© WaterAid / Guilhem Alandry
Christmas Appeal
Sunday school activities
The activities in this pack are designed to run over the lead up to Christmas and link in with
WaterAid’s Christmas Appeal – Child of mine. The activities focus on the birth of a new baby.
They also introduce children to the dangers that babies and young children are exposed to from
the day they are born in some communities in the developing world. They will help children to
reflect and focus on the basic amenities that we have available in the developed world and what
they can do to help support the work of WaterAid.
These activities are aimed at children aged up to 11 years old. The activities can be run in the
order suggested below or you can select the ones that best suit your Sunday school group and
Christmas schedule.
Activities
Each activity it set out in the
following structure –
1) Welcoming baby Jesus
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2) Our hands – how do we spread
germs and diseases?
3) WaterAid Christmas tree
4) Watery Christmas carol concert
Message of the activity
Aims
Memory verse
Bible reading
Activity
Worship songs
Crafts
You may decide to use your own Bible readings and worship songs, but a number have been
included as suggestions. The memory verses can be taught in many different ways including
competitions, jigsaws and games. You could use puppets to bring the Bible readings to life.
Activity 1 - Welcoming baby Jesus
Message of the activity
The message of God becoming a man is important. He became a baby, and by doing so, lived life
on earth just as we do. He has lived as a child and knows what this is like. Jesus didn’t come to
earth as a king, or somebody rich and famous, but was born in a manger.
Aims
To get children thinking about Christmas and the arrival of baby
Jesus, a very special baby.
For children to think about what babies need to stay strong
and healthy.
To consider what mothers in the developing world might hope for.
To reflect on how fortunate we are here in the UK to have our basic
needs and beyond, met.
Memory verse
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will
save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Suggested Bible reading – chapter one (see appendices)
Allow the children to brainstorm ways that Jesus would have had a similar life to theirs.
For example, having to clean up his room and obeying his parents. Make it clear that Jesus
understands them because he was a child just like them.
Activity
1 This activity can be run in small groups if there is a wide age range or to the group
as a whole.
Ask the group if anybody has a baby in their family or if they have they ever seen a
new born baby?
Ask them to describe what new born babies are like. Answers might include - small,
vulnerable, need looking after, sweet, noisy, fragile.
Ask why it is special to have a baby in a family? How do they think Mary and Joseph
were feeling about the arrival of baby Jesus? Answers may include - nervous, excited,
and grateful.
Babies are special because they are a new addition to the family and bring lots of joy.
2
Working in small groups, ask the children to think about all the things that a new born baby
needs to stay strong and healthy.
Prompt them to think about warmth, love, clean clothing, clean water to bathe in, healthy
and clean living conditions. If they are struggling to think of answers, ask what makes them
feel warm and safe.
Ask the children to make posters showing all their ideas about why a baby is so special and
all the things they need to stay strong and healthy.
3
For this activity you will need a nativity scene to show the children. This could simply be an
image or the 3D nativity you may have displayed in the church.
Ask what they can see that Mary and Joseph have done to keep baby Jesus clean and safe
(encourage them to think about how Mary and Joseph would have cleaned Jesus with clean
water, the warmth of the hay and the clean sheets he is wrapped in).
4
Show the groups the images from WaterAid projects.
Ask them what they can see on the images that might put the babies at risk. What do they
think the water is like that the babies are washed in? Encourage the groups to feed back
their answers.
5
Ask each group to come up with 3 hopes that they think mothers in these communities will
have for their new born babies (e.g. clean water, health, clean clothes etc.) and ask them to
write either a prayer or a poem on the theme of ‘hope’ – this can then be displayed in the
church for the congregation to see.
Worship songs
Silent night
Away in a manger
Craft
Make a toilet roll Mary (see separate resource sheet). This could then be used in a nativity scene
in church or at home and signifies Mary caring for her new born baby
Activity 2 – Our hands –
how do we spread germs and diseases?
Message of the activity
The Angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus. The angel’s news was so important that the
shepherds began to seek Christ and spread the word.
Today, 1400 children die as a result of diseases caused by dirty water and poor sanitation in the
developing world. The simple act of washing hands with soap can help prevent many of these
deaths. The Angel Gabriel delivered the important news of Jesus’ birth and the shepherds spread
this important message. WaterAid work hard to spread important messages about washing
hands and keeping clean to help keep new born babies and children healthy.
Aims
To explore ways in which we use our hands and understand how
they pick up and pass on germs.
To consider ways in which messages about hand-washing can be
promoted to others by looking at how this is done in other parts
of the world.
