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Christmas Pack #14
Gifts of Peace

Welcoming the Prince of Peace: Young Children

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Welcoming the Prince of Peace

A Four-Session Activity Guide for Leaders of Young Children (Ages 5 - 8)

by Heidi K. Roy

So that peace may begin
as a seed in the heart,
take root in the community,
grow in the nation,
and flourish in the world.

Marie M. Strain

Ideas for Celebrating Peace

Messages of peace surround us at Christmastime. From Christmas card greetings and familiar refrains wafting through the malls, to scripture passages that guide our churches through the season, we greet the "Prince of Peace" and remember the promise of "peace on earth, good will to all."

That promise of peace comes to us as we are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the season. The promise comes to children wound up with excitement and desire. The promise comes to those who are suffering loneliness or the loss of a loved one. The promise comes to the victims of racism, sexism, violence and injustice. The promise comes to the homeless, the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the imprisoned.

Much too often, children's hopes for Christmas center on toys and candy. They sometimes miss out on receiving the best gift of all - the peace of Christ. How can children truly experience the peace promised by the birth of Jesus? How can they share that peace with others?

By focusing Advent and Christmas activities on Jesus, we can help children experience God's precious gift of inner peace and security. As we encourage children to live by the values of Jesus - values of reconciliation, acceptance of differences and unity with the poor and powerless - they can begin to bring peace to their families, their communities and our troubled world.

About the Sessions

PURPOSE: These sessions are designed to help children experience the peace promised by the birth of Christ and to share that peace with others.

DESIGNING THE SESSIONS: The following activities are designed to be used during one hour sessions for each of the four weeks of Advent. You can use them during regular church school classes or during special Advent gatherings. Make sure you have access to a room of adequate size and enough chairs or pillows for each member of the group. You may wish to hang posters or pictures of several peacemakers, peaceful scenes or peaceful words. To create a safe atmosphere where children are able to share their honest feelings, you should explain at the beginning of the sessions that children should not interrupt or criticize others. Ask that they listen carefully, trying to understand others' views. It might also be worthwhile for you to invite guests from other cultures and backgrounds, or leaders working for peace in the community.

EARLY PREPARATION: Read over all of the sessions, choosing activities that would best suit the needs of your group. Reserve a meeting room and invite participants to join your group. Gather other resources you might need. You should also cover a gift box with simple wrapping paper, cutting a small slit in the top; place a name tag next to the slit that reads, "To: Baby Jesus, From: [the name of your class]." This box will be used throughout the sessions.

Session One: Peace With Myself

INTRODUCTION: Accepting ourselves with our unique abilities and shortcomings is an important first step in becoming peacemakers. As the familiar saying reminds us, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." This week, we will explore ways to help children value themselves as wonderful gifts of God. We will learn that our actions and attitudes of inner peace can be meaningful gifts to Jesus as we celebrate his birth.

GOALS:

MATERIALS NEEDED: name tags, Bible, large sheets of paper, crayons, markers, construction or drawing paper, slips of scrap paper, a small box or empty coffee can, decorated gift box, copies of the "Peace With Myself" section of the checklist (p. 8).

PREPARATION: Review the Bible reading for this week. If you choose to do activity #3, write the feelings on slips of paper ahead of time and place the slips in the box or can.

SESSION PLANS:

Opening (5 min.): Hand out name tags as children arrive. Gather children into a circle and ask participants to introduce themselves and to say one thing they like about themselves (e.g., "I'm Maureen and I'm good at drawing.").

Bible Reading (10 min.): Read John 14: 27. Talk about how we can give to Jesus by becoming peacemakers in our daily lives. Discuss the need to make quiet time during the Christmas season to remember Jesus and the peace he offers. Talk about the importance of accepting ourselves for who we are, recognizing the gifts God has given us. Introduce the "birthday" gift box and explain that we will be offering our peaceful attitudes and actions in honor of Jesus' birth.

Activities (30 min.): Choose the activity or activities that best suit the needs of your group.

1. On large pieces of paper, draw an outline of each child. Provide crayons and markers for children to draw their faces, color their hair and clothes. Ask children to list on their paper three things they do well or like about themselves. (Help younger children if they can't write yet.)

2. Distribute construction paper and ask children to draw a picture of an experience that was peaceful. Ask children to share with the group what that experience was and why it was peaceful.

3. Write different feelings on slips of paper (e.g., angry, sad, happy, fearful, etc.). Place the slips of paper in a small box or empty coffee can. Ask one child at a time to draw a slip and pantomime the feeling. Encourage the other children to guess what feeling is being acted out. Talk about how it is okay to have different feelings.

