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B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de
Week of
December 3, 2006
Mary’s Good NewsMary’s Good NewsLeadership Meeting
• Focus on the Mission—December is the
month to celebrate the announcement and
birth of Christ. If your church is sponsoring a
missions activity outside the church, become
involved with this ministry. If the church is
not doing a missions activity, promote, plan,
and implement one for the entire church.
• Focus on Relationships—Send notes to each
child sometime this week. Emphasize the
importance of the Christmas season.
• Focus on Bible Study—Begin your Bible study
time by reviewing the Personal Bible Study.
Separate into small groups or individuals and
give each group or leader a portion of the
passage to prepare and discuss.
4PREPAREPREPAREBiblical Setting (Luke 1:26-40)
To better understand today’s Scripture passage,
read Luke 1:5-25. Elizabeth went into seclusion
when she discovered that she was pregnant,
and this is where we begin our study.
Zacharias and Elizabeth were childless and
beyond child-bearing years, yet they prayed
faithfully for a baby. Zacharias was a priest in
the temple. While offering incense one day, an
angel appeared to him. The angel informed
Zacharias that his prayers had been answered—
he and Elizabeth would have a baby.
Bible Study for Leaders
What was God’s plan for Mary? What is God
planning to do with you? _______________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
The Angel’s Appearance to Mary (Luke 1:26-33)
During the sixth month of Elizabeth’s
pregnancy, the same angel (Gabriel) that had
appeared to Zacharias also appeared to Mary.
The Bible says that God sent the angel to Mary
in Galilee.
Mary, a virgin, was pledged to marry a man
named Joseph. Though Joseph was a carpenter
by trade, he was a descendent of King David.
The biblical term pledged to marry is similar
to our present-day term engaged, but it was
much more serious and binding. To break that
vow called for divorce proceedings or even
death.
In verses 26-28 the angel Gabriel simply
greeted Mary as one being highly favored by
God.
Read Luke 1:29-30. How did Mary feel about
his words? _____________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
When the angel saw that Mary was troubled,
he told her not to be afraid. What else did the
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Personal Bible Study
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 3 , 2 0 0 6
angel say to Mary? _______________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Describe a time when you were afraid.
How did God help you through the
situation?_________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
What did you learn from that
experience? ______________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Read Luke 1:31-33. The angel of the
Lord told Mary that she would conceive
and bear a son. She was to name the
child Jesus. List the five things the angel
told Mary about Jesus. ___________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Mary’s Response (Luke 1:34-38)
Mary must have been overwhelmed by the
angel’s message. She could not grasp
how she, a young virgin, could have a
baby. Her question to Gabriel gave him an
opportunity to explain that Jesus would be
both human and divine—the son of Mary
and the Son of God.
Relate a time in your life when
something that seemed impossible
happened.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Imagine Gabriel patiently explaining to
young Mary what was about to take place
in and through her. He explained that, by a
miracle of God, the Holy Spirit would
overshadow, or come upon, her. This baby
boy would be the holy, true Son of God.
As you teach preschoolers each
Sunday, how can you patiently explain to
them that Jesus is God’s Son?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Read Luke 1:36-37. The angel informed
Mary that Elizabeth was in her sixth
month of pregnancy. He summed it up by
saying that nothing was impossible with
God.
What does it mean to you personally
that nothing is impossible with God?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Luke 1:38 tells us of Mary’s deep and
personal submission to God’s will. Mary
responded by saying that she was the
Lord’s servant. The term expressed
complete obedience to God’s will, and
she gladly accepted it. This act of
submission is very moving, but even more
so when you consider all that she would
have to endure.
How submissive are you to God’s
leadership? Do you respond the way Mary
did?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Mary Visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-40)
It is not certain why Mary went to visit
Elizabeth or how she greeted Elizabeth.
We do know that she visited her cousin
and that both women were part of a
miracle. One became the mother of John
the Baptist; the other became the
mother of Jesus, the Messiah. God’s plan
was unfolding!
Bible Truths in this Passage
• God has a master plan for each of us.
• God deals with us through His Holy
Spirit.
• We may face difficulties when we
submit to His will.
• All things are possible with God.
• We honor God when we follow His will.
SessionInformation
BIBLE STORY:
Mary’s Good News
Scripture Reference:
Luke 1:26-40
BIBLICAL TRUTH:
God loved us and sent
His Son, Jesus.
LIFE QUESTION:
How am I happy about
Jesus’ birth?
