KidzPort December 28 – Why Was Jesus Born?

December 29, 2008

That seems like a pretty simple question, right?   But it’s really not.  

Coming off Pastor Pedro’s Christmas Sermon, I asked the kids this question: Why did Jesus have to be born?  Couldn’t God have just chosen to forgive sin and defeat Satan on His own?  Why did Jesus have to go through everything He went through?

To begin, we look at the nature of Jesus – who was He?   We compared John 1:1 with Genesis 1:1 and came to the conclusion that Jesus must have been around at the beginning of time.   And if that is the case, then He must truly be God.

But since sin was first committed by men – Adam and Eve – then only someone who was comletely man could pay the price for that sin.  After all, that’s only justice.  So God had to become man – in the person of Jesus.  That man paid the price, not for his own sins – he had none – but for all of our sins.  If it was a sinful man who began the fall from Grace, then only a sinless man who had no debts of his own could pay the price.

For Parents:

• Read John 1:1-12 with your child.  Discover who Jesus was, and why He became man.
• Be sure that your child understands what Christmas means for him or her.  Do not let them give standard answers – really make sure they get it.

Christmas Cantata – It’s a Wrap!

December 23, 2008

The 2008 Christmas Cantata was  a big success, in spite of terrible weather and a host of other issues.  Not the least of which was a group of kids who had, for the most part, not participated in anything like this before.  (Yes, I had to release our former generation this year…   and they were so GOOD!) 

The evening began with some Christmas music by Gospel Light Worship.  They did an original arrangement of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” to open the evening, followed by “What Child is This?” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”   The music continued with Send Judah First, who gave a very special and powerful performance of “Alpha and Omega.”  Finally, we were treated to a beautiful a capella rendition of “O Holy Night” by our own Cecelia Cruz.

 Then came time for the drama.  This year I wrote a short play entitled “A Modern Christmas Carol.”  It was a twist on the Charles Dickens classic, where instead of Scrooze being visited by three ghosts, his employee is visited by three angels, who show her things of the past, present and possible future.

There were three songs incorporated into the play:  “Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer)” by Nicholas Jonas demonstrated a desire to keep the important things about Christmastime in the forefront.  An original song, “The Coming of the King” represented the hope that the prophisied child would bring to a dark world.  The finale was David Crowder’s “Here is Our King” which set the tone for the whole evening.  All the children joined in this song, and most of the youth did as well from their seats. 

After the drama it was time for the Kidzport group to take the stage.  Our 4-9 year olds did a great job singing two Christmas carols  – “Silent Night,” “The First Noel.”   Then they handed out candy canes while singing “Feliz Navidad.” 

The evening was wrapped up with a powerful and timely word from Daniel Miller, who encouraged us to “run to Jesus.”  There was a spontainious ministry time after the message. 

 I’m working on getting some video uploaded from the play, but there are pictures available here.

Kidzport – December 14 – Musical Goodness

December 14, 2008

Today was our last chance to run through all the songs the Kidzport kids will be doing before Saturday’s big show. The kids are doing a great job with their part of the production.

Friday night both cell groups will be meeting in church instead of Kidzport. This will be our last dress rehearsal. Saturday, all the kids need to be at the church by 3pm for a final runthrough and dinner before the show.

For Parents:
- Make sure your kids know their songs and sing them all week. Get them there on time Friday and Saturday. And bring as many people as you can.

Kidzport December 7 – Sing out loud, sing out strong!

December 8, 2008

Wit the Christmas Cantata coming up, the next couple of weeks are going to be dedicated to preparations for that great event.   So this week, we spent our session working on music with the kids.   The 10-12 year-old GLCCKidz group is going to be doing the skit during the Cantata, but we are counting on the KidzPort group for their voices.  They will be joining the older kids for songs during the play, as well as doing some carols on their own.  What carols?   You’ll have to come to find out! 

But I can tell you this…   they sounded awesome! 

Remember, the cantata is Saturday, December 20 at 6:30PM, right at Gospel Light.  See you there!