Parent’s Corner- December 9, 2018

 

For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:8

 

White Elephant parties. . . do you know of them?  Have you participated in them?  In my circles, there are two that are legendary!  Some items return year after year, like a bowling ball, a rack of antlers, a wedding picture, and a statue sporting the taped-on face of the “youth leader of choice”.  Some items are most unexpected, like a drum set, a pair of crutches, or a lava lamp!

The basic idea is to bring something that is useful, unique, and definitely unexpected.   The wrapping itself is part of the suspense.  Often the largest present and the one wrapped the most beautifully envelop the most amazing gift. 

 

What is the best gift we have ever received?  (cue the favorite Sunday school answer. . . say it with me!) JESUS of course!  Did he come in the “package” we expected?  Definitely not. Is he the best gift ever!  Yes!  And the best news of all. . . there will be another arrival in the future!  Are you ready?  Are your kids aware of the magnitude of the gift that is coming to them and for them yet again?  This is the perfect time of year to talk about gifts. . . being thankful for them, being generous in giving them, and being expectant of the ones to come. 

Wishing you and yours the most blessed Christmas season- full of joy, laughter, and of course, JESUS!

This week in Sunday School. . .

 

2/3s- Good News!  The Story of the Shepherds and an Amazing Star

Scripture- Luke 2:8-15

Lesson Truth- Jesus’ birth makes us happy!

Aims for the Children- to do at least one of the following during this lesson:

1.     Tell what is special about Christmas

2.     Identify the activities of the angels and the shepherds in the story

3.     Act out the Bible story

 

4s-K- The King is Adored

Scripture- Matthew 2:1-12

Lesson Goal- Students will learn from the wise men how to adore the King of kings.

Bible Truths-

1.     God fulfilled His promise that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.

2.     The wise men came from the East to worship Jesus.

3.     The wise men followed a star to find where Jesus lived.

4.     The wise men brought Jesus gifts.

Key Verse- “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?  For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2

 

1st-2nd, 3rd-5th- The King is Adored

Scripture- Matthew 2:1-12

Lesson Goal- Students will learn from the wise men how to adore the King of kings.

Lesson Objectives- Students will be able to

1.     Describe the events that followed Christ’s birth.

2.     Explain who the magi were and why they came.

3.     Recount the responses to Christ and identify the right one.

4.     Tell why it was important that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Key Verse- “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?  For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2

 

Children’s Church- Jesus Feeds the Multitude

Scripture- Matthew 14:13-21

Lesson Goal- The child will not only marvel at Jesus’ miracles, but also submit to His authority.

Bible Truths-

1.     A boy gave his five loaves and two fish to Jesus.

2.     Jesus did a miracle by feeding thousands of people.

3.     Jesus’ miracle proved that He is God.

Key Verse- “Then he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.” Matthew 14:19