What’s It Worth?

“A child has been born for us.  We have been given a son who will be our ruler.” 

Isaiah 9:6 (CEV)

 Props: baby doll, two five-dollar bills, decorative star

             This year at our church we’re going to have a Christmas play.  Let’s say that the director of the play has asked that everyone bring something that can be used in the play.  (Show baby doll).  One girl brought her favorite baby doll that she plays with every day.  She said, “I don’t mind if you use him as the Baby Jesus.”  A boy in the church went to work for his neighbors.  He worked very hard and earned ten dollars that could be used to help buy costumes for the play.  (Show two five-dollar bills).  And another girl took her time and put lots of work into making a star that could be hung above the manger during the play.  (Display star).  Which one of these gifts is the most valuable?  (Allow for response).  These gifts are equally valuable to God because each of the children gave his or her best.  It’s not so much what you give, but what your gift means to you and that you’re giving it from the heart.       

            This year, bring Jesus your very best.  Maybe you could share a toy with a friend or neighbor who doesn’t have as much as you.  Or it might be that if Jesus has blessed you with money, you could give a special offering to Him.  Another idea is to make something nice for someone and give it to them for Christmas.  These are just a few of the ways that we can give our best to Jesus on His birthday

Light a Christmas Candle

“…a Savior was born for you.  He is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:11 (CEV)

And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Revelation 5:8 (NIV)

props: table filled with candles, box of matches or other lighting instrument

            Dim the room lights as you present this lesson.  Throughout the presentation, light the candles until they have all been lit. 

            Candles are a very special part of the Christmas celebration.  We light candles because they mean so many different things.  One of the things that people like about candles is that they can make a room smell so beautiful.  One of the gifts the Wise men brought to Jesus (incense) was like a sweet-smelling perfume.  When it was burned, it made everything around it smell beautiful. 

Jesus is no longer on this earth as a human, but there is still a way to give Him gifts.  In fact, there is a way to send a sweet smelling perfume straight to the throne room in Heaven.  The Bible says that our prayers are like a sweet smell that circles the throne.  When we spend time praying to God, we are giving Him a precious gift.  He loves our prayers.  They are like beautifully scented candles that are lit all around Him.  If you want to give a wonderful gift to Jesus, talk to God in prayer.  Remember, spend time with Jesus on His birthday.  That’s one of the best gifts you could ever give to Him.

Death from One to All, Life to All through One

Props: strand of light bulbs (the old-fashioned kind where if one goes out and they all go out) 

 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.  For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.  

Romans 5:12, 18-19 (NIV)      

            This is such a beautiful strand of lights.  It’s connected to the power source and all the bulbs are brightly shining.  It reminds me of God’s plan for people.  He planned to create us to live connected to Him and shining in His light.  But look at what happens when I remove this one bulb.  (Remove first bulb).  It became disconnected and so every light on the strand went out. 

When God created Adam, he was perfect and without sin.  But the moment he sinned, that sin was brought into the world.  And everyone after him was born into sin.  Even you and I were born into sin, meaning we weren’t perfect even when we were little babies.  Adam’s sin brought sin to us all, and sin brings death and separation from God.  It’s like all the bulbs in this strand going out because this one bulb was disconnected. 

This strand of light bulbs needs a new bulb so all the bulbs can be connected again.  It needs a bulb that’s not burned out, a perfect bulb.  In the same way, we needed some way to be connected to God again.  We needed someone without sin to take our punishment.  But if everyone has sinned and is separated from God, how could we ever be connected to Him again?  That’s where Jesus came in.  He was the perfect One who gave His life for us, to pay for our sins.  (Place new bulb into the empty socket).  This new bulb re-connected all the others to the power source.  Now they are all doing what they were created to do: shine.  Jesus, through His death and resurrection, re-connected us with God so we could do what we were created to do: love and serve Him. 

We’re alive because Jesus is alive!  His death and resurrection gives us life.

Keep It in the Tomb

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he      has risen!” Luke 24:5-6 (NIV)

Props: white sheet stained with stage blood, representing Jesus’ grave clothes

When Jesus rose from the dead he left his old “grave clothes” in the tomb.  Those clothes that he was buried in stayed in the grave.  He wore new clothes.  He wore new clothes because he had a new life.

            When you take a bath, you don’t get out and put on the same dirty clothes you were wearing before you bathed.  That wouldn’t make any sense.   

If you’re clean, you put on clean clothes. 

