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The
Empty Manger
The
idea behind this activity is to shower Baby Jesus with birthday
gifts. From the Gospels, we know that Jesus was born in a
manger and not in a comfortable home. As we prepare to celebrate
Jesus’ birth, we want to prepare a welcome place for
Him through our good deeds done in His honor.
For this
activity, you will need:
- Pieces
of straw (or slips of paper)
- Jar
to hold paper/straw
- Manger
for the Christ Child
- Christ
Child figure/doll
As Advent
begins, gather your family and explain that you want to prepare
to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. The gifts you’ll
be giving aren’t physical objects, but acts of service,
sacrifice, or kindness done in honor of Baby Jesus.
When your
children (or you!) perform good deeds as birthday presents
for Baby Jesus, the child (or you) places a piece of straw
into the manger. Encourage your children to make Jesus’
bed as “comfortable” as possible through their
good deeds. In the process, explain Christ’s incomparable
self-gift at Christmas and Easter that enables us to be a
part of God’s family.
At Christmas,
place Baby Jesus in the manger that has been so carefully
and lovingly prepared for His arrival.
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