Hi kids! Christmas is just a few weeks away—how exciting! What toys are on your wish list this year? Maybe you asked for a new bike, a Lego set or a doll. We are privileged to live in places where we are able to ask for gifts like these at Christmas. Some people around the world are still in great need of the basic necessities, such as food.
Sudoku “A child will be born to us.” Isaiah 9:6
Fill in the grid so that every column, row and 2x2 box contains the numbers 1 to 4.
4 2
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Jesus is Promised
In this issue of Just for Kids you’re going to read about a Salvation Army program that provides amazing gifts for people in need. These aren’t ordinary gifts, such as clothes or toys—they help people have better lives.
Jesus is Promised Word Search
Isaiah 9:6
BIBLE EARTH HOPE ISAIAH JESUS
Your friend, Leigha
Congratulations!
TORONTO—Brennan McAlister is enrolled as a junior soldier at North Toronto Community Church, supported by his grandparents Majors David and Beverly Ivany along with Major Beverley Smith, corps officer (left), in a special ceremony held in his grandparents’ backyard. Way to go!
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long time ago, the nation of Judah felt powerless. As their enemies grew strong around them, they thought God had forgotten about them. They lived in fear that a bad king might rule over them one day and treat them poorly. They wanted a good king. God sent His prophet, Isaiah, to tell the people of Judah that the best king of all was going to be born one day for them. He would be unlike any other king that had ever reigned on earth. The king Isaiah was speaking about was none other than God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. So, how does this prophecy bring hope to us today? Because we can see that God keeps His promises. How do we know this? Because the Bible tells us that Jesus came to earth (see Luke 2:11).
JUDAH KING PROMISES PROPHECY RULE
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I H O P J
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B L E G M G R S I
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E T D N O P U I H G C
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Gifts of Hope
hristmas is a time when we exchange gifts with our family and friends to show them that we love and care about them. Gifts are often fun, such as toys and games. But, for people in need, a gift can be life-changing.
Find
10 Differences
The gift
of a goat The Salvation Army has a program helps a called Gifts of Hope. Through this family in Kenya. program, you can purchase various “gifts” that will help people in vulnerable countries. The program has four types of gifts: farming, education, health care and community improvements.
For example, you can buy a goat for a family. Goats can provide milk, cheese and meat. Selling these things can bring much-needed income to a family in poverty. With additional income, families can eat nutritious meals and children can go to school. Visit salvationarmy.ca/giftsofhope to learn more about Gifts of Hope.
What does an elf study in school? The elfabet
How does Rudolph know it’s Christmas? He looks at his calen-deer
What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes
Which gift will the girl receive? Follow the path to find out!
49-12/05/20 Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@ salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Leigha Vegh, editor; Brandon Laird and Catherine Howlett, designers. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X
Scrambled Stars How many Christmas stars can you count?
Hi kids! Why do we see so many angels during the Christmas season? You might put one on the top of your tree, or even go out in the cold to make a snow angel!
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In the Bible, angels are used as God’s messengers. For example, in Luke 1, the angel Gabriel visits Mary to give her an important message. He tells her that she will have a baby boy and His name will be Jesus. Then in Luke 2, angels announce the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds. Angels play an important role in the Christmas story. Keep this in mind the next time you see, or make, an angel decoration.
An Angel Visits Mary
Your friend, Leigha
Luke 1:26-56
Onward CHRISTMAS Soldiers!
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hen you have good news, how do you tell someone? You probably use the telephone, send an email or write a note. God had good news for a young girl named Mary. He sent an angel to talk to her. Mary had never seen an angel before and she was scared. The angel said: “Don’t be scared, Mary. God loves you. He has chosen you to be the mother of a very special baby boy. You will name Him Jesus and He will be God’s own Son!” The angel’s message changed her life.
TORONTO—Three junior soldiers join the ranks at North Toronto Community Church: Aaron and Cohen Goetzman, and Daniel Smith. Congratulations!
The angel left right away. Mary had lots of questions and trusted that God would take care of her. Mary praised God for choosing her to become the mother of the Saviour of the world.
B C J G J E N S L M Y O U H E Y
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S U G S S A L H N Y B S O D S V E S T A O N U P P
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Double Puzzle Find the words from this week’s Bible story in the puzzle. Write the first 14 letters on the blanks below to read a hidden message. ANGEL BABY BOY CHOSEN GIRL GOOD
Find
10 Differences
JESUS MARY MOTHER NEWS SAVIOUR TALK
R Y F B C Y L Z U W A B B
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O T K L A T V L G B
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L A R J H A F
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Answer: Jesus is God’s Son
An Angel Visits Mary
How do Christmas angels greet each other? “Halo!”
What do elves do after school? Their gnome work
Where does a snowman keep his money?
50-12/12/20 Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@ salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Leigha Vegh, editor; Brandon Laird and Catherine Howlett, designers. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X
In a snow bank
The First Christmas
Hi kids!