To remind and introduce children of the importance of handwashing in preventing the spread of illness and disease
Memory verse
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor
rests.” Luke 2:13-14
Suggested Bible reading – chapter one (see appendices)
Allow the children to brainstorm how they can tell others about Jesus. For example, invite friends
to Sunday School or share the story of Christmas.
Activity
1 Ask the children to draw around their hands. They should draw their nails and any lines
and creases that they can see on the back of their hands. The children should cut their
outlines out. These will be used later in the lesson.
2
Split the class into three groups and provide each group with a large piece of paper and a
marker pen.
Each group should do the following:
Group 1: should think of, discuss and write up five places or activities in which they are
likely to get their hands dirty. Examples could be painting, playing outdoors, in the toilet.
Group 2: should think of, discuss, and write up five actions or activities that they need
their hands for. Examples could include tying shoelaces, playing on the computer, writing,
clapping, eating.
Group 3: should think of, discuss, agree on and write up five good things they do with their
hands. Examples could include giving someone a hug, holding a friend’s hand, helping
someone who is hurt.
Allow a few minutes per group for feedback.
3
Ask the children to look closely at their hands. Ask them to consider where germs might be
hiding. If they are uncertain, ask children to imagine they have put their hands into some
soil. Where does the soil stick to on their hands – under nails, in the creases (this could be
demonstrated using wet sand).
On their hand cut-outs, they should draw where germs could be hiding.
4
5
6
7
Ask the children to look at their hand cut-outs with all the germs. What do they think they
should do to ensure that they get rid of germs when they wash their hands? Would just
using water be enough? They need to think about washing their hands thoroughly – under
the nails, the front and back of hands and using soap.
Ask the children why it’s important to get rid of germs from our hands. What do germs
cause? Explain that once the germs get into our bodies they can cause illness and
unpleasant tummy bugs.
Ask the group to join their hand cut-outs together and stick them on to a piece of coloured
paper to create a poster to inform others about hand-washing. They should think of a
catchy slogan or come up with a short rhyme or poem to spread their very important
hygiene message. This could be displayed in the church toilets
Explain that in some poor communities around the world, there is no clean water or toilets
available for everybody to use. Many children get very ill or even die from diseases and
illnesses which are caused by dirty water and not washing hands. For this reason it is really
important that people learn and understand why they need to wash their hands. Read the
story of Tenincoura Coulibaly (see appendices) to the group to introduce them to some of
the problems faced by children in some parts of the world.
Worship songs
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
The First Noel
Craft
Paper angel (see appendices). This can then be added to a nativity scene in
church or at home.
Activity 3 – WaterAid Christmas tree
Message of the activity
The wise men, travelled to give worship and royal gifts to Jesus. This is one of the reasons we
give gifts at Christmas. We also give gifts because Jesus gave of himself so freely.
Aims
To give thought and love to those without safe water and sanitation.
To reflect on what has been learnt so far about WaterAid and the
communities they help.
To share what the group has learnt with the congregation.
Memory verse
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down
and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
Suggested Bible reading – chapter three (see appendices)
Allow the children to brainstorm how they will give to others this Christmas. You could discuss
Christmas trees and the significance of gifts being left under them for loved ones, just as the
three wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus. For WaterAid and its supporters, the gifts they
bring are water, sanitation and hygiene education to communities who do not have access
to them.
Activity
1 Begin by recapping the topics that have been discussed during the run up to Christmas.
Ask the children to think about the following:
• Something they have learnt about WaterAid and the work they do to help
communities across the world.
• Things they are grateful for.
• A prayer for children without safe water and sanitation
2
3
Using the WaterAid water drops (see appendices) , ask each child to write a thought, a fact
they have remembered or a prayer for children living in the developing world. Using the
water drops, display them in the shape of a Christmas tree. The ‘water droplet tree’ can
then be presented at the end of the church service to the rest of the congregation.
Invite members of the congregation to make a small donation to WaterAid in exchange for
a slip of coloured paper on which they can also share a thought or prayer based on what
they have learnt from the messages the Sunday school group have shared with them.
Collectively these coloured strips of paper can be made into paper chains and draped
across the ‘water droplet’ tree, to represent tinsel. You may also want to add a star to the
top of the tree displaying the grand total raised from the paper chain activity.
Worship songs
Three Wise Men
Write a
message of
just one thing
you have learnt
about during
this activity.
Activity 4 - Watery Christmas carol concert
Message of the activity
The message of this activity is that the story doesn’t have to stop here. Jesus grows up, heals the
sick, walks on water, and raises from the dead. Christmas is only the beginning and a time for
sharing joy with those around us.
