When Jesus first began teaching he told people what he came to do.

Read these Bible verses with your family.

Luke 4.16-20
Jesus went back to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and as usual he went to the meeting place on the Sabbath. When he stood up to read from the Scriptures, he was given the book of Isaiah the prophet. He opened it and read,
"The Lord's Spirit has come to me, he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor.
The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers,
and to say, `This is the year the Lord has chosen.' "
Jesus closed the book, then handed it back to the man in charge and sat down. Everyone in the meeting place looked straight at Jesus. 


Ask you parents what these verses mean.  How do they make you feel?  What do they say about who Jesus is and what he came to do?  What do you think that means for how Jesus might want us to celebrate his birthday?  Do you think he would want us to buy things made by people who don't get paid?  Or do you think he would want us to celebrate in a way that takes care of the poor, sets prisoners free, and helps people who suffer?  Talk with your family about what these verses might mean for how we celebrate Christmas.

Then pray this prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for bringing good news to the poor, to prisoners and to people who suffer.  Help us to celebrate your birthday by doing the same.  Please forgive me for the times that I want more than I need and forget to care for people who don't have the things they need.  This Christmas, help me to be a part of you bringing good news to poor and hurting people.
Amen.

Then color this coloring sheet and think about the words Jesus spoke about himself and why he came.
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