Family Time: Mary Ordinary

Read the following short paragraphs. After you read them, there are a couple discussion questions and a short activity to do as a family. This week, you parents just might learn something new about your kids . . . and you kids just might learn something new about your parents!

MATERIALS NEEDED: Smiles!

THIS WEEK'S VERSE: Philippians 4:13 -- I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

READ: This week's key concept was "God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things!"

God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary she would have a baby and the child would be God's son. Though Mary was afraid at first, she listened to the angel and allowed God to use her in an extraordinary way.

Remember the paintbrush. And ordinary paintbrush can create a masterpiece of art! Mary was humble and ordinary, but she became a "star of Christmas" by being willing to obey God.

TALK:

How are we like ordinary paintbrushes in the hands of God?

DO:

1. During dinner this week, play "Toss the Smile". Each member of your family begins with a straight face; assign one person to begin with a smile.

2. The person with the smile shares something extraordinary another family member has done (such as helping with a chore, giving a hug, etc.).

3. Then the person waves their hand in front of their face, "grabbing" the smile and changing to a straight face. They "toss" the smile to the family member who did the extraordinary thing.

4. The person who "catches" the smile waves their hand in front of their face and replaces their straight face with a smile -- then shares an extraordinary thing a different family member has done.

5. Keep the game up until everyone has shared. You can even play several rounds.

Adapted from The Stars of Christmas, (c) 2008 Willow Creek Association & The Chapel