like there is no black Christmas bulb, God doesn’t allow sin in heaven.

Red Christmas Bulb
The Red Christmas Bulb shows the way God made for you to have your sins forgiven-taken away. God loves you. He sent His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, from Heaven to take the punishment for your sin (John 3:16). Jesus came into the world to save us from punishment for sin. He is called our Savior! “…the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7).

White Christmas Bulb
The white Christmas bulb reminds us that you can be made clean from sin. When we sin, we can tell god about our sin, and ask for rogiveness and when we do his blood washes away our sin and makes us white as snow! (I John 1:9).

The Green Christmas Tree
The green Christmas tree reminds us of the new life, everlasting life, we can receive from God. The Bible tells us to “grow in grace in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18).

The Blue Christmas Bulb
The blue bulb is the same as water. Jesus, to show he was giving his life to God was baptized in water.

Christmas Lights
Jesus was born as a light of the world. He came to bring us out of darkness and into the light. Do you want to walk in the light of Jesus this Christmas?

A Silver or Gold Star
You can add a star at the top of the Christmas tree as a reminder that the wisemen followed the star looking for Jesus. Will you seek Jesus this Christmas?
Applications
Use this as a presentation of the plan of salvation for a Christmas Children’s sermon or as a Christmas Object Lesson.

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Which one doesn’t belong?

Children’s Sermon Description
A manger scene, also known as a nativity scene, serves as a creative object lesson in this Children’s Sermon which teaches children that Jesus is the most important element of Christmas.

christmas_nativity2.jpgMaterials:
Classic Manger Scene containing:

  • A manger
  • Shepherds
  • Animals
  • Mary
  • Joseph
  • The Wisemen
  • A stable
  • Baby Jesus

Add a small Santa figurine of the same size as other figures in the nativity.

Preparation:

  1. Have all the pieces of the manger scene lined up across a table or a pulpit
  2. Add a Santa and do not include the baby Jesus.

What to do:
Ask the children to correctly position the figures in the nativity scene.
Some of the children may correctly recognize that Santa doesn’t belong. It’s great if they do, but if they don’t simply ask, “Is there something that shouldn’t be here?”

Explain:
Santa wasn’t part of the original Christmas, but became part of our Christmas Tradition many years later when a person named St. Nick brought gifts to people who were in need, sick, or suffering. So actually Saint Nick really wasn’t at the manger scene. Actually the wisemen weren’t there either. They had a very long journey and only arrived later. The visited Jesus at his house, not in the stable.

What to do:
The children may notice that the Baby Jesus is missing from the nativity scene! That’s Great! If they ask where Baby Jesus is, respond by asking “Are you sure Jesus should be there?” If they don’t mention it ask, “Is anything missing?”

Explain:
Yes, the most important part of Christmas is the birth of Jesus. Some people seem to forget about Jesus. Sometimes they even focus more on Santa than on Jesus. But the birth of Jesus is the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus was a gift from God – the greatest gift. And God sent him to help us! Jesus would grow up and one day show us how much God really loves us!

Conclusion
So this Christmas remember that the best gift was? JESUS.
The reason we celebrate Christmas is? JESUS
When someone asks you what you want for Christmas? Say – JESUS!

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Santa Suit Relay

santa_suit.jpgChristmas Party Game Description
This Creative Christmas Party Idea requires participants to dress up as Santa.

Game Materials
A Christmas Santa suit should consist of a minimum of:

  • Santa Hat
  • Thick winter Gloves (red if possible)
  • A heavy Coat (red?)
  • a very large pair of black boots

Optional items:

  • A large red sack stuffed with newspaper
  • White cotton for a beard
  • A bell to ring

Note: You can also rent two Santa costumes from a costume shop if you have the money or have one of the more adept ladies in your church sew one for you. Make sure the costume is extra large so that all your participants can easily fit into it. Whoever heard of a skinny Santa Claus?

 

Game Preparation
Lay out two sets of Christmas Santa Costumes – One for each team.

Game Play

  • Line the youth, children or adult participants up into or two teams behind the starting line. Across the room are two chairs with a Santa suit laid out on each.
  • At the starting signal, the first person on each team runs to the chair, puts on the Christmas Santa suit and says “Ho! Ho! Ho!”
  • They then take all the items off and run back to tag the next person in line.
  • Each person repeats these actions until all have had a turn being Santa.
  • The team who finishes first is the winner.

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Thanks to Kids Party Paradise for the inspiration for this idea. You can get everything you need for your Christmas Party from their wonderful website!”

More Christmas Resources for Youth Groups
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Fun Christmas Facts: Christmas Lights

christmas_lightbulbs.jpgCandles were used on Christmas trees until Edward Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, first put electric lights on his own Christmas tree in 1882.

 

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3 stages of Man

christmas_santa_face.jpgThe 3 stages of man:
He believes in Santa Claus.
He doesn’t believe in Santa Claus.
He is Santa Claus.

