A Santa Story
When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.
Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out.
Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.
Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider . When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.
Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?
And thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.
Not very many people know this.
Showing posts with label Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stories. Show all posts
Monday, 10 December 2012
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Christmas Parachute Story
I have just written a new story/program which uses a parachute (sheet or blanket) to tell the Christmas story. The outline can be adapted to your setting either at a school, home or at a Sunday School. The Christmas parachute story is a great one for all ages to join in together in retelling the nativity Luke and Matthew Bible passages.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
The real christmas story (kinda), on facebook
You should check out this very creative Christmas story ( by Derek Tang) as it might have appeared on Facebook.
Facebook Christmas http://whyismarko.com/2011/the-real-christmas-story-kinda-on-facebook/
Facebook Christmas http://whyismarko.com/2011/the-real-christmas-story-kinda-on-facebook/
Post by Thrive Church.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Children's Christmas Plays and Photos
Eliab's Christmas Page - Free stories, puppets skits, songs and chants
Christmas is Coming resource booklet -for children's Christmas programs.
Original Puppet plays, skits, stories, and Christmas clip art.
Free high resolution Christmas Photos for use in publicity, worship or cards.
Christmas is Coming resource booklet -for children's Christmas programs.
Original Puppet plays, skits, stories, and Christmas clip art.
Free high resolution Christmas Photos for use in publicity, worship or cards.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Christmas Care
After a long day of putting on a wonderful Christmas meal, Mum was standing over the kitchen sink wearily washing the mountain of dirty dishes. In the middle of this monumental task, her teenage daughter strolled into the kitchen and saw what her mother was doing. The thoughtful girl said, "Mum, today's a holiday, you shouldn't be doing that." The mother was taken aback by the seeming kindness of her daughter. She began to put down the dish rag and take off her gloves. A sense of pride overtook her as she thought her little girl was now starting to show signs of maturity by helping out with the dishes. Her bubble was burst, though, when the teenager said, "Just do them tomorrow."
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Christmas is Coming
Christmas Resources For Children's MinistryThe Carpenter’s Cradle - a poem I wrote for a worship service focusing on Joseph.
Christmas Songs -Lowly Manger- two songs to familiar tunes reworked.
Sweet Christmas- A Christmas Story told using chocolate bars.
Christmas@Pooh Corner , My Christmas Pillow- two original stories for children.
Bon Christmas - a short Christmas talk with a puppet.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
The Son - A Story to Share at Christmas
The Son - A Story to Share at Christmas
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed father looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. But the day came when war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram that his beloved son had been killed while carrying a fellow soldier to a medic.
On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” “I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” After a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all.”
That is the essence of the story of Christmas: Whoever takes the Son gets it all. The Bible puts it like this: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11_12).
On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” “I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?” Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” After a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son... gets it all.”
That is the essence of the story of Christmas: Whoever takes the Son gets it all. The Bible puts it like this: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11_12).
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Christmas Dinner
A four year old boy was asked to say grace before Christmas dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. He began his prayer, thanking God for all his friends, naming them one by one. Then he thanked God for mummy, daddy, his sisters, grandma and grandpa. He then began to thank God for the food. He gave thanks for the turkey, the dressing, the fruit salad, the cakes and even the ice cream. Then he paused, and everyone waited. After the silence, the young boy looked up at his mother and asked, "if I thank God for the broccoli, won't he know that I'm lying?"
Thursday, 27 November 2008
A Christmas Story
"Suppose there was a king who loved a humble maiden,"begins a parable by Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855). How could he declare his love for her? She might respond out of fear or coercion, but he wanted her to love him fro himself.
So the king, convinced that he could not appear as a king without crushing his loved one's freedom, resolved to descend.he stepped off his throne, took off his royal robes, and wrapped himself in a shabby cloak. It was no mere disguise, but a new identitiy. He took on the life of a servant to win the young woman's hand.
What a risk! She might love him or she might spurn him and send himaway, and he would lose her love forever. But that's a picture of the choice god gave to manking, and that, of course, is what the parable is about.
Philippians 2:5-7 "Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant..."
