Spark Rotation, Jesus Is Born Leader Guide

Spark Rotation Leader Guides focus on a single Bible story and include 8 workshop rotation options. Kids explore each Bible story for more than one week in order to experience the Bible story from different perspectives.

The workshop rotation options for Kindergarten to Grade 6 include: Art, Bible Skills and Games, Computer Lab, Cooking, Creative Drama, Music, Science, and Video.

Preschoolers experience an in-room rotation with Storytelling, Art, Snack, Music, and Game stations.

Spark Rotation also includes an "All Kids" option, making it easy for smaller congregations or congregations who prefer a multi-age Sunday school program format.
Each Rotation leader guide includes the following content:

• Director Guide
• Workshop Leader Guides (content for Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and All Kids age groups)
• Shepherd Guides
• Preschool Leader Guides
• Large Group Opening Guides

The Jesus Is Born Leader Guide focuses on Jesus' birth while exploring the seasons of Advent and Christmas, Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-58, 2:1-20.

Jesus Is Born
Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-58; 2:1-20

Story Overview:

We may think we’re familiar with the Christmas story because we’ve heard it so many times. But we can look deeper to uncover many surprises and contrasts in these biblical texts.

To prepare Mary and Joseph for the birth of Jesus, God spoke through angels and dreams. What a surprise for young Mary to hear the news of her pregnancy from an angel! But she accepted God’s plan as a servant of the Lord.

Joseph too must have been surprised by the angel that appeared to him in a dream. He did what the angel commanded even though the culture would have accepted his decision to end his relationship with his fiancée.

Mary was pregnant at the same time as her cousin Elizabeth, who was getting on in years. What a contrast between these two cousins who both served the Lord! And the contrasts continue when we look at the arrival of Jesus, God’s only son, who was wrapped in cloth bands and laid in a manger. Humble shepherds contrast with dazzling angels. The evil intentions of King Herod contrast with the wise men, who traveled great distance to pay homage to the king of the Jews.

Through all these surprises and contrasts, we come to know God through his son, Jesus Christ. Celebrate the story of Christmas! Celebrate that God is with us!