Christmas Candle Craft
Lesson Plan Printable Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten

Themes

Instructions and Suggestions

Materials

Holiday information >
Christmas is a yearly holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus, the central figure of the Christian faith.  The events of his birth are described in the Bible's New Testament.

Here is Bible text Luke 2: 1-20.  At the top of the page you can choose a different Bible version and language. Discuss at your discretion.  
King James Version > The Birth of Jesus
 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.  

Online resource:  Christmas at History.com

Activity > Christmas Printable Candle
Review the significant symbols in the craft:
The candle has an simple outline of Mary holding newborn Jesus.  Two holly leaves and berries frame the bottom.  Holly is a traditional decoration during Christmas, particularly to make wreaths.

Craft instructions >
1.  Print on sturdy paper or card stock.
2.  Color if applicable with the holiday colors.
3.  Cut out and assemble > paste large oval to back of candle, paste flame, paste the two holly leaves and berries as shown.
4. Optional >  Write a holiday message on the oval above the flame.

Uses for craft > Ornament, gift tag, greeting card (paste to folded paper and write greeting message inside), add to a wreath or other similar decoration.  

Activity > Nursery Rhyme Adaptation (ages 18 months-5):  
Twinkle, twinkle Christmas lights,
Sharing lights on joyful nights,
Twinkle, twinkle Christmas lights,
Baby Jesus was born this night.

Other learning activities > 
Alphabet Letter C is for Candle and Christmas >
Present letter C worksheet and mini-book program.  Print the four or eight word search game with writing tracers or blank lines to practice letter C and it features the word candle.  
or
Select a Bible based alphabet printable materials, which include coloring page, and handwriting worksheet.
* Letter I is for Inn or Letter J is for Jesus

Holidays Lights > Candle Theme Crafts>
There are other similar holiday candle crafts for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and St. Patrick's Day.

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