Closing (15 min.): Say, "Today we have learned some ways to be more peaceful inside our hearts. Here are some other ways: [read the Peace With Myself section of the checklist]." Hand out a copy of the appropriate portion of the checklist to each child. Allow time for children to discuss ways they can explore inner peace. Ask each child to choose one or two items on the list that s/he will commit to doing this coming week. After they check the items on their lists, have them write the action(s) on slips of paper and sign it. (For younger children, you may need to write their actions on slips of paper and ask them to sign or initial the slips.) Encourage children to take their checklists home and to review their commitments with a parent or adult during the week.

Ask children to sit quietly for one minute, then pray: "Creator God, who made each of us in your own image, we ask that you bring us moments of quiet in the days to come. As a birthday gift to Jesus, we will work for peace within ourselves this coming week. [Pass around the gift box so that children can place their slips in the box.] Help us as we prepare a peaceful place in our lives and hearts in anticipation of the coming of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen."

Session Two: Peace In My Family

INTRODUCTION: Families are often our oasis in a stormy world. With our families we share our dreams and secrets. We also share our frustrations, disappointments and anger. Sometimes our angry words and actions can bring conflict and unease. While it is important to have a place to "be yourself," it is also important to learn skills for conflict resolution and open communication that will make our families more healthy and our homes more happy. By learning to foster peace in our families, we can remember Jesus and his vision of peace.

GOALS:

MATERIALS NEEDED: Bible, small box or empty can, slips of scrap paper, construction paper, markers, crayons, glue, felt, glitter, birthday gift box, copies of the "Peace In My Family" section of the checklist (p. 8).

PREPARATION: Review the Bible reading for this week. If you choose to do activity #1, write the responses on slips of paper ahead of time and place the slips in the box or can.

SESSION PLANS:

Opening (5 min.): Review the "Peace With Myself" section of the checklist. Ask children to share stories of how they worked for inner peace this past week.

Bible Reading (10 min.): Read Psalm 122:7-9. Talk about how we can bring peace to our homes by opening ourselves to the will of God. Talk about the need to appreciate our family members and to resolve conflict peaceably. Explain that our peaceful attitudes and actions toward the people in our families can be gifts to Jesus this Christmas.

Activities (30 min.): Choose the activity or activities that best suit the needs of your group.

1. Beforehand, write the following actions on slips of paper: Ignore her; Punch her; Yell at her; Cry; Tell her to shut up; Throw the mixing spoon at her; Pull the arms off her favorite doll; Ask mom if you can make both kinds of cookies; Ask Lucia if you can help make peanut butter cookies; Explain to Lucia that you are the same age she was when she began to help bake cookies; Ask Lucia and mom if all of you can make oatmeal cookies this week and peanut butter next week; etc.

Tell the following story: Carlos wanted to help his mother make oatmeal cookies for the Christmas party at church. His sister, Lucia wanted to help make peanut butter cookies since these were her favorite. Lucia told Carlos, "You are too little to help bake cookies. Mom won't let you help, and besides only babies like oatmeal cookies." Ask the group, "If you were Carlos, how might you respond? Encourage each child to draw a slip from the box and share the "response" with the group. Ask the group to say whether the response is peaceful or not.

Then ask, "Have you ever had a disagreement with a sister or a brother or another family member? What was the disagreement about? What causes people to disagree? How do you solve family conflicts? What are some peaceful solutions to disagreements?" Discuss.

2. Ask every child to make a card for each member of his/her family. On the front they should draw a picture of themselves holding hands with the person. On the inside, they should write a positive, affirming statement, such as: "Anne, I really like it when you help me learn to ride my bike. I'm glad you are my sister." Encourage them to give the cards to the people in their families.

3. Talk about gifts of time and talent children can give family members this Christmas (e.g., washing the car, giving a back rub, etc.). Provide paper and markers for children to create coupons for their services to be given as Christmas gifts.

Closing (15 min.): Say, "Today we learned how to be peacemakers in our families by showing our appreciation for others and by talking out problems. Here are some other ways: [read the Peace In My Family section of the checklist aloud.]" Hand out a copy of the checklist to each child. Talk about ways children can explore peace in their families. Ask each child to choose one or two items on the list that s/he will commit to doing this coming week. After they check the items on their lists, have them write the action(s) on slips of paper and sign it. Encourage children to take their checklists home and to review their commitments with a parent or adult during the week.

