Guide: Sisters and a holy family raise child with dignity

Perhaps. Could it also be that the baby grew up to wonder, "What have I gotten myself into?" Perhaps, but not likely. Even though people – then and now – can be judgmental and petty and scornful, Jesus also saw their goodness and potential. No matter where they were from or what they looked like, young or old, rich or poor, Jesus found value in all people. He desired to live among us, to lift up our dignity and to show us the ways of God's love.

(A large world map is helpful, but not essential. You can also sketch a simple map, just roughing out the shapes of continents for the sake of spatial perspective.)

Hand each student two adhesive note squares. Ask them to write their name on both. On one, they should add the town in which they were born or came from. On the other, they should add the town where they'd most like to live. Invite each student, one at a time, to step forward and post their notes on the map, naming the towns as they do so (Be sure to add your own towns). As they do, listen closely to any comments that are made – positive or negative – about the towns they mention.

Then say:

• "Where was Jesus born?" Ask whoever responds if they can point out where Bethlehem is on the map. Know this, roughly, yourself so you can affirm or correct them (if your world map shows Jerusalem, it's just south of there).
• "What town did Jesus call 'home?' Where did people associate him with?" Again, ask responder to point out Nazareth, and be sure to know its whereabouts yourself (it's in northern Israel, north of the West Bank territory). Place a note representing Jesus on that area.
• "Today, we'll read a story about a girl from Hebei Province, China, who was adopted by a family in Chattanooga, Tennessee." Place a note on the map in northeastern China, near Beijing and another on Tennessee.

Begin by saying: “When Jesus went looking for followers, a guy named Nathanael didn’t seem too impressed at first.” Ask a student to read John 1:43-46. Then ask:

• "Does it sound like Nathanael will follow Jesus?" (Take responses.) 
• "How does it feel when people doubt you or disrespect you because of a factor such as where you grew up?" (Take responses, mentioning any comments made as people posted their towns on the map.)

Have a student continue with John 1:47-51. 

Then say: "Jesus convinced Nathanael that something good could come out of Nazareth! Many years later, a young follower named Timothy was encouraged to be strong in his work."

Ask a student to read 1 Timothy 4:12. Then ask: "What does it feel like when people question your abilities because you are young?" (Take responses.) 

Conclude by saying: "There are many factors in our lives that we can't change, and some things about us that never do. None of these are reasons for anyone to look down on us. In fact, the diversity we share because of where we're from, our age, our race or even our size can be a gift to others. Like Jesus and Timothy, we simply need to show people our best selves."

Lift us up, babe of Bethlehem, 

born humble, but so holy.

Lead us, son of Nazareth,

show us the way, Son of God.

No matter who we are or where we're from

shine the light of your Word on our path.

Amen.