            Jesus came to this earth to die in your place, to take your punishment.  Because he did that, God can forgive you for all the bad things you’ve done.  When He comes into your life, he wants to rid you of all the garbage.  It’s like taking off dirty clothes.  He takes away the lies you’ve told, the times you’ve been mean to others, the bad things you’ve said, the times you’ve been disobedient and bad. 

                Some people come to God and get forgiveness and he takes all those things away, but then they dig through the past and put those things back on.  When God changes you and cleans you up, stay clean!  Don’t go back to your old sins.  Jesus didn’t put on his grave clothes when he rose from the dead.  You don’t put on your dirty clothes when you get out of the tub.  So don’t go back to your old sins again.  Keep them buried. 

            What things in your life need to stay in the tomb?

It’s All In the Attitude (skit)

No matter what happens, always be thankful… 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (TLB)

 

Begin with the following skit:  Two children enter, each holding an envelope.  The first child looks disappointed, the second looks excited.

 

First child: Hey.  What are you so excited about?

Second child: Today’s my birthday and I got a card from my grandparents.

First child:  Oh really?  My birthday is this week, too, and I got a card from my grandparents.

Second child:  That’s cool.  Mine sent me some money.

First child: Yeah, mine too.

Second:  I’m going to have lots of fun spending this money.

First:  Good for you.  I don’t think I can have any fun with what they sent me.

Second:  Oh, I can’t wait.  I’m going to buy a toy or two, then maybe some candy.  Or I could rent a movie and have all my friends over.

First:  Well, invite me over, would you?  Cause I’m not going to get to go anywhere; I hardly got anything at all.

Second:  This is more money than I make in a month’s allowance.

First:  I made more than this picking my neighbor’s weeds.

Second: My grandparents must really love me.  They sent me this money just because it’s my birthday.

First:  My grandparents probably just scraped the loose change up from underneath the couch cushions.  They don’t care about me.

Second:  This is such a great gift!

First:  This is the lousiest gift.

First and Second (to each other): So how much money did you get?   (Each pulls out a bill):   Ten dollars!!!

First: Boy, by the way you were talking, I thought you got a hundred!

Second:  Well, you made it sound like you got a dime!    (Both exit). 

 

Teacher follow-up:  These two children had one thing in common—they each received the same amount of money for their birthday.  The difference between the two is their attitude.  One has an attitude of thankfulness, the other does not.  In your life, many things will happen to you, both good and bad.  No matter what happens, you can still be thankful and filled with joy.  Your attitude will make the difference.  Thankfulness is being grateful for what God and others give to you.   We have received so many wonderful things from God and others.  Let’s be thankful for all our blessings.

Gone In an Instant

Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person.  The past is forgotten, and everything is new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 (CEV)

Props: clock, bubbles

            (Display clock).  Have you ever thought about how quickly time passes?  Think about the last time you went somewhere really exciting.  You probably thought you’d never get there.  Then when you did arrive, it seemed like you were only there for a few minutes and it was time to go.  As you get older, you’ll find that time passes more and more quickly.  (Begin blowing bubbles).  It’s like these bubbles.  They’re so beautiful, but each bubble is only here a short while, then it’s gone.  Everything is like that in our lives.  We ourselves are only here a short while.  Life passes very quickly.

            As we celebrate the New Year, we’re celebrating the passing of time and new beginnings.  People like to say goodbye to the past year and hello to a future full of promise.  They think that when they wake up on January 1, their life will begin fresh and new.  There’s only one way to begin fresh and new, and that is to give your life to Jesus.  Remember, you can start over with Jesus.  You will have the chance to do that before you leave here today.

God’s Plan Revealed

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Props: Large picture covered entirely with small segments of paper (such as “sticky” notes)

As you present the lesson, remove the papers one at a time, gradually revealing the picture underneath. 

Would you believe me if I told you there is a beautiful picture under all these papers?  Most of you probably would.  Even though you can’t see it right now, there is a beautiful picture covered up.  I could take away all of these papers at once, but I’m only going to take away one at a time.  Raise your hand when you think you know what the picture is. (Wait for the children to respond and ask for their guesses). 

At the beginning of this New Year, you can’t see all that God has planned for your life.  Some of you may have an idea, but you can’t see the full picture yet.  However, the Bible says that God has a plan for you.  He will show you His plan, but He never shows it to you all at one time.  He wants you to faithfully serve and obey Him.  As you do, He will show you His plan a little at a time, day by day.  He will show you what He has in store for your life. 

Make up your mind today that you’re going to serve God faithfully this year.  Then, when you look back at the year, you will see all that God had planned for you.  And, like this picture, you will see clearly all He had in mind.