LIFE IMPACT:
I am happy to hear
about Jesus.
BIBLE VERSES
AND PHRASES:
Babies—2s
“God is good to us”
(Ps. 73:1).
“God loves us”
(1 John 4:10).
3s—Kindergarten
“Be happy and sing
songs to God”
(Ps. 9:2).
“You will give birth to a son
and call Him Jesus”
(Luke 1:31).
“God loved us and sent
His Son”
(1 John 4:10).
9
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B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de10
ENCOUNTERENCOUNTERExplore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s
BibleConversation
for Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation as
babies and ones are involved
in session activities.
• Mary heard good news
about Baby Jesus.
• Mary was going to be the
mother of Jesus.
• Mary told her family about
Baby Jesus.
Teaching TipPractice good security
procedures and avoid situations
where one teacher is alone
with one or more preschoolers.
When your church has and
maintains good procedures, the
preschooler, the teacher, and
the reputation of the church
are protected.
telephone, say, “God loves us.He sent Baby Jesus. God lovesWhitney.”
MusicPlay pat-a-cake with babyLindsey, holding her hands inyours and gently patting themtogether as you sing (tune“London Bridge”): “Lindsey’shands can pat a cake, pat a cake,pat a cake. Lindsey’s hands canpat a cake. Thank You, God, forLindsey.” Continue the musicalgame by pushing gently to givesome resistance as Lindseymoves her legs in a kickingmotion. Change the words tosomething like: “Lindsey’s legscan pu-u-u-ush . . . .”
Picture-read the pack book toLindsey if she shows interestwhen you hold the open bookbefore her. Say: “Lindsey, Godgave us good news about BabyJesus. God is good to us. ThankYou, God.”
Ones may enjoy sitting withyou and looking at the book asthe music is playing. Talk softlyto Andrew about the pictures.Use today’s Bible conversation.
PuzzlesProvide colorful toys such aslinking rings and snap-togetherbeads for babies in their cribs.Ones will enjoy putting the linksand beads together themselves.Say: “Look at the bead. It snapstogether with this one. Godloved Mary and told her goodnews. God loves us.”
GATHER: Bible,
toy telephonesGATHER:
Bible, linking rings
or shapes, plastic
snap-lock beads
GATHER: Bible, book
Christmas
Picture Book
(PACK, item 3)
Before the Session:• Pray, asking God to help you meetthe needs of the preschoolers youteach.• Read the entire session andprepare the suggested pack items.• Decide which activities you willprovide.• Gather the suggested materials,including the pine branches.• Practice singing the suggestedsongs, using the names of thechildren in your room.
Greet: When Jared arrives, showhim the Christmas Picture Book(PACK, item 3). Point to the pictureof Mary and say: “Mary heard goodnews about Baby Jesus. I’m gladyou came to church, Jared. We willhear good news about Jesus, too.”
Take individual photographs ofeach child in your room with theChristmas Picture Book. The photoswill be used during the December 24session.
For churches which choose not toor can not afford processing or filmfor cameras, you may choose to askparents to provide a photo to be usedduring the December 24th session.
ToysSit on the floor and place a toytelephone on your lap. Have animaginary conversation on thetelephone such as: “Mary heard goodnews. The Bible says an angel saidto Mary that she was going to be themother of Baby Jesus.” Offer thephone receiver to one-year-oldWhitney and say: “Tell your mommy
the good news the Bible tellsabout Baby Jesus. Thank You,
God, for ears to hear goodnews about Jesus.”
As Whitney and herfriends play with the toy
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4
CONTINUE
Week of
December 3, 2006
Explore Bible Truths with 2sUse in addition to Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s.
ArtMix tempera paint and pour it intoa pie pan. Wrap masking tapearound the cut end of a pine treebranch. Lay a sheet of paper insidea shallow box. Help Jared into apaint smock. Show him how tohold the taped end of the branch topaint on the paper. As he works,sing these words (tune “Mary Hada Little Lamb”): “Jared likes topaint at church, paint at church,paint at church. Jared likes to paintat church, paint at church withbranches.” With your Bible open toLuke 1 say: “Mary told her familythe good news about Baby Jesus.God loved Mary. God loves us.”
HomelivingPlace a toy telephone on a table orthe floor. When Micah picks it up,say, “Micah, tell mommy, ‘God isgood to us.’ ” As Micah plays, singthese words (tune “LondonBridge”): “I can talk with mymouth, with my mouth, with mymouth. I can talk with my mouth,tell good news about Jesus.” Sing asecond stanza: “I can hear with myears, with my ears, with my ears. Ican hear with my ears, hear goodnews about Jesus.”