Ask children to sit quietly for one minute, then pray: "Creator God, who came to dwell among us as part of a family, we thank you for our mothers and fathers, our step-mothers and step-fathers. We thank you for our brothers, sisters, our step-brothers, step-sisters, our grandparents, aunts and uncles, all those who make up our unique families. As a birthday gift to Jesus, we will work for peace in our families this coming week. [Pass around the gift box so that children can place their slips in the box.] We ask that you bring peace to our families by working through us in the days to come. Amen."

Peace in My Community

INTRODUCTION: There is much unrest in our communities today. Racial tensions, homelessness, unemployment, poverty, drugs, violence, and pollution contribute to our tension and fear. Understanding, appreciating and respecting differences between people are important first steps in becoming peacemakers in our communities. From befriending a person of another culture to picking up trash on our street, we can be effective and enthusiastic makers of peace. By working for peace in the community at Christmas and throughout the year, we can welcome the Christ Child in our midst.

GOALS:

MATERIALS NEEDED: Bible, magazines, small paper bags of different colors, markers, crayons, glue, yarn, large cardboard box, "nature" materials (such as twigs, acorns, flowers, pictures of birds, etc.), sheet of paper, empty soda can, paper cup, banner paper, decorated gift box, copies of the "Peace In My Community" section of the checklist (p. 8).

PREPARATION: Review the Bible reading. If you choose to do activity #1, clip appropriate pictures from magazines ahead of time. If you choose to do activity #3, fill the box with "nature" items before the session begins.

SESSION PLANS:

Opening (5 min.): Review the "Peace In My Family" section of the checklist. Ask children to share stories of how they worked for peace in their families this past week.

Bible Reading (10 min.): Read Matthew 25: 35-40. Talk about how we can bring peace to our communities by following Jesus' teachings to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and clothe the naked. Also talk about how we can come to accept people for who they are just as we have accepted ourselves and our special gifts. Explain that by working for peace in our communities we can honor Jesus' birth.

Activities (30 min.): Choose the activity or activities that best suit the needs of your group.

1. Show pictures of all different people that you clipped from magazines, including babies, older people, people of various races, cultures and religions. As you show the pictures talk about all the different people that make up a community. Talk about the needs of different people and how we can help to meet those needs at Christmas and throughout the year. (For example, show a picture of an older person and ask, "If this person was lonely at Christmas, what could we do to make them feel better and to share Jesus' peace with them?")

2. Distribute small paper bags. (You may want to use white as well as brown bags.) Ask children to draw faces, color hair and clothes, etc. on the bags to make puppets that represent the people in their communities. Encourage children to make puppets of different ages, genders, races and cultures. Once the puppets are completed, ask children to pass them around so that no one has the same puppet that s/he created. Foster discussion by asking questions like: What might your puppet say? What does your puppet do well? Does your puppet have a brother or sister? Who are the puppet's friends? What might your puppet say to Roberto's puppet? Do you think your puppet could be friends with Roberto's? Ask the children to answer the questions in the voice of the puppet, making the puppet's mouth move.

3. Gather the children in a circle around a large cardboard box filled with "nature" materials, such as twigs, acorns, flowers (real or silk), pictures or figurines of birds, etc. Encourage one child at a time to go to the center of the circle and pull one item from the box. Ask the child to say what s/he has chosen and to share some experience s/he has had with the object. For example, "This is a bird. I hear the birds singing when I walk through the park with my dad." Once all children have had a chance to choose an item and share a story, talk some about the beauty of God's creation. Discuss how being close to nature can make us feel peaceful. Then, drop a crumpled piece of paper in the box, then an empty soda can, a paper cup, etc. Ask the children, "How does it make you feel to see garbage being placed in the "nature" box? Do you ever see garbage in the park or on the street? How does it get there?" Begin to pull out the trash item by item. Say, "What might we do with the soda can instead of throwing it in nature?" (You may need to prompt them along with statements such as, "Perhaps we could drink less soda or maybe we could recycle the can." Discuss ways we can live in peace with the earth.

4. Encourage children to work together to draw a picture of peace in the community on a large piece of banner paper. Across the top of the banner print Matthew 5: 9: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Hang the banner where everyone in the congregation can see and enjoy it.

Closing (15 min.): Say, "Today we have learned some ways to work for peace in our communities by caring for others and the earth. Here are some other ways to work for peace: [read the Peace In My Community section of the checklist]." Hand out a copy of the checklist to each child. Allow time for the children to discuss ways they can explore peace in their communities. Ask each child to choose one or two items on the list that s/he will commit to doing this coming week. After they check the items on their lists, have them write the action(s) on slips of paper and sign it. Encourage children to take their checklists home and to review their commitments with a parent or adult during the week.