Give It Up

“…a Savior was born for you.  He is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:11 (CEV)

Props: large puzzle with several pieces

            I bought a puzzle once and I was so excited because I loved the picture on the front of the box and I wanted to put all the pieces together to make the picture. (Begin putting picture together).  I started working and slowly but surely all of the pieces began to fit together.  Then when I was just about done I noticed that one piece was missing.  That one missing piece ruined the whole puzzle.  It would never be a complete picture now.  It would never be the way it was supposed to be, and I couldn’t enjoy it.

            As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, I want to remind you to give everything to Jesus; He gave everything for you.    It’s so important to give everything to Jesus because He wants to take all of the pieces of your life and make them into something beautiful.  Give Him your talents, your time, your friendships, even your problems.  Give them up to Him and watch Him put them all together into a beautiful life.  Let your life—all of it—be a gift that you give to Jesus for His birthday.

Fill It Up

…after the baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.  Matthew 1:21

Props: clear jar, marshmallows, m-n-ms, sugar

 Preparation: Pre-determine the number of marshmallows that can fit into the jar and set aside that amount.  Set out enough m-n-ms and sugar to fit into the jar after the marshmallows have filled it.

             I love to bake all kinds of goodies at the holidays.  Today I brought with me some of the ingredients that I use.  We’re going to vote on our favorite ingredient.  As I mention each one, clap your hands really loud if it’s something you like.  (Display the ingredients one by one, calling out the name of each one as you do.   Allow the children to “vote” by clapping their hands.  Announce the “winner” when you’ve named all three items.)  When I’m not using these ingredients, I have to store them.  (Display clear jar.)  Right now I’m going to try to fit these ingredients into this jar.  It’s going to be tough to do, because there’s only so much space and everything has to fit.  Let’s see what we can do.  (Begin pouring sugar in the jar).  It looks like all of the sugar fit in.  Now we’ll try the m-n-ms.  (Pour m-n-ms into jar).  Good, they fit too.  Barely but surely.  Now for the marshmallows.  (Fit as many marshmallows as you can into the jar.)  Uh, oh.  The marshmallows don’t all fit.  We have to have the marshmallows.  How can I fit everything into the jar?  (Allow the children to guess.)  I think the best thing to do would be to start over again.  (Pour all of the ingredients out into a storage bowl). 

            Today we’re talking about giving Jesus everything.  It’s hard in life to make it all work, sometimes.  You want to keep Jesus first in your life, but you only have so much room.  You want to give Him your time, but you’re busy with homework and sports or special activities.  You might want to read the Bible, but you’re too busy reading books for school.   You want to go to church, but you also want to spend time with your friends.  Maybe you wonder how someone can do it all.  Or you’re not sure how it’s possible to go to school and church, to spend time with Jesus and still have time to spend with your friends.  (Begin placing marshmallows in jar.)  It all depends on where you put things.  If you put Jesus first in your life, you’ll find that He’ll fit just fine.  You won’t have to worry about “fitting him in” somewhere if you talk to Him first thing in the morning.  Let Jesus take first place in your life by talking to Him and reading the Bible before you play with your friends.  (Pour the m-n-ms in the jar.) 

             The great thing is that when Jesus comes first, everything else will fit into place.  Decide that you’re going to go to church on the weekend.  You’ll find that the other things you wanted to do will still fit in there somehow.  (Pour the sugar in the jar.)  This Christmas, put Jesus first.  Give everything to Jesus; He gave everything for you.   

Don’t Pack Away Jesus

“…a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:11 (NIV)

 Props: large box(es) marked “Christmas decorations,” decorations to place inside and a manger scene

 Pack away the decorations as you talk.

             Just about everyone’s least favorite part of Christmas is packing everything away. No one wants to put away all the fun decorations, but it has to be done.  Let’s see, I’ve got the ornaments (place in box).  I hope none of these breaks over the next 11 months.  And the lights…has anyone ever figured out how to pack these away without making a tangled ball of mess? (Place lights in box).  We can’t forget the garland (place in box) and the manger scene (keep out).  

It’s kind of sad to pack all this stuff away.  But you wouldn’t want your Christmas tree up in July.  The saddest part, though, is that some people pack away their manger scene and forget about Jesus until the next year.  (Place manger scene in box).  There are people who only come to church at Christmas and maybe Easter.  They only think about the Lord at the holidays.

There’s nothing wrong with putting a manger scene away, but we must always keep our heart set on Jesus.  He is the reason for the season.  He gives us the real reason to celebrate.  His love goes on all year.  And we should love Him all the time, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or no particular holiday at all.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

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