DecemberTerm 2009

Week One Scripture Theme: Birth of Christ

Monday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
Holiday Manner: Don’t brag about your gifts to other children. If another child asks you what you got, please
tell them one favorite thing, not the list of everything everyone gave you.
o Manner Verse
 I Corinthians 13:4
Love does not brag and is not arrogant.
 Discussion questions: Why do we celebrate Christmas? Why do we give each other gifts? Do
some people get nicer gifts than you? Do some people get fewer gifts than you? Why do you
think we have a manner like this? Are gifts what make you important? Is it loving someone
to tell them everything you got for Christmas?
Memory Verses
Read Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Poem of the Week: New Prince, New Pomp by Robert Southwell

Behold a silly tender Babe, in freezing winter night;

In homely manger trembling lies, alas a piteous sight:
The inns are full, no man will yield this little Pilgrim bed,
But forced He is with silly beasts, in crib to shroud His head.
Despise Him not for lying there, first what He is enquire:
An orient pearl is often found, in depth of dirty mire;
Weigh not His crib, His wooden dish, nor beasts that by Him feed:
Weigh not His mother's poor attire, nor Joseph's simple weed.
This stable is a Prince's court, the crib His chair of state:
The beasts are parcel of His pomp, the wooden dish His plate.
The persons in that poor attire, His royal liveries wear,
The Prince Himself is come from heaven, this pomp is prized there.
With joy approach, O Christian wight, do homage to thy King,
And highly prize this humble pomp, which He from heaven doth bring.

Review Hymns from last year: Good King Wenceslas, Good Christian Men Rejoice
Read-Aloud: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.
Tuesday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 Psalm 20:7
Some boast in chariots, and some in horses,
But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.
 Discussion questions: Why do you have anything nice at all? Is it because of something you
did to earn it? What is the greatest thing you possess (i.e., salvation)? When people boast in
chariots or horses, what are they bragging about? Does the Psalmist think we should brag
about such things? What great thing does he think we should brag about instead?
Memory Verses
Read Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Poem of the Week: New Prince, New Pomp by Robert Southwell
Review Hymns from last year: Good King Wenceslas, Good Christian Men Rejoice
o New Hymn: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
o New Christmas Carol: Away in a Manger
Read-Aloud: Begin Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.
Baking day with A.
o Maple Sugar Candied Nuts

Wednesday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 Hebrews 13:5
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you
have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.”
 Discussion questions: What does it mean to be content? If you tell someone about your gifts,
could that make them jealous? If someone tell you about their gifts, could that make YOU
jealous? So if you are talking about your gifts, do you and your friend end up MORE content,
or LESS content? Do either of you remember Jesus when you start acting like this?
Memory Verses
Read Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Poem of the Week: New Prince, New Pomp by Robert Southwell
Review Hymns from last year: Good King Wenceslas, Good Christian Men Rejoice
o Review New Hymn: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
o Review New Christmas Carol: Away in a Manger
Jesus Storybook Bible: “He’s here!” (p. 176)
Read-Aloud: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.
Thursday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 II Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
 Discussion questions: What is God’s gift to us? Why do you think we give gifts at Christmas?
What is the gift we are most thankful for? Is it okay with God for you to be happy with your
gifts? Can you rejoice in good things without bragging?
Memory Verses
Study Rembrandt painting of the week
o Narrate painting
Review Hymns from last year: Good King Wenceslas, Good Christian Men Rejoice
o Review New Hymn: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
o Review New Christmas Carol: Away in a Manger
Read-Aloud: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.

Friday
Baking day with E.
o Honey Sweetened Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nuts

Week Two Scripture Theme: Angels Sing

Monday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Holiday Manner: Say “Merry Christmas!” to people when you see them. At church, when running errands, or
when visiting friends and family, “Merry Christmas!” is the way to greet each other during this time of year.
o Manner Verse
 Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and
saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
 Discussion questions: Why did the angels sing to the shepherds? What two times of year are
the best times for celebrating (i.e., Christmas and Easter)? Do you think that special times
deserve special greetings? Do you tell people, “Happy birthday!” on their birthdays?
Memory Verses
Read Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Poem of the Week: A Hymn on the Nativity of My Savior by Ben Johnson
 I sing the birth was born tonight,
The Author both of life and light;
The angels so did sound it,
And like the ravished shepherds said,
Who saw the light, and were afraid,
Yet searched, and true they found it.

The Son of God, the eternal King,

That did us all salvation bring,
And freed the soul from danger;
He whom the whole world could not take,
The Word, which heaven and earth did make,
Was now laid in a manger.

The Father's wisdom willed it so,

The Son's obedience knew no "No,"
Both wills were in one stature;
And as that wisdom had decreed,
The Word was now made Flesh indeed,
And took on Him our nature.

What comfort by Him do we win?

Who made Himself the Prince of sin,
To make us heirs of glory?
To see this Babe, all innocence,
A Martyr born in our defense,
Can man forget this story?

Review Hymns/Carols: Good King Wenceslas, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Read-Aloud: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.

