Idea: This station is designed to slow people down so that they can contemplate the meaning of Jesus’ entry into the world and then express what the Holy Spirit is revealing with magnetic poetry pieces.
Activity: A simple (but large) wood box is used to represent the manger of Jesus’ birth (this could be a simple cutout or an actual box). The box is filled with straw and the outside is first primed with magnetic paint and then finished with a coat of rustic looking paint. Two or three people at a time are invited to sit around the manger and silently contemplate the birth of Jesus. As the Spirit begins to lead, each person uses magnetic poetry pieces that are placed on the manger to express what is on their hearts. This activity results in beautiful prayers, cryptic messages, and even single word expressions covering the manger. Cookie sheets placed around the manger can be used to hold the poetry magnets to make it simpler for the participants to choose their words.
Instructions: Sit quietly facing the manger and allow your mind to drift freely as you explore it visually. Try to imagine a world in which the Savior has yet to come. Would you long for his appearance? How would your faith differ? What would this world feel like to live within? In light of these thoughts what changes with the advent of Jesus’ birth? How has his birth affected you?
As thoughts or prayers form within you, use the magnetic poetry pieces to express these ideas on the manger itself. Feel free to create anything from one word prayers to cryptic messages to actual poems.
Materials: Manger, straw, magnetic poetry, cookie sheets