NatureSaturate several cotton balls withvarious scented oils. Place eachball in a separate baby food jar.Attach the jar lids and make ahole in each. Invite Rachel tosmell the scents. Say: “Thescent of peppermintreminds me of Christmas.Thank You, God, for mynose to smell scents ofChristmas. Thank You,God, for Baby Jesus.”
PuzzlesCover the picture cards with clearcontact plastic. Place two sets ofthe cards faceup on a table. Pointto one of the pictures. InviteMerideth to find the matchingpicture. As she gains confidencein matching the pictures, addadditional picture sets. Say: “I amhappy you enjoy playing thisgame, Merideth. Let’s tell a friendabout the fun we are having.”
GATHER: Bible, matching
Christmas pictures
(PACK, item 4),
clear
contact plastic
GATHER:Bible, tempera paint,
aluminum pie pan,
masking tape, pine
tree branches,
paper, shallow box,
painting smocks
GATHER: Bible, toy telephones
GATHER: Bible, cotton balls,
seasonal scented oils
(peppermint, vanilla,
cinnamon, pine), baby
food jars with lids
s
Bible Story for 2s:Tell the Bible story in brief segments as twos areinvolved in activities.
God sent an angel to tell Mary some wonderful news.
The angel, Gabriel, said: “Mary, do not be afraid. You
are going to have a baby. God wants you to name the
baby Jesus. He will be very special.”
Mary listened to the angel. “I love God. I will do what
God wants me to do,” she answered.
Mary was excited. She hurried to tell her cousin
Elizabeth the good news.
W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 3 , 2 0 0 6 11
CONTINUE• Write a note to parents, such as,“Thank you for bringing Thomas tochurch.”• Call the parents of preschoolers whowere absent. Encourage a parent thenask to speak to the two-year-old. Singthis song (made-up tune): “I’m happy,I’m happy to talk to Rachel today.”• Clean and disinfect all toys usedduring the session.
Bible Story PlusWith the children in a circle, pass thetelephone from child to child. Eachchild will repeat the verse God lovesus into the telephone. Then, open theBible to the story and tell the Biblestory in your own words. Pray,thanking God for Jesus.
GATHER: Bible, toy
telephone from
Homeliving
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B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de12
SessionSchedulefor 3s—K:Introduce Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
Learn Together (10-15 min)
• Play music and sing.
• Play a musical game with
Bible markers.
• Play the game “Good
News.”
• Introduce the Bible story.
• Hear a Bible story.
• Talk about the Bible
story.
• Pray together.
Explore Bible Truths
(25-35 min)
• Design homemade gift
wrap.
• Make a Christmas card
for a missionary.
• Play out the Bible story
with block figures.
• Play a game about
Christmas smells.
• Play out the Bible story.
Clean Up (5 min)
Apply Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
• Sing the song “Christmas
Is Such a Happy Time.”
• Recall the Bible story.
• Hear a missions story and
pray for missionaries.
• Play a game about
Christmas smells.
Before the Session• Prepare the suggested pack itemsaccording to the instructions for leader packitems (PACK, item 1).• Read through the teaching suggestions forthe session.• Choose the activities you will provide bestsuited to your learners.• Gather the suggested materials.• Practice singing the suggested songs.• Review the Bible story.
Greet: Kneel as you greet each child at thedoor. Say: “Lisa, I’m glad you came today.Our Bible story tells about Mary hearinggood news about Baby Jesus. Let’s begin ourfun of learning about Mary’s good news.Come. Choose what you want to do first.”
Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two of the suggested activities fromExplore Bible Truths to use as the childrenarrive. (Note: Continue these two activitiesalong with additional activities during theExplore Bible Truths activity time.)