That is the true story of Christmas: God in a manger; God in a human form that no one could possibly fear. What is going to be our response to Jesus this Christmas?
So the king, convinced that he could not appear as a king without crushing his loved one's freedom, resolved to descend.he stepped off his throne, took off his royal robes, and wrapped himself in a shabby cloak. It was no mere disguise, but a new identitiy. He took on the life of a servant to win the young woman's hand.
What a risk! She might love him or she might spurn him and send himaway, and he would lose her love forever. But that's a picture of the choice god gave to manking, and that, of course, is what the parable is about.
Philippians 2:5-7 "Christ Jesus, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant..."
That is the true story of Christmas: God in a manger; God in a human form that no one could possibly fear. What is going to be our response to Jesus this Christmas?
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
A Great Christmas Present
In this activity children make a present which contains the Christmas message to give away or share with their family or friends at Christmas.
You will need:
Small boxes (eg.noodle take away containers)
Star stickers or shapes
Small heart stickers or shapes
Small rocks
Pipe cleaners ( to be shaped into crosses)
Small candy canes
Cotton balls (sprayed with a drop of perfume)
Wrapping paper (large enough to wrap the small baoxes)
Labels which say To ____, from Jesus)
Ribbon
Give each child an empty box and tell them that they are going to be making "A great Christmas present". Explain that you will be giving them various items to go into their boxes and that each thing tells part of the Christmas story. talk about each item as you give it out, then have the children pace the item into their box before you show them the next thing.
Star - Reminds us of the special star that God put in the sky at Jesus' birth.
Heart - Reminds us how much Jesus loves us.
Cross - Reminds us that Jesus died so that we can be friends with God.
Candy Cane - The red reminds us that Jesus died so that we can be friends wit God.
Rock - Reminds us that Jesus did not stay dead, but rose to life again.
Cotton ball and perfume - Before Jesus went back to heaven, he told his followers to tell the whole world about him. After saying this , he was taken up to heaven as they watched him and a cloud hid him from their sight. The cotton ball reminds us of the cloud , and the perfume, which spreads around the room, reminds us to spread his story into the world.
Go over each item again quickly to remind the children and then have each child wrap their present explaining that they can give it away to someone or place it under their Christmas tree to open and share the story on Christmas day. finally the children attach the label.
This activity could easily be adapted for use as children's talk in a Sunday school or worship setting.
You will need:
Small boxes (eg.noodle take away containers)
Star stickers or shapes
Small heart stickers or shapes
Small rocks
Pipe cleaners ( to be shaped into crosses)
Small candy canes
Cotton balls (sprayed with a drop of perfume)
Wrapping paper (large enough to wrap the small baoxes)
Labels which say To ____, from Jesus)
Ribbon
Give each child an empty box and tell them that they are going to be making "A great Christmas present". Explain that you will be giving them various items to go into their boxes and that each thing tells part of the Christmas story. talk about each item as you give it out, then have the children pace the item into their box before you show them the next thing.
Star - Reminds us of the special star that God put in the sky at Jesus' birth.
Heart - Reminds us how much Jesus loves us.
Cross - Reminds us that Jesus died so that we can be friends with God.
Candy Cane - The red reminds us that Jesus died so that we can be friends wit God.
Rock - Reminds us that Jesus did not stay dead, but rose to life again.
Cotton ball and perfume - Before Jesus went back to heaven, he told his followers to tell the whole world about him. After saying this , he was taken up to heaven as they watched him and a cloud hid him from their sight. The cotton ball reminds us of the cloud , and the perfume, which spreads around the room, reminds us to spread his story into the world.
Go over each item again quickly to remind the children and then have each child wrap their present explaining that they can give it away to someone or place it under their Christmas tree to open and share the story on Christmas day. finally the children attach the label.
This activity could easily be adapted for use as children's talk in a Sunday school or worship setting.
Monday, 17 November 2008
A Christmas Gift
A Christmas Gift
A man sent his elderly parents a mobile phone one Christmas. Here’s how he recalls the experience:
“They were excited that now they, too could be part of the instant generation. When Dad unpacked the phone and switched it on, literally within seconds the phone transformed two smiles into a frown! Even after reading the directions, they couldn’t make it work.
