Some more paper craft: why not have a go at folding a paper star? A bit tricky but well worth having a go! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZqj-AmGPmA
Lord Jesus, Light of the World, as we enter this Christmas season, we thank You for coming to us in love and humility. You stepped into our darkness to bring us hope, into our fears to bring us peace, into our sorrow to bring us joy, and into our world to show us the Father’s love. Immanuel, God with us, draw near to our hearts today. Help us to pause, to breathe, to see Your grace in the simple, quiet moments of this season. Teach us to trust You more deeply and to carry Your light into our homes, our workplaces, and our community. May Your Spirit fill us with kindness, lead us with wisdom, and renew in us the wonder of Your coming. As we celebrate Your birth, prepare us for the day You will come again to make all things new. Amen.
Christmas is celebrated by believers in every culture, but each one adds its own beautiful traditions while keeping the focus on Jesus, the Light of the world. Philippines – “Simbang Gabi” (Night Masses) In the Philippines, many Christians attend nine dawn services leading up to Christmas. These joyful gatherings are filled with music, lanterns, and community celebration—all preparing hearts to welcome Christ. At night, homes and churches glow with colourful parol lanterns symbolizing the star of Bethlehem. Sweden – St. Lucia’s Day On December 13, Swedish Christians celebrate St. Lucia, remembering the call to bring Christ’s light into darkness. Children wear white robes and carry candles, singing songs of hope. Though not a strict biblical holiday, the symbolism points to Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12). Kenya – Joyful Worship & Caroling Kenyan churches hold long, joy-filled Christmas Day services with drumming, dancing, Scripture readings, and carols. Many spend the day visiting neighbours, sharing food, and expressing generosity—an echo of God’s gift to the world in Jesus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOWhEY9awc4&list=RDyOWhEY9awc4&start_radio=1
Follow this video to make some easy snowflakes, fun for the whole family! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2l0b-0sJLI
The name Immanuel comes from the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, where the Lord promises a sign to His people: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Matthew’s Gospel later quotes this verse directly and explains its fulfillment in Jesus’ birth: “They will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) (Matthew 1:23). For Christians, this name captures the heart of the Incarnation. In Jesus, God did not remain distant or unreachable—He stepped into our world, took on human flesh, and lived among us. Immanuel expresses God’s closeness, compassion, and commitment to His people. It reminds us that Jesus is not only the promised Messiah but also the living presence of God dwelling with humanity, bringing salvation, comfort, and hope. During Advent, “Immanuel” calls us to remember that Christ came near to us then—and continues to be with us now.
The second Sunday in Advent gives us chance to reflect on the HOPE that Jesus' birth brings to us. Let us take time today to review the past year, bringing Him the good, the bad and the ugly and ask Him to fill us with renewed hope and anticipation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWWyqsbhjKA&list=RDVWWyqsbhjKA&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POcDlbYiF9c&list=RDPOcDlbYiF9c&start_radio=1
"It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty founder was a child himself" The Narrator A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CWJNqyub3o&list=RD3CWJNqyub3o&start_radio=1
“O Holy Night” has one of the most fascinating histories of any Christmas carol. It began in 1847 when a French parish priest asked poet Placide Cappeau to write a poem celebrating the church’s newly restored organ. Cappeau, who wasn’t especially religious, nevertheless produced the beautiful poem “Minuit, Chrétiens” (“Midnight, Christians”). The music was composed shortly after by Adolphe Adam, a well-known French composer. The carol became immediately popular—so popular that even when Cappeau later distanced himself from the church and Adam was criticized for his secular background, people refused to give the song up. Its message of hope, redemption, and Christ’s saving love had captured their hearts. In 1855, American pastor John Sullivan Dwight translated the carol into English. Dwight was an abolitionist, and he was deeply moved by the line: “Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother…” For that reason, “O Holy Night” became especially beloved among Christians fighting for the end of slavery. One more remarkable moment: on Christmas Eve 1906, the first-ever radio broadcast of a human voice included “O Holy Night.” Inventor Reginald Fessenden read Luke 2 aloud and then played the song on violin—making it the first Christmas carol ever broadcast to the world
St. Francis of Assisi, c. 1182-1226 In 1223, St. Frances of Assisi traditionally staged the first live Nativity scene, using real animals and people. There, he and others sang some of the first carols. In part, these songs in the vernacular were intended as preaching aids, and went well beyond the Nativity, a tendency which would grow as the centuries passed.
During Advent we remember that Jesus came as the long-promised Messiah, fulfilling the ancient prophecies that spoke of a Saviour born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), descended from David (2 Samuel 7:12–13), and bringing light to those in darkness (Isaiah 9:1–2). The prophets foretold His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His healing ministry (Isaiah 35:5–6), His suffering on our behalf (Isaiah 53:4–6), and His resurrection in victory (Psalm 16:10). Yet Advent also turns our eyes forward: many promises are still unfolding as the gospel reaches the nations (Isaiah 49:6), and we await the day when Christ will return to complete God’s redemptive plan (Revelation 22:12). In this season of hope, we celebrate the prophecies fulfilled in His first coming and look with expectant faith toward their final fulfilment when He comes again.
Many families in Germany put an Advent wreath on the living room table the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The wreaths have four large candles and, traditionally, pinecones and berries. As lights are dimmed, the whole family gathers around the wreath. As one, they spend a quiet, reflective hour together. In Beulah, as with many other Baptist churches, we follow a pattern similar to other Protestant traditions, where we would progressively light one candle each week, symbolising the following: Week 1 – Hope Often called the “Prophecy Candle.” Week 2 - Peace Sometimes "Bethlehem Candle." Week 3 – Joy Usually the pink candle, “Shepherd’s Candle.” Week 4 - Love Also called the "Angel Candle" Christmas Eve/Day – Christ Candle White candle in the centre.
Have a go.... write the answers down, then email us here with your answers to be entered into a draw for a small prize! Christmas Bible Quiz (7 Questions) 1. Which Gospel tells us about the shepherds visiting Jesus? 2. Which prophet foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? 3. Who received the angel’s message first—Mary or Joseph? 4. Which Gospel tells the story of the wise men (Magi)? 5. What gift did the wise men NOT bring? A) Gold B) Silver C) Frankincense D) Myrrh 6. What city did Mary and Joseph travel from to reach Bethlehem? 7. Whom did the angels say Jesus’ birth was “good news” for?