A Merry and Bright Adventure for ChristmasChikamu

Make a Wreath

We see a lot of wreaths at Christmastime. People put them on their doors and decorate their homes with them. Do you have a wreath anywhere in or on your home? Did you know that people originally hung wreaths on their Christmas trees? The tradition started in the sixteenth century when Europeans trimmed branches on Christmas trees and then used the excess branches to create wreaths.

Did you know that wreaths represent love? The circular shape is a symbol of God’s unending love, which has no beginning and no end. The circle reminds us of what the Bible teaches us about God: He has no beginning and no end.

Wreaths tend to be made from evergreen trees, which represent eternal life and resilience in the face of difficulties. They also remind us of Jesus’s sacrificial love for us. Can you think of anything else used to symbolize eternal love?

Did you know that wedding rings represent unending love? Additionally, they are an outward expression of someone’s commitment to their spouse. The next time you see a wreath, let it remind you of Christ’s unending love and commitment to you.

Family Discussion Questions

• How do wreaths remind us of God?
• How do you know Jesus loves you?
• What does unconditional love mean?
• How can you share the love of Jesus with others?

Family Adventure: Make Handprint Wreaths or Give Promise Rings

Many people give their kids promise rings as a symbol of purity or devotion to Jesus. You could gift your children with rings to remind them of their commitment to Jesus or create your own wreaths to decorate your house today. For the wreath, you can trace your kids’ hands on green construction paper, cut them out, and then glue them in a circle to make the wreath shape. Add a bow, red holly berries, or other decorations. You could also write promise verses on each hand to remember God’s love for us. (For example, Psalm 36:5, 7; Lamentations 3:22; John 3:16; John 15:9; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 John 4:7-12.)

Prayer

God, thank You for Your faithfulness and unending love for us. Thank You for sending Jesus so we can live eternally with You. Help us always remember Your perfect love for us. Amen.