Learn Together• Play a cassette tape of Christmas carols.Pause the tape and say, “Christmas is a happytime.” Open the Bible to Psalm 9:2. Read thephrase ‘Be happy and sing songs to God.’Sing the song “Christmas Is Such a HappyTime” (found in today’s Live & Learn).• Cut out the December Bible markers(PACK, item 18). Insert them in the Bible atthe appropriate references. Arrange chairs ina circle. Tape a sheet of construction paper(the same color as a Bible marker) to the seatof each chair. Play the game, similar to“Musical Chairs,” using a cassette tape ofChristmas carols. Ask each child to sit in achair when the music stops. Open the Bibleto the first Bible marker. Say: “This Biblemarker is red. Who is sitting on red paper?”Invite that child to read the phrase (maybewith your help) from the Bible. Continue thegame until all of the Bible phrases are read.• Print each child’s name on a paper slip. Putthe paper slips in a paper bag. Draw a nameand say: “Jason, can you think of a timewhen you heard some good news? Maybeyou heard that you were going on a vacation,to the zoo, or out for ice cream. Perhaps you
were getting a new puppy. Tell us aboutyour good news.” Continue to draw namesfrom the bag until each child has a turn toshare good news.• Show the Bible story picture in today’sLive & Learn. Say: “Our Bible story isabout Mary and an angel who came to seeher. He told her good news. Listen carefullyto hear her good news.” Open the Bible toLuke 1:26-40. Tell the Bible story in yourown words.• Tell the boldfaced portions only for threesand younger fours.
Mary’s Good NewsScripture Reference: Luke 1:26-40Mary and Joseph were going to be marriedin a few months. They lived in a town calledNazareth.
God sent the angel Gabriel to talk toMary.
“Mary,” the angel said, “God loves youvery much. Don’t be afraid. God has aspecial plan for you. You will have a babyson and call Him Jesus. His greatness willlast forever.”
“How will this happen?” Mary asked.“Your child will be God’s Son,” the
angel Gabriel said. “Your relative Elizabethis very old. She also is going to have a baby.Nothing is too hard for God to do,” theangel said.
Mary said, “I will do what God wantsme to do.”
Later, Mary packed her clothes. Shetraveled for days. Mary went to visit herrelative, Elizabeth. Mary and Elizabethtalked about their babies who would be bornsoon.
Mary was very glad. She sang a song toGod because she was so happy.
• Ask: “Who was Gabriel?” “What didGabriel tell Mary?” “What was Elizabeth’sgood news?”• Say: “God loved us and sent His Son arewords from the Bible. The reason we givegifts to people we love at Christmas isbecause of Jesus. Think of someone youlove and will give a gift to this year. Godloves that person, too. And God loves you.”• Invite the preschoolers to pray with you,“Thank You, God, for Baby Jesus.”
4ENCOUNTER
a
ENCOUNTER
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Explore Bible Truths with 3s—Kindergarten
GATHER: Bible, newspaper, tape,
watercolors, small
containers of water,
paintbrushes, painting
smocks, rolled brown
paper (or cut apart
brown paper grocery
bags)
GATHER: Bible, paper plates, glue
or paste, craft sticks,
scraps of Christmas
paper and ribbon,
construction paper,
markers
Each activity offers an opportunityto reinforce and cultivate Bibletruths. Provide as many Bible-learning activities as possible.
ArtCover the table with newspaper andtape it in place. Place the paintingmaterials in the center of the table.Invite each child to put on a paintsmock. Encourage Louis to paintpieces of paper to be used as giftwrap. If the stamp pad (seeTeaching Tip) is available, childrenmay stamp the Bible phrase on theirpaper. Comment: “This Bible versesays, ‘God loved us and sent HisSon.’ Whose gift will you wrap inthis paper, Louis? When your friendopens this gift, do you think shewill be happy to know that Godloved us and sent His Son?”
MissionsPut the paper plates on a table. Poura small amount of glue or paste intoeach plate, providing craft sticks asspreaders. A child may make amissionary payer reminder bygluing paper and ribbon scraps ontothe front of a piece of constructionpaper (folded in half). Explain:“Missionaries are people who tellothers about Jesus all year long.Christmas is a great time toremember to pray for missionaries.Would you like to make amissionary prayer reminder? Thiswill remind us to pray formissionaries during the Christmasseason.” Encourage children towrite a note inside such as I willpray for missionaries. For childrenwho are not yet writing, offer toprint a prayer reminder messageinside.
GATHER: Bible, today’s Live &
Learn, blocks, Christmas
stand-up figures
(PACK, item 20), blocks
background “Night Sky”
(PACK, item 19)
GATHER: Bible, five cotton balls,
nine empty film
canisters with lids,
seasonal spices
(cinnamon, peppermint,
chocolate, ginger), baby
powder (or baby oil),
orange slices, apple
slices, pine needles,
coffee beans, scissors,
game “Smells of
Christmas” (PACK, item
21), clear tape, small
nail or other sharp
object.
d
hy.
n
e
Teaching TipUse a sharp pencil to
firmly print the phrase
“God loved us and sent
His Son” backwards on
a clean foam tray. Cut
around the Bible phrase
to make a flat stamp.