Aims
This activity is designed to draw and reflect on all that the group
have learnt over the last few weeks and to share the joy of a
Christmas carol with the congregation.
Memory verse
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
Suggested Bible reading – chapter one, two and three
(see appendices)
Allow the children to talk about the scene at the manger. You may want to use an illustration or a
nativity set to bring it to life. Ask the children how each character found out about Jesus’ birth.
Activity
Ask the children to think about Christmas carols that include the word or theme of water.
You may want to make up your own songs about what the children have learnt over advent.
The Christmas carol concert is designed to allow the children to share what they have learnt and
to showcase the joy that is brought to communities by WaterAid projects.
You may wish to ask for a small offering from the congregation who attend and reinforce the joy
that they are helping to spread by supporting the work of WaterAid.
Worship songs
Away in a manger
Christmas prayer
This could be read out at the end of the carol concert.
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning
make us happy to be thy children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
Appendices
Activity 1 – Welcoming baby Jesus
Bible reading
Chapter one
A long time ago, in the town of Nazareth, lived a young woman named Mary. Mary did her
chores, was kind to others, and loved God very much. She was engaged to be married to Joseph,
who was a carpenter.
One day, while Mary was at home cleaning her room, an angel suddenly appeared. Before Mary
could say anything the angel told Mary that she was favored by God, and that God was with her.
Mary was surprised. She was trying not to be afraid, but she had never seen an angel before.
After all, Mary was just a regular lady like you or I. Why was this angel visiting her? What did the
angel want?
The angel quickly tried to reassure Mary, “Do not be afraid!” The angel said. “God has found
favor with you. You will have a baby boy, and are to give him the name Jesus.”
Mary was confused; she was not yet married to Joseph, so how could she have a baby? The
angel thought that this might concern Mary so he said, “The Holy Spirit will perform a miracle,
and because of this your baby will be called the Son of God.”
Mary couldn’t believe what she was hearing; she didn’t know what to say. She realised that she
was trembling, and knelt down. When she was finally able to speak she said, “I am the Lord’s
servant, and I hope everything you have said will come true.”
The angel then disappeared, and Mary was left alone.
Soon after, Joseph found out that Mary was going to have a baby. Joseph was confused and
upset by this. But an angel came to him in a dream and said, “Joseph do not be afraid to take
Mary as your wife. The child Mary is going to have is God’s son, and you are to give him the
name Jesus.”
When Joseph woke up he remembered what the angel had said. He knew that everything was
okay, and he wasn’t upset anymore. Mary and Joseph prepared for the arrival of their baby boy –
Jesus.
In those days the government decided that they should count everyone that lived in that area of
the world. So Joseph had to take Mary to his town, Bethlehem to register.
It took Mary and Joseph a long time to get to Bethlehem. They didn’t have cars back then, so it
probably took them a lot longer to get there. This was very tiring for Mary because she was soon
going to have a baby.
When they reached the town, all the hotels were full and there was nowhere that they could stay.
Finally, someone felt bad for them, and offered them a place to stay.
The Bible doesn’t say for sure where they stayed but most people think that they stayed in a
small barn where animals were kept. In any case, doesn’t it seem strange that Jesus, the King of
the Jews wasn’t born in a fancy palace or even a hospital?
Mary and Joseph were thankful that they at least had a place to lie down. It was warm, and there
was plenty of straw to lie on.
That night an exciting, wonderful thing happened. Mary and Joseph had a baby! But it wasn’t
just any baby, it was Baby Jesus! The creator of the whole world, the King of Kings, the one who
would save the world.
The little baby boy fell asleep in Mary’s arms and she wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a
manger on some clean straw.
Mary and Joseph soon fell asleep, they were so glad to have this special baby join their family.
WaterAid project images
All images © WaterAid/Guilhem Alandry
Make a Mary craft activity
Materials:
toilet paper roll
printer
paper
scissors
glue
Instructions:
• Print out the template of choice.
• Colour (where appropriate) and cut out the template pieces.
• Glue the large rectangular piece on first to cover the tube.
• Glue the thin rectangular piece around the center of the
tube as a belt
• Glue on the head and arms.
• Glue the feet to the bottom of the toilet paper roll, using the
tabs to make a 3D effect if desired.
• Glue the baby Jesus into Mary’s arms.
Activity 2 – Our hands – how do we spread germs and diseases?
Bible reading
Chapter two – the angels visit the shepherds
Some shepherds, who lived near Bethlehem, were out at night in their fields watching over their
sheep. They were worried a bigger animal might come and hurt the sheep, so that sat on a hill
visiting and watching their sheep together.