Ask children to sit quietly for one minute, then pray: "Creator God, who gave us houses and sidewalks, grocery stores and libraries, churches and homeless shelters, we thank you for the many different people who make up our communities. As a birthday gift to Jesus, we will work for peace in our communities this coming week. [Pass around the gift box so that children can place their slips in the box.] We ask that you bring peace to our communities by working through us in the days to come. Amen."

Session Four: Peace in the World

INTRODUCTION: Our world is a violent place to live. Even with the end of the "cold war," our world is filled with conflict and strife. We watch news reports of ethnic cleansing; we read of people uprooted from their homes; we hear of those who must go without food, water, clothing. We watch from a safe distance, thankful that we are far from the violence. It is only when we understand that we are all part of a world family that we can reach out across continents to those in need. By appreciating the differences among people, affirming all people as part of God's creation, we can begin to welcome the Prince of Peace into our world and our lives.

GOALS:

MATERIALS NEEDED: Bible, magazines, scissors, 2 pitchers, orange or apple juice, cups, poster board, markers, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes book, newspaper clippings, maps, origami paper, decorated gift box, copies of the "Peace In My World" section of the checklist (p. 8).

PREPARATION: Review the Bible reading. If you choose to do activity #2, draw the pie chart on poster board before the session begins. If you chose to do activity #3, read over Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Also clip appropriate newspaper articles and gather maps you might need.

SESSION PLANS:

Opening (5 min.): Review the "Peace In My Community" section of the checklist. Ask children to share stories of how they worked for peace in their communities this past week.

Bible Reading (10 min.): Read Ephesians 2: 14-15 and 17-18. Talk about how Jesus came to "break down the dividing walls of hostility." Discuss God's vision of a peaceful world where all of creation is honored and accepted. Explain that we can honor Jesus by reaching out in peace to those who are far and near.

Activities (30 min.): Choose the activity or activities that best suit the needs of your group.

1. Distribute copies of magazines and ask each child to cut out a picture of a person from another part of the world. Ask each child to explain how the person pictured is different from him/her. Then ask, "How is the person like you?" You may need to prompt children with statements such as, "He is wearing a blue shirt. I see you have a blue shirt as well. You both seem to like the color blue." After all children have a chance to answer, ask each one, "If you could ask the person in your picture one question, what would you ask?" Discuss possible answers to their questions.

2. Fill one pitcher full of orange juice or apple juice. Fill another pitcher one-eighth of the way full. Split the children into two groups. One group should have two or three people; the other group should have at least six people, quite possibly more. (Adjust these numbers depending on the size of your group.) Give all participants empty cups. Set the full pitcher in front of the smaller group after pouring juice into each of their cups. Pour juice from the other pitcher into the cups of the larger group, setting the empty pitcher in front of them when finished. (It works best if members of the larger group get only a sip of juice each. If you run out of juice that is even better.) After the children drink their cups of juice, ask the larger group, "Did you get enough to drink? How do you feel? Thirsty? Angry?" Ask the smaller group, "Would you be willing to share your juice? Why or why not?" Discuss possible solutions. Talk about the unequal distribution of resources throughout the world. Explain that about 75% of the world's people (Asia, Africa, Latin America) consume only 25% of the resources; while the remaining 25% of the people consume as much as 75% of the resources. (Refer to the chart.) Ask, "In reality, who uses most of the world's resources? Who are the people who must go without? What can we do so that all people have enough to eat and drink?"

3. Read the story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, by Eleanor Coerr. (Check your church or public library for a copy of the book or order from Alternatives.) Discuss, "Why do countries go to war? Where are there wars in the world today? (Refer to maps and newspaper articles you clipped.) What are the causes? What are some peaceful solutions?" Using origami paper, teach the children how to fold paper cranes in honor of Sadako and other victims of war. (See instructions on page 7.) Suggest they use the cranes to decorate their Christmas trees and homes to remember Jesus and his vision of peace for the world.

Closing (15 min.): Say, "Today we have learned about making peace in the world by learning how other people are similar to and different from us. Listen to some other ways we can work for peace in the world: [read the Peace In MyWorld section of the checklist aloud]." Hand out copies of the checklist. Talk about ways children can foster peace in the world. Ask each child to choose one or two items on the list that s/he will commit to doing this coming week. After they check the items on their lists, have them write the action(s) on slips of paper and sign it. Encourage children to take their checklists home and to review their commitments with a parent or adult during the week.

Ask children to sit quietly for one minute, then pray: "Creator God, who came to all people, we thank you for your vision of peace for all creation. As a birthday gift to Jesus, we will work for peace in our world this coming week. [Pass around the gift box so that children can place their slips in the box.] We ask that you bring peace to our world by working through us in the days to come. Amen."

