The Twelve Days of Christmas series: Day 8 Wings and Messengers of God

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SERIES:

 

Christmas Scene: 12 Days of Christmas series icon.

Day 8 Wings and Messengers of God

During Advent, our local supermarket put out their magazine with recipe ideas and of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas. Not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.

In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 8 WINGS AND MESSENGERS OF GOD

ACTIVITY: TO MAKE WINGS

"You need 2 pieces of cardboard cut-out into tear drop shapes for the wings. Glue silver crepe paper or paint cotton wool balls and silver ribbon. Using a glue stick, cover one side of each wings with glue.  Open I sheet of crepe paper and place over one wing, covering entire shape, then press down.  Do not worry about the creases, they are part of the look. cutting around the wing get rid of the excess paper.  Repeat this with the second wings.  stick cotton balls along the edge of each wing.  Punch holes along the inside of the wing.  Make sure they match up to the other wing.  Then thread through silver ribbon to hold wings together."

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: MESSENGERS OF GOD

Either before or after the children make their wings, you may wish to reflect being a messenger of God to others.  There is almost 100 references to angels throughout the bible. Here are 3 important references

·                     The Scene of the Annunciation- Angel Gabriel coming on God's behalf to ask Mary to be the mother of Jesus.

·                     The scene of the Nativity-the angels announces the birth of Jesus-'Gloria in Excelcis Deo'

·                     The Scene of the Resurrection: The angels tell the women that Christ is risen.

Can you think of other key events in the life of Jesus where the angels play an important role? Why not look in your bible to find some other references.

We too can announce good news to others, help and support others in need and at times give a tough message when it is required. We can be messengers of God to others every day. We can be an angel to others every time we assist them because we bring them good news.  We can also ask our own guardian angel to help us to be the person God wants us to be. If you do not know the prayer to the guardian angel why not learn it.

You might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own.

Jesus, help us to be like the angels,
bringing good news to others,
walking beside them in their tough times,
and leading them to You.
During this year, let us be aware of our own guardian angel,
and ask Him to help us in our daily life.