The real reason we celebrate Christmas is because more than 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. Jesus had a lowly birth. He was born in a barn in a town called Bethlehem. He would eventually grow up to die on the cross for our sins. This way, with faith in Jesus we can have the greatest gift of all—eternal life. This is the real reason for the season! If you have any questions about Jesus, email justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Merry Christmas!
Holiday Sudoku
Your friend, Leigha
Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 2x2 box contains a tree, an ornament, a stocking and a star.
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long time ago, there was a Roman king named Caesar Augustus. He made a new law. He wanted a list of everyone who was living in the Roman world. People had to go back to their hometown to be counted. Joseph and his fiancée, Mary, went to their hometown of Bethlehem. At the time, Mary was pregnant with God’s Son, Jesus Christ. When they got to Bethlehem, Mary was about to give birth. There was no room at the local inn, so they found a barn to stay at. Here, Jesus was born. He was wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a manger. Angels from heaven appeared and began singing, “May glory be given to God in the highest heaven! And may peace be given to those He is pleased with on earth!” In a nearby field, an angel had told a group of shepherds about Jesus’ birth. They said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem to see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” After seeing baby Jesus, the shepherds left to go tell everyone about Him. Wise men also heard the news and followed a star in the sky which led them to the barn in Bethlehem where Jesus was. They brought precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to honour Him. You can read the whole Christmas story in your Bible in Matthew 1:18-2:12 and in Luke 2:1-20.
Friends and Heroes Images © Friends and Heroes Ltd 2009. Used with permission.
How do you spend your Christmas? I usually spend mine with my family. We open presents, sing Christmas carols and eat a yummy turkey dinner. While all these things are great, this is not what makes the season special.
Jesus is Born!
Christmas Word Search ANGELS BIRTH CHRIST GOD JESUS JOSEPH MANGER MARY SHEPHERDS STAR
O B S V C Z Y H A S B T H C O T T N O T G I
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H E P X
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G G R S M T C W Z G N G D V O A D Z O H A W S Y A J R D Y Y M V F B Q A J Y Q Y
What is a Christmas tree’s favourite candy?
JFK-Dec20-49-52.indd 6
Find
Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@ salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Leigha Vegh, editor; Brandon Laird and Catherine Howlett, designers. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X
Holiday Sudoku Solution
10 Differences
Ornamints
51-12/19/20
2020-10-26 8:49 PM
Hi kids! How was your Christmas? I hope you had a good time opening presents and spending time with your family. Maybe you even got a few cards in the mail wishing you a Merry Christmas. It’s always exciting to get a letter with your name on it! Many years ago, a group of shepherds had a visitor who gave them a very special message. In fact, it was so great that it made them go on a journey and sing for joy! Read the Bible story to find out what the message was.
FIND THE TWINS
Your friend, Leigha
Shepherds Visit Jesus ISSU
Luke 2:8-20
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group of shepherds were taking care of their sheep in a field the night Jesus was born. Suddenly, they saw an angel of the Lord who shone brightly. The shepherds were scared! But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news. It will bring great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you.”
Colour in the Shepherd
But, who was this Saviour the angel was speaking about? The angel continued, “He is the Messiah, the Lord.” To prove that he was telling the truth, he said there was a baby in a manger in the town of Bethlehem that the shepherds could go see with their own eyes. Before the angel departed, many more angels came down from heaven to sing praises to God. “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth,” they said. After the angels left, the shepherds travelled to Bethlehem. When they got there, they found Mary and Joseph, and baby Jesus, lying in the manger, just as the angel had said. After seeing Him, the shepherds went to tell others what had happened. What the angel told them about Jesus being born was true! They then returned to give glory and praise to God just like the angels had done.
Shepherd Search S Q Z R E F Y P S H E E P X S R L R E G N A M A O E E P V Z Y
Which Way?
Help the shepherd get to the manger.
Christmas Crossword
DOT-TO-DOT
N D G I C E O N V U W L R K G S
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H R Y S O E F E A F R S D U I D
ANGEL GLORY MANGER NEWS PRAISES SAVIOUR SHEEP SHEPHERD
Join the numbers to find out who appeared to the shepherds.
Use the following words to complete the puzzle.
beard cookies
holly cold Santa treats turkey dolls
Which of Santa’s reindeers has the worst manners?
3
1 4
RUDE-olph
What do sheep say to shepherds at Christmastime?
7
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C O L D
8 Answers: 1. Santa; 2. turkey; 3. cookies; 4. holly; 5. beard; 6. cold; 7. dolls; 8. treats JFK-Dec20-49-52.indd 8
“Season’s bleatings!”
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52-12/26/20 Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6119; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@ salvationarmy.ca. Brian Peddle, General; Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Leigha Vegh, editor; Brandon Laird and Catherine Howlett, designers. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368-626X
2020-10-26 8:49 PM