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Welcoming the Prince of Peace

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Christmas Pack #14
Gifts of Peace

Welcoming the Prince of Peace: Older Children

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Welcoming the Prince of Peace

A Four-Session Activity Guide

for Leaders of Older Children (Ages 9-11)

by Jo Ross

Introduction

As people of faith, Christians live in hope and in the promises of the One who came in peace to teach us peace. A long time before Jesus was born, prophets foretold the coming of the Prince of Peace. At his birth, angels sang out to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to all." All of us want peace in our lives, but we become confused at the best way to live as peaceful people.

When we look deep into ourselves, do we see the peacemakers God calls us to be? We can begin by finding a sense of inner peace. We can carry this peace to our families, as we learn to settle our differences with justice and grow in love for one another. We can carry this peace to our churches where we may be nurtured in the way of Jesus, and grow in faith. We can carry this peace to our communities and world with attitudes and actions that speak peace.

How do we know what actions work for peace and what actions lead us further into confusion and turmoil? This is a question for people of all ages. While the answer may take a lifetime to understand fully, the search begins when we are children. This study helps children look at themselves as beginning peacemakers.

PURPOSE: This study guide has been developed to give older elementary children an opportunity to envision a peaceful world as possible in their lifetimes and to find places in the world as peacemakers.

DESIGNING THE SESSIONS: The following study is designed for use with older children in four one-hour sessions meeting after school, in Sunday school classes, in a special weekday class, or at a weekend event. Sessions may be held once a month in the fall or once a week during Advent. The group may meet in a church, a classroom, or for an overnight at a winterized campsite where the first session would be experienced the first evening and the remaining sessions the next day. A "Peace Tree" as well as the symbol of a dove is used throughout the study.

EARLY PREPARATION: Before the unit starts, look over the lists of materials needed.

Session One: Peace With Self

INTRODUCTION:

Being a peacemaker takes time and energy. Such a life requires that we feel at peace with ourselves, that we pay attention to others, that we find better ways to vent our emotions and that we care about all God's creation. Older elementary children are capable of exploring these ways to peace.

If there is to be peace in our time, it must begin with each one of us. We can make peace in our own lives so that we can live with others as God has shown through the life of Jesus.

GOALS:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Bible; Peace Tree; white posterboard; ink pads; white construction paper cut to 8 1/2 " x 5 1/2"; colored pens or markers; bowl of soapy water; towel; colored construction paper; glue, paste or tape; hole punch; yarn

PREPARATION:

Use the small dove pattern on page 7 to make a name tag for each person. Draw a horizontal line where the name will go. Write "Peacemaker" under the line. (Name tags will be hung on the Peace Tree during or after each session.)

SESSION PLANS: ". . . and he is named . . . Prince of Peace"

Opening (5 min.): Welcome the participants and invite each person to write their name on a dove name tag. Show the group the Peace Tree and explain its purpose.

Activitiy (10 min.): Using the ink pads and paper, ask each person to make a nativity scene with thumbprints for the stable and bodies of Mary, Joseph and the baby. Shepherds and sheep may also be added. Wash thumbs in soapy water and dry with towel. Use colored pens or markers to fill in clothing and other details of the scene. Lay aside to dry.

Discussion ( 15 min.):

1. Gather the whole group. Talk about ways each one of us is unique - abilities, talents, interests, etc. Mention that our fingerprints were formed before we were born and that no two persons have fingerprints exactly alike. Ask students to share one thing that is special to them. Ask them to share one thing that makes them feel peaceful. Remind the group that Christians believe each person is important to God.

2. Introduce Jesus as sent by God to show us ways to live in peace both within ourselves and with others. Jesus was called the Prince of Peace. People had longed for the coming of this peacemaker for many years. Read Isaiah 9:2-7. Let the group share ideas of the difference the Prince of Peace might make in our lives.

Discussion (15 min.): Ask the students to quietly think about times they have felt peaceful. While the students are thinking, write the following headings on newsprint or a chalkboard: "Times," "Places," "Comforters."

