Schools
The season would commence with advent, with schools ensuring they were ready for the season, whether this be through altar covering, advent wreath or advent calendar.
as a Diocese we want to see the birth and presence of Jesus celebrated. Activities would be the usual school Christmas preparation but with the added emphasis on celebrating Christmas as the birthday of Jesus.
Activities can include organizing a competition to guess the baby, in which staff bring baby and toddler photos and set the challenge of guessing who’s who.
We also emphasise the word “Incarnation” and the idea that, in Jesus, God is made known and present among us in a special way.
Families and Homes
Alongside their usual celebrations of this time, discussion at home could be around the time family members were born, fostered or adopted and also other first encounters we have had with one another: how did we come into each other’s lives?
Are there some special stories that can be shared back to school and church? Might some even be brought into collective worship?
Engaging the Church
Church Christmas activities can be shared with open invite and the possibility of a school specific time. If doing the latter, consideration may be given to ensuring church members are on hand to provide tea and coffee and welcome.
Churches may consider holding Christingle services that invite local schools.
Diocesan
Sharing the question “What is the Trinity?” (UC. Incarnation Lower KS2) we could ask thoughtful folks who make up the life of the Diocese to ‘vox pop’ their answer.
Senior staff involvement could involve a particular focus on Jesus and why he is so special to Christians (UC Incarnation KS1)
Dates to note
Advent Sunday is always the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day (the Sunday nearest to St. Andrew’s Day, 30 November.)
Christmas Day is December 25th.
Understanding Christianity
This season ties in with the concept of Incarnation, the coming of God among us in Jesus.