Download a pdf copy of the December Family Faith Conversation

Pear-fect questions to jump into the fruit bowl! 

Let’s continue to explore the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23.)  These are the amazing, God-given traits that we grow in us through the Holy Spirit. 

This month, we are going to learn more about joy. It’s one in a melon!  

Bunch up for a grape question time with your family. 

• When have you felt joy? 
• What is joy? How is it different from happiness? 
• How do you express joy? 
• Who is someone you know who is joyful? How do you know?
• I wonder, what colour is joy in your mind? What sound do you hear when you think of joy?
• How do you share joy?

Have you ever heard the expression “jumping for joy”? Frogs are amazing jumpers!  They can jump up to 20x their own length.  Wow! Finn Frog reminds us of the joy Jesus brings.  Enjoy our December Colouring Page with Finn Frog who also shares our memory verse this month.  

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Learn more about frogs. Watch the following 3 short videos for some interesting facts.

 God’s Story 

Jump into the story! Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, after Mary and Joseph made a very long journey.  You can find this story in Luke 2.  Have a read then jump into these family chat questions. 

Let’s look deeper at what is going on in this story… 

Mary and Joseph had to take a very long trip so they could be counted in the census.  How do you think they travelled?  Have you been on a long trip? How did you feel as you were travelling?   

There was no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph to stay.  Have you ever had something go wrong on a trip? Have you always had a place to stay? 

Mary gave birth to Jesus in that stable.  What was your birth like?  Who was there when you were born?  Were you born in a hospital or at home? I wonder what joy looked like at your birth? What might be more difficult about giving birth in a stable than a hospital? 

I wonder why Jesus brings joy? What is the joy he brings? 

Shepherds were nearby in fields with their sheep when an angel came to tell them the news about Jesus being born.  I wonder how the shepherds felt when they saw the angels? How do you think you might feel if you met an angel? The angels sang praise to God before they left.  What do you praise God for today?  

The shepherds shared the news about Jesus. What did this news mean to them? How do you share who Jesus is to you with others? How do you share Jesus with others using words? How do you share Jesus with others without words? 

Imagining Story 

Imagine yourself into the story of Jesus being born.   

What was that long trip like? What might Mary have felt like on that trip, being so close to when Jesus would be born? 

What is it like to be told there is no room in the inn, no where for you to stay? Does the stable feel like a good option? I wonder, would you like to stay in a stable overnight?  What would it feel like? What would it smell like?  Which animals do you picture there? 

What is it like to give birth in a stable? Do you see anyone there with Mary?   

The shepherds saw the angels.  What do you think that moment looked like? Sounded like?   What might the shepherds have said to each other?   

What do you picture the meeting of the shepherds with Jesus was like? What might Mary have said to them?  What would it be like to see the Messiah in a manger? 

Make your own story! You could write it down, or create it in drawings. You could create it out of play dough or lego bricks.  Be creative! 

Story prompt:  

On a day, long, long ago in Bethlehem, I was out walking with Finn frog.  We were waiting to be counted in a census. 

In the next line over, we saw a young man, named Joseph with his wife, Mary.  Mary looked like she was ready to have a baby any day! 

We followed them to an inn where they found out there was no room. The kind innkeeper did share a stable space with them so they would have some shelter.  

Finn and I peeked in the window of the stable, and you won’t believe what we saw… 

Prayer time… the cherry on top! 

God thank you for giving me joy.  I praise you because… 

Thank you that your joy is so unique. Help me to share it by… 

Help me share your joy with… 

Thank you that I see your joy at work in these places… 

God, thank you that Jesus brings joy. Help me see your joy at work each day… 

God, help me be joyful by also being a person who forgives.  Forgive me, and help me forgive… 

We would love to hear or see your stories and conversations in action! Post pics to social media and tag us with #cboqkids #InGodsStory