Talk with the group about times of the day when we feel most at peace; about places which help us feel more at peace; and about things around us which help promote peaceful feelings. As the group begins to identify times, places and comforters, write words or phrases under the appropriate headings on the chalkboard or newsprint. (For example, "times" might be just before sleep; right after school; during family mealtime. "Places" might be at the seashore; in the mountains; in the woods; at a grandparent's home. "Comforters" might be a cup of hot chocolate; music; a hug; a pet; a favorite stuffed animal; a parent, grandparent, or another loved one.)

Encourage the group to share ideas about what peace feels like. Add as much to the lists as possible.

Activity (10 min.): Let each person choose a piece of colored construction paper. Have each student glue their thumbprint nativity scene to their paper. Remind the children of the earlier conversation about the difference the Prince of Peace might make to the world. Ask them to reflect on what peace feels like. Invite each child to write words or phrases which describe peace on the borders of his/her nativity scene. Punch a hole in the top of the paper, thread a piece of yarn, tie and hang on the Peace Tree.

Closing (5 min.): Gather in a circle. In turn, ask each child to share something s/he will do to feel more at peace. Close with prayer asking God to help us in our peacemaking. Hang name tags on the Peace Tree.

Session Two: Peace in the Family

INTRODUCTION: Our families are our most important source of learning and practicing how to live with others. We learn to appreciate each other's differences, to respect others and to solve problems in peaceful ways through interaction with our families.

We live in troubled times! With so many demands on our time and energy, we can find it difficult to keep those in our families united. The family of Jesus also lived in very troubled times. Jesus' message is as timely today as it was then, reminding us to appreciate the differences we find in each other, to show respect for each other and to learn to solve our problems with justice.

GOALS:

MATERIALS NEEDED: 3" x 5" cards; Bible; white origami paper (or 8" squares of light-weight paper); white thread, needle; newsprint or chalkboard; markers

PREPARATION: On 3"x 5" cards, write one family situation for use in stimulating a role play. For example:

You have been hoping for something you really want for Christmas and have let everyone know that you really want "it." You are sure you will get it because you saw the box when you looked under your parents' bed to see if your ball rolled under there. Christmas comes. The gift you want is under the tree, but it is for your older brother instead of you. What do you do? What do you say to your parents? To your brother?

SESSION PLANS: ". . . and there was no room for them in the inn."

Opening (5 min.): Welcome each person and ask everyone to take their dove name tag from the Peace Tree. (Have materials handy for any new member to quickly make a name tag.)

Activity (5 min.): Gather the group. Ask members to close their eyes and imagine each room in their own home. Say, "In your mind go from room to room, stopping in the doorway to your own bedroom. Look at your room. What kind of furniture do you have? What colors? What is on the walls? The floor? How messy is it?" Wait a few seconds then continue, "Now imagine a whole house with only one room. Your family lives in this small house. What furniture is there? What is on the walls? The floor?"

Discussion (10 min.): Discuss what it would be like to live in a one-room house. Some things to consider are the crowded conditions, the climate, the way the family would get needed things done, individual space, privacy, etc.

Read or ask a volunteer to read Luke 2:1-7. Discuss what it might feel like to have no place to stay. (Someone might have been traveling during an unexpected snowstorm or may have been in a city during a big event when all the hotel rooms were booked.) Let anyone who wishes share their stories with the group.

Role Playing (25 min.):

1. Using the situation written on the 3" x 5" card, involve group members in role playing. Allow a minute or two for preparation. Ask the players to act out one way the situation could be handled.

2. At the end of the role play (after applauding the players!), ask for ideas on other ways the situation could be handled. Act out several of these possible endings. Have the group choose which ending is most fair to everyone involved and to share why they think so.

3. Ask participants to share other family situations and experiences which have seemed to be unfair. Role play one or two stories letting the "teller" direct the players. At the end of each, discuss how the situation could be fairly resolved.

4. Ask children to share ways of thinking or behaving which caused conflict in the role play (i.e., name-calling, selfishness, taking anger out on others, etc.) Record their ideas on newsprint or a chalkboard. On another piece of newsprint or the chalkboard, list those behaviors shared from the role plays which help to create peace in the family (appreciation of others' differences, cooperation, etc.) Try to list positive and negative behaviors from each role play.

Activity (10 min.): Pass out the origami paper and show the children how to fold doves as symbols of peace. (See the instructions on page 8.) Hang the doves on the Peace Tree. At the end of the study, each person can take one origami dove home as a visual reminder of peace.

