The gift inside the wrapping
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Parent’s Corner- December 5, 2021
“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? I have participated in several different ones over the years. . . some of them with long standing traditions! 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 toilet sitting in the front yard!
The basic idea is to bring something that is useful, unique, and definitely unexpected. The wrapping itself is part of the suspense. There is no telling what is inside! Sometimes, the larger the package, the more you want to avoid it!
What is the best gift we have ever received? (que the favorite Sunday school answer. . . say it with me!) JESUS of course! Did he come in the “package” that was expected? No. 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. Especially the greatest gift of all. . . Jesus!
This Week in Sunday School. . .
2/3s- Christmas: The Birth of Jesus
Scripture- Luke 2:1-7
Lesson Truth- We celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas
Aims for the Children- to do at least one of the following during this lesson:
Sing songs about Jesus’ birth
Reenact the story of Jesus’ birth
Tell what is special about Christmas
Praise God for sending baby Jesus
4s-5th Grade- God announces the Messiah’s birth
Scripture- Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38
Principle- Jesus is Savior and Lord and deserves all our worship.
Ask your Child- What is important about the names Immanuel, Savior, and Son of the Most High?
Apply- By obeying Jesus Christ as Lord and God.
This Week- As a family, read Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38
Next Week- Matthew 2:1-18
Children’s Church- God promises to send the Messiah
Scripture- Genesis 3:15;12:1-3;49:10, Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2
Principle- God fulfills His promises. Jesus is the Messiah.
Ask Your Child- What promises about Jesus are in Genesis? Who were the prophets?
Apply- By worshiping Jesus, the Deliverer, Savior, and King. By humbly obeying Christ.
This Week- As a family, read Genesis 3:15;12:1-3;49:10, Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2
Next Week- God sends John the Baptist and announces the Messiah’s birth.