Tuesday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 Luke 1:28
And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!”
 Discussion questions: Do you know who gave this greeting? Do you know who received it?
Do you think that this greeting is the real beginning of the Christmas story? Do you see how,
even in the Bible, Christmas is full of special greetings? Do you think that by saying, “Merry
Christmas” during the season, you are reminding people of the very special thing that
happened?
Memory Verses
Read Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Poem of the Week: A Hymn on the Nativity of My Savior by Ben Johnson
Review Hymns/Carols: Good Christian Men Rejoice, Away in a Manger
 o New Hymn: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
o New Christmas Carol: The First Noel
Read-Aloud: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.
Baking day with Q.
o Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt

Wednesday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 I Chronicles 18:9-10
Now when Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the army of Hadadezer king
of Zobah, he sent Hadoram his son to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought
against Hadadezer and defeated him; for Hadadezer had been at war with Tou. And Hadoram
brought all kinds of articles of gold and silver and bronze.
 Discussion questions: Who did Tou send to King David? What were the three things he sent
his son Hadoram to do (i.e., greet, bless, and give gifts)? Did you know that Daddy
specifically asked me to teach you this manner? Do you see how he is sending you out to
greet and bless and give gifts (like cookies we made) to those he wants to thank or honor?
Isn’t it amazing that men have been sending their children to do these sorts of things for
thousands of years? Do you think King David was pleased with Hadoram’s father King Tou
because of what Hadoram had done? Besides your earthly father, who else do you represent
here on earth? How can giving others a greeting be a blessing?
Memory Verses
Read Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Poem of the Week: A Hymn on the Nativity of My Savior by Ben Johnson
Review Hymns/Carols: Good King Wenceslas, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
o Review New Hymn: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
o Review New Christmas Carol: The First Noel
Jesus Storybook Bible: “The Light of the whole world” (p. 184)
Read-Aloud: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.

Thursday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 II Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
 Discussion questions: What is God’s gift to us? Why do you think we give gifts at Christmas?
What is the gift we are most thankful for? Is it okay with God for you to be happy with your
gifts? Can you rejoice in good things without bragging?
 Memory Verses
Study Rembrandt painting of the week
o Narrate painting
Review Hymns/Carols: Good Christian Men Rejoice, Away in a Manger
o Review New Hymn: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
o Review New Christmas Carol: The First Noel
Read-Aloud: Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.

Friday
Baking day with A.
o Homemade Healthier Peanut Butter Cups

Week Three Scripture Theme: The Three Kings

Monday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Holiday Manner: Accept your feast meals with gratitude. Remember to say please and thank you at the table.
If you do not like the food, say nothing at all (you are not to complain). If there is something served that you
really like, make sure you tell the person who made it that you liked it very much.
o Manner Verse
 I Timothy 4:2-5
[L]iars…require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by
those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to
be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and
prayer.
 Discussion questions: What does Scripture say we should do with the food served to us? Is
all food good that God made good? Does God say that you can complain about the food? How
are we to receive the food?
Read Matthew 2:1-12
Read Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Pem of the Week: Christmas Carol by Sarah Teasdale

The kings they came from out the south,

All dressed in ermine fine,
They bore Him gold and chrysoprase,
And gifts of precious wine.

The shepherds came from out the north,

Their coats were brown and old,
They brought Him little new-born lambs --
They had not any gold.
 The wise-men came from out the east,
And they were wrapped in white;
The star that led them all the way
Did glorify the night.

The angels came from heaven high,

And they were clad with wings;
And lo, they brought a joyful song
The host of heaven sings.

The kings they knocked upon the door,

The wise-men entered in,
The shepherds followed after them
To hear the song begin.

And Mary held the little child

And sat upon the ground;
She looked up, she looked down,
She looked all around.

The angels sang thro' all the night

Until the rising sun,
But little Jesus fell asleep
Before the song was done.

Review Hymns/Carols: Good King Wenceslas, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!, The First Noel
Read-Aloud: The Tailor of Gloucester (first half) by Beatrix Potter
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.

Tuesday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the afflicted are evil,
but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
 Discussion question: What attitude in your heart makes for a feast?
Review Memory Verses
Reread Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Poem: Reread Teasdale’s Christmas Carol
Review Hymns/Carols: Good Christian Men Rejoice, Away in a Manger, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
o New Hymn: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
o New Christmas Carol: We Three Kings
 Read-Aloud: The Tailor of Gloucester (second half) by Beatrix Potter
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.
Baking day with E.
o Old Fashioned Carmel Corn

Wednesday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
 Discussion question: What are we celebrating at Christmas? Why were the wise men happy
when they saw the star? When you complain about food, are you happy in your heart? Do
you think it pleases God to complain about food on such a happy day? Is it better to just be
quiet?
Review Memory Verses
Reread Rembrandt Scripture of the week
Poem: Reread Teasdale’s Christmas Carol
Review Hymns/Carols: Good King Wenceslas, The First Noel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
o Review New Hymn: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
o Review New Christmas Carol: We Three Kings
Jesus Storybook Bible: “The King of all kings” (p. 192)
Read-Aloud: The Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.

Thursday
Prayer
Opening Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Review Holiday Manner
o Additional Verse
 Deuteronomy 14:26
You may spend the [tithe] money for whatever your heart desires; for oxen, or sheep, or wine,
or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the
LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household.
 Discussion question: What do you think about this? What do you think about God saying for
people to take their tithe money and go buy food? What would you buy if you could do that?
Would you rejoice to eat it? What do you think about the people eating in the presence of
the LORD? Does that change your attitude about food? Did you ever hear before that God
wants you to enjoy your food? Are you ready to rejoice in turkey and ham and pies and
breads and all of that?
Review Memory Verses
Study Rembrandt painting of the week
o Narrate painting
Poem: Reread Teasdale’s Christmas Carol
 Review Hymns/Carols: Good Christian Men Rejoice, Away in a Manger, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
o Review New Hymn: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
o Review New Christmas Carol: We Three Kings
Jesus Storybook Bible: “The King of all kings” (p. 192)
Read-Aloud: Reread The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, also You Can Do It, Sam! to the littlest
children
Lessons:
o Reading for Neighbor M.
o Math, copywork, spelling for E.
o Letter game for A.

Friday
Baking day with Q.
o Chocolate-Peppermint Slices