The Sunday School Teacher's Network Newsletter - Great ideas for children's ministry!


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Issue #78 - December 20, 2007 Previous issues can be found in the Archives.	Home \| Search \| Support SSTN
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"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -- Jesus
Scroll down the page to view articles. 1) Hidden Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas 2) "Jesus Came" to the tune of "Jingle Bells" 3) Christmas Activities & Festivities 4) New Year's Ideas? A sweet gift for your congregation! Noel Christmas Photo Frame Click here to download it. 5) Fun version of 12 days of Christmas 6) How to Read SSTN articles? 7) Merry CHRISTmas from SSTN!	Bible Games Christian Crafts Christian Skits Missions For Kids Recycling Ideas Sermons & Object Talks *Search For Ideas*
Bible-4-Life Curriculum Gospel Fun Activities Easy Make N' Take Downloads Holidays & Holy Days Christian E-books, skits, crafts and more! Premium Club Membership Discount Support the SSTN Ministry! Email a friend to join us at SSTN!	Noel Christmas Photo Frame
	The birth of Jesus is recorded in these two books of the Bible. (The answer is in this newsletter)

1) Hidden Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas People often think of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' as the days preceding the festival. Historically, Christmas is the season of the Christian Year for the days beginning on December 25 and lasting until January 6 (the Day of Epiphany) when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. During that era the song, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' was written as a type of secret catechism that could be sung in public without risk of persecution. The song has two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church with each element in the carol also prompting a religious reality. The "partridge in a pear tree" is Jesus Christ. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments. The three French hens stand for faith, hope and love. The four calling birds are the four Gospels. The five gold rings recall the torah (Law) the first five books of the Old Testament. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation. The seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit. The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes. The nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5). The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments. The eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve drummers drumming symbolize the 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed. There you have it... the hidden meaning of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and the secret behind the song. Take time to thank and praise God for the freedom we have to share Christmas boldly --- and then do so. To God be the honor and glory for this beautiful season in ALL that we do. --from SSTN: this and other Christmas lessons and talks are available at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/sermons.html

2) "Jesus Came" to the tune of "Jingle Bells". The following song was written and sent in by Austrian missionaries, Mark and Becky Bryan: Jesus came, Jesus came, Jesus came a child. Jesus came from heaven above, He came 'cause of all our sin, ha! Jesus came, Jesus came, Jesus came to us. Jesus came to all the world, He loves us all so much! Jesus lives, Jesus lives, Jesus lives for us, He brings joy into our hearts, and forgives us all our sins, ha! Jesus comes, Jesus comes, He's coming soon for us. So be prepared and live for Him, He comes so glorious. (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Exodus 24:7, Hebrews 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7) Copyright � 2007 Mark & Becky Bryan To learn more about the Bryan's mission work in Austria, see the following web page: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/missions_for_kids.html or contact them directly at: marknbecky@aon.at

3) Christmas Activities & Festivities You can find some fun Christmas games at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/christmas_games.html Lessons at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/sermons.html and Crafts at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/crafts-holidays.html

4) New Year's Ideas? Please share any new "New Year's" ideas. Particularly crafts or games for Sunday school or midweek classes.

Click here to download the Noel Christmas Photo Frame A sweet gift for your congregation!

5) Fun Version of 12 days of Christmas From Indiana University's Men's a cappella group. Enjoy!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8&feature=related

6) How to Read SSTN articles? How do I access the articles in SSTN? --from SSTN: You must scroll down the page to view and read them. Some articles are new postings which ask questions or offer ideas. Other postings respond to a previously discussed question or topic. When this is the case, it is helpful to include part of the original topic for context. Please see the following page for detailed instructions: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/SSTN_guidelines.html

7) Merry CHRISTmas from SSTN! Wishing you and yours the very best day celebrating Jesus' birth. I want to encourage you to keep on being a blessing to children! Your webservant, Sarah Keith <>< http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com

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The answer to this issue's Bible trivia is "Matthew and Luke". Used by permission form "Bible Stack-O!"
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