Brite Monthly – December
This month’s biblical theme is
Arrival of Jesus
All through the Old Testament, God promised He would send a Messiah. The Messiah would rescue the people and save them from their sins. This month, kids will journey from the Old Testament prophecies to angel visits in temples and homes, to the Promised One being born in a stable in Bethlehem. Kids will discover that Jesus is the promised Messiah who brings us hope and joy.
A Promised Ruler from Bethlehem: In the Old Testament, Micah was a prophet who warned God’s people. God gave Micah a promise that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and would be the king forever. We need a forever king to forgive us of our sins and rule over our lives.
Elizabeth and Zechariah: God did not speak through the prophets for four hundred years. Then one day, He sent an angel to speak to Zechariah, a priest serving in the temple. God promised to send a son, John, who would point people towards the coming Messiah. Out of the darkness Israel faced, God gave His people hope.
Angel and Mary: Again, God sent an angel. Gabriel told Mary that she would become pregnant with a child who would be God’s Son. This baby would be the Promised One who would save the people from their sins. He would be human so that He could die for our sins, but He was also fully God.
Jesus is Born: After hundreds of years of promises and prophecies, God’s faithfulness is confirmed in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem. He first reveals the news of the birth of the Messiah to shepherds who come to worship Him. The angels said the birth was good news of great joy. Jesus brings us great joy!
This month’s Unit Title is:
The Israelite people had quite a journey of faith from the time of God’s first promises of the Messiah to the fulfillment. Even the stories in Luke involve much travel as Zechariah goes to the temple, Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth, and Mary and Joseph make the final trek to Bethlehem. This month’s videos share the story of a single dad and his two kids as they experience a Christmas road trip together. Some creative ways to decorate to match the theme include suitcases, twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and other Christmas decor.
This month’s Leader Training Topic is: 
Navigating the Holidays
A holiday can be defined as a special day of celebration and often, but not always, includes a day off of work or school. Some holidays that are observed in our broader culture have their roots in the church, such as Christmas and Easter. These are opportunities to remember God’s incredible activity on our behalf, His plan to restore our relationship with Himself through Jesus. Because certain holidays are observed both in our culture and in the church, they have come to be associated with far more than their original meaning. For instance, when you think of Christmas, what comes to mind? How does our culture celebrate Christmas? How does Christmas hold significance for those who know and love God? The kids that you lead receive lots of messages about what the holidays are and why they are important from family, friends, school, media, etc. You have the opportunity to remind kids of the true value and significance of holidays like Christmas. This month we will focus on what it looks like to meet kids where they are at and to guide their attention to what matters most.
Throughout the month, we’ll explore the following topics:
- Week 1 Content – Practicing Hospitality (welcoming newcomers)
- Week 2 Content – Recognizing the Unique Experiences of Kids
- Week 2 Content – Sensitivity to Family Traditions
- Week 4 Content – Celebrating Together
Teaching kids about the gospel:
The gospel is the good news. God wants everyone to know this good news and to not miss out on this invitation!
God
God is a loving God who is all-powerful and holy. He knows and sees everything, and rules over everything. God created all people in His image, and we are valuable to Him.
Us
But we have sinned, and our sin separates us from God. What is sin? Sin is anything we think, say, or do that disobeys God. The penalty for sin is death and separation from God forever.
Jesus
But because God loves us so much, He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for our sin. Jesus died in our place. But He did not stay dead—He rose again three days later. Because of Jesus, we no longer have to be separated from God and we are offered the free gift of eternal life!
Trust
God gives salvation, rescuing us from our sin, to everyone who places their trust in Jesus as their Savior. What is trust? It means that we rely on what Jesus did. You cannot be saved from sin by doing good things, but only through what Jesus did for you.