Closing (5 min.): Ask each person to think of a way s/he can be a peacemaker within his/her family. Silently pray to God for help. Place the name tags on the Peace Tree.

Session Three: Peace in the Community and the Church

INTRODUCTION: From stories in the Bible, we learn that God calls all of us to love each other, to treat others fairly and to live in peace. Our communities and our churches offer ways to answer God's call. Older elementary children can understand the differences between solving problems fairly and unfairly; between feeling accepted and feeling rejected; and between respecting differences and accepting others for who they are. Our congregations can also be involved in peacemaking - by including children in projects which promote peace; by warmly accepting children in fellowship; and by teaching peace and love through the practice of justice and appreciation.

GOALS:

MATERIALS NEEDED: Bible; one 46 oz. juice can for each participant; several hammers; several large nails; used candles

PREPARATION: Gather leftover candles from weddings or other services in your church. Using the outline on page 6, make a copy of the dove for each person.

SESSION PLANS: ". . . I bring you good news of great joy for all the people . . . ."

Opening (5 min.): Welcome each person at arrival. Ask children to retrieve their name tags from the Peace Tree.

Discussion (10 min.): Read Luke 2:8-12. Talk about the terror of the shepherds in contrast to the great joy sung by the angel. Discuss situations around us that might make us feel fearful. Ask children to share experiences when they were full of fear and wondering like the shepherds (i.e., "I wonder why nobody likes me;" "I am afraid of all the fighting in school;" "I wonder why that person is sleeping on the street;" etc.) Talk about the need to hear and listen to the "good news of great joy" when we are feeling afraid or uncertain. Discuss ways "good news" comes to us and our communities every day. Discuss ways we can share "good news" with those in our communities and congregations.

Activity (15 min.): Lay the long strip of craft paper on a table or on the floor with room for each person to get around the paper. Using the markers, let each peson draw images of "good news of great joy" for today. Offer suggestions, if needed - housing the homeless; feeding the hungry; working out disagreements by talking; etc. Let the discussion continue as the children draw. When everyone is finished, ask children to share their images with the group.

Activity (25 min.): Encourage the children to make luminaria with dove symbols as visual reminders of peace in their communities or church. Pass out a 46 oz. juice can, a large nail and a dove pattern to each person. Ask children to work in pairs, one holding the juice can for the other then trading. Pass out one hammer to each pair. Have them tape a dove pattern to the side of their cans. Then have them hammer the nail into each dot following the pattern. Now have them remove the lids with a regular can opener. As each person finishes, an adult should place several drops of candle wax from a lighted candle into the center of the bottom of the can. Have each child quickly place a used candle into the melted wax and hold it in place until the wax hardens.

Closing (5 min.): Gather the group in a circle. Place the luminaria in a circle in the center. In silence, light each candle then darken the room. After a few seconds ask each person to express a way to bring "good news of great joy" to the community or church. Encourage each person to take their luminaria home and display it on their porch Christmas Eve as a reminder of peace to the community. Or make plans for the group to place the luminaria along the walkway to the church door for Christmas Eve so that the way will be lighted as people come to the service. Ask the children to place their name tags on the Peace Tree before leaving.

Session Four: Peace in the World

INTRODUCTION: In this last session of our study, we reach out beyond ourselves, our families, our churches and our communities to find ways each of us can make a difference in the world. We began this study learning that if there is to be peace in the world, peace must begin with each one of us. We end this study with this same belief. In this session, we want to see that the peace of Christ may reach through each one of us to show kindness to others, to cheer sadness when we find it, to provide food to hungry people worldwide and to rejoice in the celebrations of the coming of Christ to the world.

GOALS:

MATERIALS NEEDED: 3" x 5" cards; Bible; books which tell of Christmas customs throughout the world; large dove patterns on page 7; white paper; list of words for peace in other languages (page 7); cloth or paper bow; 1" x 6" strips of green paper; scissors; pens or markers; newsprint or chalkboard

PREPARATION: Research Christmas customs from around the world. Write one custom on each 3" x 5" card. Include such customs as St. Lucy's Day in Sweden; German Christmas trees, Mexican Las Posadas events; Native American customs, etc. Using the list on page 7, write the words for peace on separate cards. Cut 1" x 6" strips of green paper ribbons for the Peace Wreath.

