January 1st is New Year’s Day. It’s also the day that Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of Mary. Our most recent Experience God pack was focused on The Story of Mary. The optional child craft and family activity pack was a perfect way to spend some time reflecting on Mary and her role as “Mother” in the holy family.
We did three of the supplied crafts focused on Mary.
Mary Puppet
Ask
Why did God ask Mary to take care of baby Jesus?
Craft
We made these simple Mary puppets using paper bags, blue paint, markers, googly eyes, tan construction paper cut in a circle, a blue napkin, and glue. After the puppets were completed, the kids got to interview Mary and ask her a bunch of questions such as,
- What did you think when you saw the angel?
- What did God ask you to do?
- What was it like to take care of baby Jesus?
Explain
Just like Mary, God has a special plan for each of us.
Pray
“Lord please help me use my hands to do your work. Help me understand how I can use my life to serve you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Ride a Donkey
Ask
How do animals serve us? How did the donkey serve Mary?
Craft
We created a simple donkey using a paper bag, paper, sticker eyes, feathers, crayons, a stapler, and tape.
Explain
The donkey helped to carry Mary because the journey was too long and hard for her.
Pray
“Lord, help us run in excitement to serve others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Nativity Collage
Ask
How did Joseph serve Mary?
Craft
Experience God provided background paper, 4 jumbo craft sticks, characters, and paper shreds. We used scissors, crayons, markers, and glue to create this nativity scene.
Pray
“Heavenly Father, help us to serve and help others. Thank you for forgiving us when we think or say hurtful things. Help us to use our words to encourage and love others so that they can see you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Experience God is a wonderful Christian based program supplied through Mother Goose Time. Each month carefully selected learning activities and crafts encourage us to focus on God and our Faith. As a busy Mom of littles, I adore the additional Child Craft and Family Activity Pack which provides all the materials needed to complete the recommended crafts like the ones pictured in this post.