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Christmas Alphabet

christmas_wisemen.jpgA Christmas Alphabet

A is for Angels, appearing so bright, telling of Jesus that first Christmas night.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host.” Luke 2:13.

B is for Bethlehem, crowded and old, birthplace of Jesus by prophet foretold.
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.” Micah 5:2.

C is for Cattle, their manger His bed, there in the trough where He laid His head.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.” Luke 2:7.

D is for David and his ancient throne promised forever to Jesus alone.
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” Luke 1:32.

E is for East, where shone the bright star which Magi on camels followed afar.
“Behold, there came wise men from the east asking ‘Where is the king of the Jews?'” Matthew 2:1,2.

F is for Frankincense, with myrrh and gold, brought by the Wise Men as Matthew has told.
“And when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him gifts gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11.

G is for God, who from heaven above sent down to mankind the Son of His love.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

H is for Herod, whose murderous scheme was told to Joseph in a nocturnal dream.
“The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt… for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” Matthew 2:13.

I is for Immanuel, “God with us,” for Christ brought man back to the Father’s house.
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14.

J is for Joseph so noble and just, obeying God’s word with absolute trust.
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.” Matthew 1:24.

K is for King. A true king He would be, coming in power and authority.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation.” Zechariah 9:9.

L is for Love that He brought down to earth God enfleshed in lowly birth.
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9.

M is for Mary, His mother so brave, counting God faithful and mighty to save.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Luke 1:38.

N is for Night, when the Savior was born for nations of earth and people forlorn.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8.

O is for Omega, meaning “the last;” He’s eternal present, future and past.
“I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Revelation 22:13.

P is for Prophets, when living on earth foretold His redemption and blessed birth.
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17.

Q is for Quickly, as shepherds who heard hastened to act on that heavenly word.
“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” Luke 2:16.

R is for Rejoice. The sorrow of sin is banished forever when Jesus comes in.
“And you will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth.” Luke 1:14.

S is for Savior. To be this He came; the angel of God assigned Him His name.
“She will bring forth a son, and you will call his name JESUS, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21.

T is for Tidings of joy, not of danger, telling of Him who was laid in a manger.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10.

U is for Us, to whom Jesus was given to show us the way and take us to heaven.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.

V is for Virgin, foretold by the sage, God’s revelation on prophecy’s page.
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23.

W is for Wonderful, His works and His words, the King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

X is for Christ. It’s X in the Greek, Anointed, Messiah, mighty, yet meek.
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.” Acts 10:38.

Y is for Yes, called God’s Yes in His Word; God’s answer to all is Jesus the Lord.
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Z is for Zeal as it burned in Christ’s heart. Lord, by thy Spirit to us zeal impart.
“And his disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of your house has eaten me up.” John 2:1.

Source Unknown

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Christmas A Little Too Commercial?

Top Ten Indications That Christmas May Be A Little Too Commercial

10. The only time you’ve heard Jesus mentioned this year was when your neighbor opened his Visa bill!
9. You mentioned the “Star in the East” to someone and they thought you were talking about Jackie Chan!
8. Your son thought St. Nick, Kris Kringle, and Father Christmas were the Three Wise Men.
7. You got more Christmas Cards from companies then friends!
6. When you hear the name Bethlehem, you think . . .Ah, steel manufacturing!
5. You asked your neighbor to come to church Christmas Eve, and they said, “What’s Christmas got to do with church?”
4. The last time you said “Merry Christmas” to someone, they called the “Politically Correct Police”!
3. When you got to the part in the Christmas account about there being “no room in the inn”, your first thought was, “Maybe I should invest in the hospitality industry!”
2. When you told your Sunday School class about the Magi’s gifts, a couple of the kids wondered about their current market value!

And the number one reason why Christmas might be a little too commercial:
1. Simple, you spent more time, running and buying then you did bending to worship!

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A New Chime for the Christmas Bells

christmas_bell.jpg

Hear, oh, hear! The Christmas bells are ringing peal upon peal, chime upon chime! Full and clear they ring, and the air quivers with joy. What is the burden of their music as it floats far and wide? Awake! Awake! it says. A great Change is coming — peace upon earth, good-will to all men….

…Then ring all the bells on earth! ‘Tis Christmas Day in the morning of brotherhood. Ring man’s great joy from pole to pole, from sea to sea! Tug with mighty arms at the bell rope that the sound may ring out full and far and long! Light the world’s Christmas tree with stars. Heap offerings upon its mighty branches. Bring the Yule-log to the world-fireplace. Deck the world-house with holly and mistletoe and proclaim everywhere the Christmas of the human race!

Source: Helen Keller, “Out of the Dark: Essays, Letters and Addresses on Physical and Social Vision.” Doubleday, Page & Co. Garden City, NY. 1913. pp. 274-282.

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