SESSION PLANS: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, good will among all people."

Opening (5 min.): Welcome the participants as they arrive. Invite them to cut out dove shapes from white paper. If members know each other, they may leave their name tags on the Peace Tree.

Discussion (10 min.):

1. Gather the group together and read or ask a volunteer to read Luke 2:1-20. Ask the group to name the characters in the story and say where they come from - Mary and Joseph from Nazareth; shepherds from the hillsides; angels from heaven. Point out the vast area from which this story comes and the even greater area to which it reaches. This is a whole world story to bring hope and peace to everybody.

2. Ask the group to image a truly peaceful world - what does it look like? How can we work for the peace we envision? List all responses on newsprint or chalkboard.

Activity (15 min.): Pass out the 3" x 5" cards which tell of Christmas customs. Children may work alone or in groups of two or three. Allow children ten minutes to read about and prepare a way to tell about the custom on their card. Participants can tell a story, draw a picture or create a symbol to explain the custom (i.e., a crown from St. Lucy's Day). Have each child report to the whole group.

Activity (25 min.):

1. Create a worldwide Peace Wreath. Pass out the cards with the words for peace in several languages. Have each person write their word on a dove which has been cut from white paper. Allow for additional words for peace if any are known. On a bulletin board or wall, form a circle of doves to make a wreath. Allow the doves to slightly overlap, but be sure the words for peace can be easily seen. Attach the cloth or paper bow to the top of the wreath.

2. In a circle near the wreath, ask people to share ways we can promote peace in the world. Remind them of the list made in the discussion earlier. Have each child write one idea on a green paper ribbon. Attach each ribbon to the mouth of a dove. If there is time, make a sign that says "Ways to Peace in the World." Leave the wreath in place for others to see.

Closing (5 min.): Close with sentence prayers which express each person's understanding of peace in the world and a personal commitment to ways of peace. Sing "Go Tell It On The Mountain" or a carol of the group's choosing. Each person may take an origami dove from the Peace Tree home to hang on his/her Christmas tree. Place the Peace Tree in an area where others can enjoy it.

About the Author

Jo Ross is a diaconal minister in the United Methodist Church living in St. Louis, Missouri. She serves as an Interim Consultant in Program Ministries with the St. Louis North District of the United Methodist Church and ecumenically for local churches in the area.

Words for Peace

Hebrew - shalom (sah LOME)
Russian - mir (meer)
Greek - irene (ih RAY nay)
French - paix (peh)
Spanish - paz (pahs)
Arabic - shalaam (sha LA am)
Italian - pace (PAH chay)
Swahili - amani (ah MAHN ni)
German - friede (FREE duh)
Filipino - kapayapaan (kah pie YAH oah awn)
Chinese - (ho ping)
Norwegian - fred (Fred)
Hindi - (SHAN tee)
Japanese - (hey wah)
Polish - pokoj (poh k)

How To Fold A Paper Dove

1. Fold a square piece of paper in half horizontally. Then fold A back to bottom center (D), and B forward to front bottom center (C).

2. Your paper should look like this.

3. Pull C (the front) and D (the back) apart all the way until you have a flat diamond (as in small diagram).

4. Fold top layers of C and D inward to center line at E and fold down F along dotted line.

5. Your paper should look like this.

6. Here's the tricky part: Unfold step 4. Take top layer only at G and pull it up making use of the crease (dotted line). This allows points C and D to fold back to center line along creases. Turn paper over and repeat steps 4, 5 and 6, ignoring new flap topped by point G.

7. Crease H and I as shown by dotted line. Unfold. Using the creases, pull up point H so it rests between J1 and J2. Repeat on other side with point I.

8. Crease point K as shown by dotted line and unfold. Using creases, push point K down (reversing the fold) to form head.

9. Lower wings to horizontal position. Your finished paper dove should look like this. Hold at L and pull tail - the wings will move.

10. Thread a needle with knotted white thread. Insert the needle in the under opening and pull through the highest point on dove's back. You can then hang up the dove.

Make copies of this resource under the Creative Commons attribution, not-for-profit license.

Page updated 11 Sept. 2015

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