Aim

To explore the connection, for Christians, between reconciliation and Christmas.

Lesson

Begin by reviewing what was taught in the previous lesson about Gordon Wilson. He hoped that his actions would help to bring reconciliation between people in Northern Ireland. Discuss the word reconciliation. There is a famous story about a day of reconciliation which happened between enemy soldiers during the First World War.

Share with children the story of Christmas 1914.

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could:

• be reconciled to others within the class.
• study the words of Silent Night.
• find out about the reconciliation work of Coventry Cathedral.
• read Michael Foreman's rendering of this story, Wargame.

Conclusion

Conclude by reflecting on the Christian belief that Jesus came to Earth to reconcile people with each other and with God.