Two days later, my mother was visiting a friend and confessed her inability to get the mobile phone to work.
“To get this darn thing to work,” she exclaimed, “I really don’t need better directions; I just need my son to bring the gift in person!”
When God gave the gift of salvation, he didn’t send a booklet of complicated instructions for us to figure out; he sent his Son.
Sharing the Christmas Story With Preschoolers (ages 2-4)
Sharing the Christmas Story with Preschoolers
1. Be reminded that God’s Son Jesus came to earth as a little child to rescue humankind from their sins and to bring people back into relationship with God the Father for eternity. (John 3:16) Emphasize to your child that Jesus is a very special person. God’s Son. We can know and love him, thank him, sing songs to praise him. Jesus came to help us know what God is like.
In preparation to tell the Christmas story.
1. Be reminded that God’s Son Jesus came to earth as a little child to rescue humankind from their sins and to bring people back into relationship with God the Father for eternity. (John 3:16) Emphasize to your child that Jesus is a very special person. God’s Son. We can know and love him, thank him, sing songs to praise him. Jesus came to help us know what God is like.
2. Consider the age and stage of development of preschoolers. Also consider how children of this age group experience God and how they best learn. Any sharing of the Christmas story will be more effective if these factors determine your choice of story or approach.
Note particularly that the focus on faith development at this age is on experiencing the awe and wonder of God.
Children of these ages are literalists so be careful that you tell make clear what is the truth from the Bible and what is just a made up story.
Children of this age won’t remember all the details or the order of the shepherds, wise men, Mary & Joseph going to Bethlehem etc. The atmosphere of expectation, surprise, joy, peace, celebration are things that they will be able to identify with. Pray often that God will help your child trust him and love him.
Let your children see you read the story from a children’s Bible. Talk about how great it is that God has given us this special book so we can learn more about him.
The parent’s attitude to the sharing of the story will be a powerful communicator at this age. If the coming of Jesus as God’s Son into the world is important and wonderful to the parent then this will be seen by the child. There is the danger that children will rather hear their parents griping about Christmas- costs, advertising, family arrangements and this could overshadow the central truth.
Use even the ads on TV as a talking point with your children about what they are selling and what is important to your family about buying and giving.
Some discussion needs to take place by both parents about how your family is going to deal with Santa Claus/Father Christmas. Are you going to tell them he is real or not real and when?
In our family we decided to tell our children that Santa was a fun character like Professor Starshine or Humphrey Bear�. We enjoyed the fun surrounding Santa without going into the presents from Santa and putting food out for him etc..) At the same time we talked often to our children that the name CHRISTmas comes from Jesus CHRIST who is real and very special. So Christmas is really about Christ.
3. The sharing of the Christmas story should be many tellings of the story in different ways and in different contexts as the child grows.
Activities might include
. Making an Advent calendar or Christmas decorations, cooking, shopping, making gifts or cards for others. Talking together about why you are doing these things.
· Dressing up and acting out the nativity or using puppets to tell the story. (Why not turn out the lights and light a candle while the Christmas story is read or acted out.)
. Listening and singing Christmas carols like 'Away in a Manger' and talking about the words.
· Reading picture story books or making our own Family Christmas Book which the children illustrate. Drawing and colouring activities.
.· Experiencing worship together at Christmas time “ Advent,Come Celebrate, Children’s Christmas Eve service.
© Don Stott, Eliab.com, 2006
See Ted's Surprise Christmas. An original story to share with pre-schoolers.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
A Christmas Gift
A man sent his elderly parents a mobile phone one Christmas. Here’s how he recalls the experience:
“They were excited that now they, too could be part of the instant generation. When Dad unpacked the phone and switched it on, literally within seconds the phone transformed two smiles into a frown! Even after reading the directions, they couldn’t make it work.
Two days later, my mother was visiting a friend and confessed her inabilty to get the mobile phone to work.
“To get this darn thing to work,” she exclaimed, “I really don’t need better directions; I just need my son to bring the gift in person!”
When God gave the gift of salvation, he didn’t send a booklet of complicated instructions for us to figure out; he sent his Son.
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