Suddenly there was a bright light. Now this wasn’t just any bright light, the light was so bright
that they had to close their eyes for a minute because the light hurt their eyes.
When they opened their eyes to see what was going on, a beautiful angel was standing in the air
just above them with his arms opened wide.
The shepherds looked at each other in disbelief, but realized it must be real, because they were
all seeing the same thing. All at once they were very afraid, but they didn’t run because they
were too stunned to do anything.
Then the angel spoke to them. “Do not be afraid. I’m here to bring you good news for all people.
Today in Bethlehem a baby has been born, He is the one that will save the world. You will know
the baby because He will be wrapped in cloths, and laying in a manger.”
Suddenly, just as quickly as the first angel came, there were a large group of angels, and
they said together, “Glory to God, and peace to all people on earth.” After they spoke, they
floated away.
The shepherds were amazed and excited; did everyone know this news, or just them? They had
to go see this baby the angels were talking about.
They ran as fast as they could, and soon found Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. The shepherds fell
to their knees when they saw Jesus; they were filled with joy that they had found the Lord.
The shepherds only stayed for a few minutes, they realized that Mary needed to sleep. As soon
as they left they began shouting in the streets and telling everyone they met about what they
had seen, and about the arrival of baby Jesus.
Mary sat and watched Jesus sleep, she was so happy. She was thinking about what it would be
like when her son got older, and what an important person He was.
Tenincoura’s story
Tenincoura Coulibaly is 12 years old and lives in Simba East, Mali. She is pictured overleaf.
“I wash my hands with soap to avoid diseases. When you wash just with water your hands are
not clean and you can still get diarrhoea. I wash my hands with soap when I am about to eat and
also when I use the toilet. My teacher taught me how to wash my hands. My teacher taught me
that when I left school I should greet my mum and dad and then wash my hands before and after
I eat. He also taught me to wash my body before I come to school. Once at home I learned about
hygiene education. I taught my parents but also the other children the importance of hygiene.
I have noticed a difference in health because when you wash your hands with soap you avoid
disease. For example I used to get stomach aches but now I wash my hands I don’t anymore.”
© WaterAid/Layton Thompson
Make an Angel craft activity
Materials:
printer
paper
scissors
glue
Instructions:
• Print out the template of choice
• Color the pieces as necessary.
• Cut out the template pieces.
• Glue the large circle onto the back of the face (halo)
• Glue the wings onto the back of that.
• Glue the hair onto the head.
Angel template
Activity 3 – WaterAid Christmas tree
Bible reading
Chapter three – the wise men
During the time when Jesus was born there was a very mean king, who ruled the land, his name
was King Herod. Remember his name, because we will talk about him later.
Soon after Jesus was born, wise men were traveling on their camels; one night they noticed a
very strange star in the sky. They knew that this star meant that the King of the Jews, the One
who would save the world had been born.
When the mean King... (What was his name again?) Herod heard this he got very worried.
He called a meeting with all the other important people in the area and asked them where this
special baby had been born. The people replied, “In Bethlehem, because they heard that one
day a special person would come from there and take care of all the people.”
Then King Herod called the wise men to a secret meeting and found out from them exactly where
they saw the star. He then told them, “Go and find this child. As soon as you find him, tell me,
so that I can go and worship him.”
After they had spoken to the King, the wise men left to find the baby. They didn’t know exactly
where the baby was, but at night they followed the star in the east. They followed the star until it
hung right over the very place where Jesus was.
When they finally had arrived they were very excited and happy. They found Jesus lying in Mary’s
arms, and they bowed down and worshipped him.
After that they opened the gifts they had brought Jesus. They were gold, frankincense and myrrh.
These were very expensive gifts, gifts that you would give to a King, not to a baby. Mary thanked
them for bringing the gifts for Jesus, and the wise men went to find a place to sleep for the night.
As the wise men were sleeping, they each had the same dream. They were not to go back and
tell King Herod where they found Jesus. King Herod didn’t want to find Jesus to worship him; he
wanted to kill him because he was jealous that this baby would someday be better than him.
So the wise men went home another way so that Herod would not know where they had come
from. They also decided that they would not tell King Herod anything about what they had seen.
When the wise men had left, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” the angel said,
“take Jesus and Mary and run away to Egypt. Stay there until I come to you again, because Herod
is going to search for Jesus to kill him.”
Joseph immediately got up and woke up Mary, and she gently picked up Jesus so he wouldn’t
wake from his sleep. They left in the middle of the night for Egypt, so no one would see them.
They were safe in Egypt, and after King Herod died an angel appeared to Joseph and told him
could go to a place called Nazareth. And that’s where Jesus grew up.
WaterAid droplet template