NOTE: You may consider organizing a time during a Christmas or Epiphany worship service when the children can offer the "birthday" gift box in honor of Jesus.

Heidi K. Roy is the editor of Alternatives.

HOW I WORK FOR PEACE

A Checklist

PEACE WITH MY SELF

__ 1. I will spend some quiet time in a peaceful place and think about how God is my friend. I will also think about how wonderful a person I am.

__ 2. I will read about peacemaking in the Bible and pray asking God to help me understand what I should do for peace.

__ 3. I will walk in a beautiful part of God's creation and think about how I can help it stay beautiful or how I can share it with someone else.

__ 4. I will take time for music, art, reading, playing that I really enjoy doing so that I am a happier person.

__ 5. I will take an ugly thought and flood it over with good ones.

__ 6. I will think of the gifts (talents, possessions, feelings, people in my life) God has given me, enjoy who I am, and say thanks to God.

__ 7.

PEACE IN MY FAMILY

__ 1. I will do a favor or surprise for a parent, brother or sister without expecting a reward.

__ 2. I will make a member of my family feel good by saying something good about her/him.

__ 3. I will use "peace words" like "please," "thank you," "I'm sorry," "I like you," "I'll help you," "you did well," "you can go first."

__ 4. I will write a letter to a relative (e.g., grandmother, uncle) just to tell him/her how special s/he is to me.

__ 5. I will use my arms for hugging people, not hurting them.

__ 6. I will be the first to say "I'm sorry" after a fight/disagreement with a parent, a brother or a sister.

__ 7. I will be honest and share how I really feel when I am upset at someone or something.

__ 8. I will ask my family if we can have a peace sign on our house or bumper sticker on our car.

__ 9.

PEACE IN MY COMMUNITY

__ 1. I will stick up for someone when others are making fun of her/him or saying bad things about her/him.

__ 2. I will use words rather than fists when I am angry.

__ 3. I will listen to other peoples' sides of the story before jumping in with my side.

__ 4. I will try to make friends with someone who is different from me or not easy to like.

__ 5. I will pray for someone I don't like, asking God to help me think better about her/him.

__ 6. I will help someone who is having trouble in learning or doing something (e.g., fixing their bike, doing math problems).

__ 7. I will let others go first sometimes, instead of always wanting to be first myself.

__ 8. I will call someone by a name s/he likes when others used names that hurt him/her.

__ 9. I will let other kids join our game instead of saying they can't play.

__ 10. I will read a book about a famous peacemaker and tell someone about that person.

__ 11. I will visit or write someone hurting (e.g., a sick person, a lonely person, someone in jail).

__ 12. I will make friends with a person from a different race, culture, or country.

__ 13. I will not play "war" or with war toys and will ask my friends to help me find toys that are just as exciting but aren't used to hurt people.

__ 14. I will ask my teacher(s) and church leaders to consider having a peace fair in my community.

__ 15.

PEACE IN MY WORLD

__ 1. I will make sacrifices (e.g., skipped a snack or dessert, drank water instead of buying a soda) and share the money I save with hungry people around the world.

__ 2. I will write to the President or my government representatives asking them to make peace in Central America, in the Middle East (or elsewhere).

__ 3. I will take care of the earth by _______________ (fill in the blank with something you will do such as, "picking up trash in my neighborhood").

__ 4. I will tell other people about how I am taking care of the earth and ask them to help me.

__ 5. When I find out about an injustice (something unfair), I will write or talk to the people responsible to try to change it (e.g., a corporation that pollutes the environment; or a TV station that shows violent cartoons).

__ 6. I will write a person in another country telling her/him about what I am learning about their country and how I am working for peace.

__ 7. I will pray for people I hear about on the news who are suffering in some way and ask God to help me figure out some way I might help them.

__ 8. I will ask my family to have a "poverty meal" (a very simple meal) or make other food sacrifices as a family and share the savings with people who are hungry.

__ 9. I will collect school supplies and sports equipment for the children of Nicaragua or some other country.

__ 10.

This checklist was adapted from Educating for Peace and Justice, Religious Dimensions, K - 6 (Institute for Peace and Justice, 4144 Lindell Blvd. #124, St. Louis, MO 63108).

How To Fold A Paper Crane

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. With split at bottom, fold H and I inward so that edges meet center line. Turn paper over and repeat.

8. Temporarily open flaps at L1 and L2. Pull J up to top between flaps and close flaps (L1 and L2). Repeat with K. Fold down head. Fold down wings.

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

Page updated 11 Sept. 2013

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