This week of advent activities have been pretty tame until today–we played a Joseph obstacle course! Who’da thunk an obstacle course as a lesson in Christmas, huh? But, the kids had so much fun and wanted to play it again and again when we were done.
First, I let them get on some costumes. A big towel around their middle tied with a scarf and a handtowel on their heads. Then Lydia remembered her walking stick and thought that would be appropriate, too. They were to lay on pillows until I (Gabriel) told them what to do.
I read Matthew 1:20-21 to them and then they were allowed to get up and find Mary. There were actually TWO hidden Mary’s. One looked remarkably like Snow White and the other like Rainbow Bright. Asa was appropriately horrified of holding a girl doll.
Then they had to go on a trip to Bethlehem. It was basically just a run-in-between-the-pillows-hop-through-the-hula-hoops-and-crawl-under-the-table but they loved it!
When they arrived in Bethlehem, a giant container of stable animals met them. 23 to be exact! How do we know that number? We counted them all. You know, like a census!
Finally, we made our way to the manger of baby Jesus. We sang “Away in a Manger” and “Happy Birthday”.
We ended by talking about how much Joseph loved God, Mary and baby Jesus. We talked about how he was a good father and how our Heavenly Father is even better because He sent us his one and only son, Jesus!
So, all in all? A Christmas obstacle course? Love, love, love it!
vanessa@silly eagle books says
Where’s the picture of you in your angel get-up? I want to see THAT! 🙂
Leigh says
I love it, Amanda! It’s always the things that get the kids moving that they remember the most!!!
Jessica Lynette says
Oooohhh – this is a fantastic boy activity! I don’t think it could be any more perfect… I am going to create our own version 🙂 Thanks for the idea!
Heather says
Love it! just made our pillow and looking forward to doing our obstacle course now. thanks chica!
ohamanda says
Glad you like it! It was SO fun!
a
Taylor Johnson says
That’s just precious! Love the simple games to learn the story of Jesus!