1. Tree cookie cutter... cut out and decorate, talk about what is put under the tree [presents]. Everybody likes to get presents, and it's fun to give them, too. Who gave the first Christmas presents? Share the story of the wise men and their gifts. One night, a new star was seen in the sky... all bright and shining and bigger than the rest!

2. Star cookie cutter... the new star meant something special had happened, the birth of a new king! They followed the star to bring their presents. Share the three gifts... frankincense [potpourri], gold, and myrhh [spicy perfume]. While the wise men were traveling to faraway Judah, shephards were on a hillside, watching their sheep.

3. Angel cookie cutter... Something wonderful happened while the shephards were watching their sheep. An angel appeared and talked to them, then more angels sang to them. Share the biblical account of the angels and their announcement. The shephards couldn't believe their ears. They jumped up and ran to Bethlehem! They wanted to see if it was true.

4. Heart cookie cutter... The found a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger... the Son of God-Jesus, Emmanuel. Look at the cookie cutter, it shows what they really found... that's right, the found LOVE! Jesus was God's loving Christmas present to the wise men, the shepherds, and to you and me. He gave us His only Son because He loves us so much.

5. Dove cookie cutter... stands for peace, and that is what the angels were singing about that night long ago. Read their words in the Bible. Dove also stands for something else special... sign that God is here with us and lives in our hearts. And that's a very important thing to know at Christmas time.

6. Candle cookie cutter... they give light. We need to be like candles shining in the darkness, sharing the love and gift of Jesus. Candles also give a warm, peaceful glow to things around them. We can tell people the story of Jesus, and give them that warm, peaceful feeling along with being kind and helpful.

As you make your Christmas cookies this year, reflect on what the shapes mean and share them with your children. Maybe make an extra batch, put them in a container, and give them to a friend. God may use it as a way to share the wonder and reason for the season. Merry Christmas and May God Bless!

Your Cubbie Leaders,

Adapted from Emile Barnes. Twelve Christmas Teas.