To make the stamp
pad, fold a paper towel
and place it in a clean
foam tray. Pour water-
based ink or thinned
paint on the towel.
W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 3 , 2 0 0 6
BlocksInsert today’s Live & Learn inthe Bible at Luke 1:26-40. Placethe Bible on the floor near theblocks. Arrange the figures ofMary and Gabriel in front of thebackground. When a childapproaches the blocks, point tothe picture on the front of Live &Learn. Say, “Our Bible storytoday is about Mary and an angelnamed Gabriel.” Briefly tell thestory. Call attention to the figuresof Mary and Gabriel andencourage the child to use themto play out the Bible story.
NatureBefore the session, use a nail topunch a hole in each canister lid.Place a cotton ball inside five ofthe film canisters. On the cottonball, add a small amount of oneof the suggested spices or thebaby powder (one item percanister). Attach the lids andshake the canisters. Tape the packillustrations to the correctcanisters. Put the remaining itemsin the other four canisters (oneitem per canister) and label themas above.
Cover the illustration while achild smells and guesses thescent. Then show her the label.
Say: “One of today’s Bibleverses is ‘Be happy and singsongs to God.’ Let’s sing athank-you song to God for all thegood things we smelled today.”Sing these words (tune “Twinkle,Twinkle, Little Star”): “ThankYou, God, for peppermint. I dolike the way it smells.” Repeatthe song for each scented item.
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CONTINUE
Teaching 3s—Kindergarten
GATHER: Bible, book The Christmas
Story (PACK, item 16a),
inserts for the book The
Christmas Story (PACK,
item 17), Bible-times
dress-up clothes,
camcorder or camera with
film (optional)
Dramatic PlayBefore the session, prepare the pack book(PACK, item 1). Arrange the dress-upclothes in the Dramatic Play center. Laythe book nearby. As you read the book toan interested child, show him how tocarefully change the images on the pages.Invite a few children at a time to dress inthe clothing and play out the Christmasstory. You may want to videotape them(or take pictures) as they re-enact thestory.Clean Up: As children pick up toys, singthese words (tune “Mary Had a LittleLamb”): “I can put the toys away, toysaway, toys away. I can put the toys awaywhen I come to church.” Comment: “Averse in the Bible says, ‘Be happy andsing songs to God.’ I’m happy you cameto church today.”
Apply Bible Truths• Sing the song “Christmas Is Such aHappy Time” (printed in today’s Live &Learn). Note: Save a copy of today’s Live& Learn for the December 24 session,when the song is suggested again.• Show the Bible picture in today’s Live& Learn. Invite a child to tell the Biblestory. Be prepared to help with the storyas needed.• Comment: “Our Bible story was aboutgood news that Gabriel told Mary. Whatwas the good news? You can share thisgood news with your friends. God lovedus and sent His Son.”• Say: “Today we made missionary
prayer reminders. Let’s prayfor missionaries now.”
Invite each child topray. If a childseems reluctant to
pray aloud, ask herto pray silently as
you pray aloud.Then tell the
missionsstory inyourownwords.
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de14
“Our missions story today is about a girlfrom the state of Virginia. This girl’sname was Charlotte Moon. Charlottewas known to her friends by the nameLottie.
Lottie Moon decided she would dowhatever God wanted her to do. Lottieknew that God wanted her to go toChina and tell the people there aboutGod.
In 1873, Lottie and other peoplesailed on a boat from America to China.
The first thing that Lottie did whenshe got to China was to thank God forgiving her a safe trip across the ocean inthe boat. Lottie found a place to livewith some of the people she had met.
Lottie’s first job as a missionary wasto teach school to the Chinese girls thatlived near her house.”
• Encourage preschoolers to think ofways Lottie Moon told her good newsjust as Mary had done.• While waiting for parents to arrive,play the game “Smells of Christmas.”Invite a child to smell the contents of acanister and identify the scent.Encourage the children to think ofthings Mary might have smelled inNazareth, such as hay, smoke from afire, meat roasting, bread cooking. Iftime permits, ask them to name thingsthey smell at home at Christmastime.Suggest that when they smell somethinggood, they remember the Bible verse“Be happy and sing songs to God.”Sing the song “Thank You, God, forPeppermint” (from the Nature center).
