This year we will be starting a new Christmas tradition! I ran across this wonderful idea several months ago and instantly knew I would want to do it with my kids. It's called the 25 Names of Jesus. Using ornaments, we'll celebrate Jesus' birth and count down the days until Christmas. Each ornament has a different name for Jesus. We'll take out the ornament, read the scripture where the name is found, and discuss the meaning of the name. It does take a little time to prepare so I wanted to share it with you early enough so that you could also begin on December 1. :)
Here's how it works:
Step 1: The first thing I worked on was choosing the 25 names of Jesus. It was very hard to narrow down the ones to use, but each year new ones can be introduced. So I'm sure we'll learn more year after year. I looked at several blogs and websites that have names and scripture listed. Here are the names we have chosen, and I also included the scripture, discussion topics, and possible activities.
Isaiah 9:6; discuss "counselor" and qualities of a good one; have child give counsel on a "problem"
4. The Mighty God
Isaiah 9:6; find pictures that depict "mighty"
5. Everlasting Father
Isaiah 9:6; everlasting = never ending; collect evergreen branches; math: discuss circles and infinity
6. The Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6; what does it mean to be a peacemaker?
7. The Way
John 14:6; discuss how Jesus can be the way; discuss meaning
8. Son of God
John 1:34 and Mark 1:1; discuss the trinity = God, Jesus (son), and Holy Spirit
9. Lamb of God
10. Good Shepherd
John 10:11; discuss how Jesus can be both lamb and shepherd
11. Bright and Morning Star
Revelation 22:16; What important star do we talk about at Christmas? Jesus is even brighter than that star. Wise men followed the star. If we follow the star--Jesus--where will it lead us?; make star shaped cookies
12. Christ
Luke 2:11 and John 20:31; discuss "Christians" and "Christmas"
13. The Truth
John 14:6; Jesus doesn't just tell and reveal truth, he is the truth
14. Lord of All
Acts 10:36 and Revelation 17:14; discuss "lord" = master
15. Immanuel
Matthew 1:23 and Isaiah 7:14; "God with us"; how do we know God is with us?
16. Holy One
Mark 1:24 and Isaiah 43:15; discuss "holy"; sing O Holy Night
17. Light of the World
John 8:12; discuss natural and man-made light; how can Jesus be a light?;
light a candle to help remember Jesus is the Light of the World
18. Rock
1 Corinthians 10:4, Matthew 7:24-25, and Psalm 18:2; discuss how Jesus is a firm foundation and unchanging; collect rocks
19. The Word
Revelation 19:13 and John 1:1; get child's idea about how Jesus can be the word?
20. King
Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 24:7-10, and Revelation 7:14; make crowns
21. Redeemer
Job 19:25; redeem = to free from harm by paying a price; what price did Jesus pay?
22. Savior
John 4:42; why do we need a savior; discuss the cross; make a cross art or craft
23. The Shield
Psalm 18:2; discuss what a shield is used for; gather toy shields or make one from cardboard
24. The Vine
John 15:5; discuss how we grow in Christ; talk about what happens when leaves or flowers are cut from the vine/plant; experiment with this if possible
25. Messiah
John 1:41; "Annointed One"; discuss meaning; discuss different examples of annointing in the Bible; listen to Christ Tomlin's song Jesus Messiah
**Depending on the age of your child, more in depth discussions may be possible. This is geared towards preschool and early elementary.
Step 2: Now that the names have been chosen, I worked on the ornaments. There are tons of possibilities...I decided to go with clear ball ornaments that I could glitter. This method uses Pledge Floor Cleaner and glitter on the inside of the ornament. This blog gives more details. Then I had a sweet friend write the names on the ornaments in her beautiful handwriting.
Step 3: These ornaments can be added to your main Christmas tree or you can have a separate, smaller tree just for this activity. I decided to go with a separate tree...something like this.
Step 4: Eagerly wait for December 1st. I'm really excited about sharing the meaning of Christmas with my children, and this will be the perfect way to do that!! I can see a new tradition in the making. :)
Jenny
Love love love this! Wish I had done this when my "little" one was little. :)
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