CONTINUE• Give each child a copy of Live &Learn to take home.• Mail a copy of postcard # 1 (from theParent Page of Live & Learn) to eachchild.• Encourage preschoolers to becomeinvolved in the missions activitydecided on by your church ordepartment.• Ask preschoolers to tell what they arehappy about hearing today.
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Week of
December 10, 2006
Jesus Was BornJesus Was BornLeadership Meeting
• Focus on the Mission—Begin organizing the
ministry activity to provide for a family or
group. Encourage church members to begin
giving of their time, talents, and resources
to make this event a success.
• Focus on Relationships—Allow each leader
to voice reasons they are thankful for the
birth of Christ. Encourage them to ask the
members in their class the same question
this week.
• Focus on Bible Study—This week’s session
deals with Christ’s birth. Remind the
leaders that Christ came to earth as a baby.
Christ’s development was as important as
the children you serve. Remember as you
care for babies through kindergartners,
Christ was once this age too.
4PREPAREBiblical Setting (Luke 2:1-7; Matt. 1:25)
The angel Gabriel shared the news of the
coming of John the Baptist and Jesus, the
Messiah. This week our Scripture passage
covers the events surrounding the long awaited
birth of Jesus.
Bible Study for Teachers
Mary went to the home of Elizabeth and stayed
for several months. The second chapter of Luke
begins with the circumstances that would place
Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth.
Read Luke 2:1-2. Luke provided historical
information including names and events. The
names of Caesar Augustus and Quirinius and
the government offices they held tell something
of the time of Christ’s birth. Luke’s mention of
the events, and his listing of the people, reveal
more about the timing and the circumstances
surrounding Jesus’ birth and birthplace.
Read Luke 2:3-4. Everyone was to go to their
place of birth to be counted and taxed. God
was working to bring together His plans for the
coming Messiah. What is God working to bring
together in your life? __________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
The historical events were fulfilling what the
prophets had foretold: the events that would
take place and the name of the city where the
child would be born. Augustus’s decree directed
people to go to the place of their birth to be
counted and taxed. Because Joseph was of the
lineage of David, he reported to the city of
Bethlehem, which was called the City of David.
According to Micah 5:2, Bethlehem was the city
from which would come the ruler of Israel, the
Messiah.
People did not understand the events
surrounding Jesus’ birth. Many young parents
do not understand some of the things which
happen at church. Plan time to help them
understand and feel included in what the
W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 0 6 15
Personal Bible StudyPREPARE
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CU
bab
no
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de
church does and answer their questions.
How can you help new parents feel a part
of the ministry of your church?
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Luke 2:5 tells us Joseph went to
Bethlehem with Mary, who was engaged to
him and expecting a baby. Common sense
indicates this would be a difficult journey
for Joseph and Mary. It would be difficult
since it was a significant distance through
the mountains, and Mary was pregnant.
However, Luke did not list their difficulties.
The evidence that God was with them and
brought them safely to Bethlehem is
enough to know. Will you find ways to
express God’s dependability to preschoolers
and their parents this
week?_____________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Are there other ministry opportunities to
be gleaned from this Scripture passage?
What can we do to encourage young
families to constantly love and care for one
another?
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Joseph honored God by the ways in
which he honored Mary. Caring for Mary
was a part of honoring his God. Think of
some ways that you might be an
encourager to couples who are busy with
making a living, rearing a family, and all of
the activities those two responsibilities
involve.
Luke 2:6 says, while Joseph and Mary
were in Bethlehem the time came for the
child to be born. The prophets had said the
child would be born in Bethlehem. God’s
plan was unfolding so that the birth of
Jesus would be at His timing and location.
It was according to the prophecies long
ago—prophecies recorded in the Scriptures.
Everything was in place, as it had been
foretold. Can you see God’s plan in action
in your life today?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Read Luke 2:7. Mary gave birth to her
first baby, a boy, she wrapped him in
cloths, she laid him in a manger, and there
was no room for them at the inn. The words
are so simple, but the real events are
spectacular. Some say that the place of
birth was really a sort of cave under the inn
where the livestock were kept. It really
does not matter because the real point of
the Scriptures was that the prophesy had
come true. God had accomplished His
purpose. His Son had arrived. A simple
order to register for the census had been
used in God’s plan to redeem the lost!
In Matthew 1:25, the obedience of
Joseph is shown. In obedience to the
command of the angel, Joseph named the
baby Jesus. This part of God’s plan was
complete. The Messiah had come.
How can you tell this story to the
preschoolers in your department? Plan now
for the use you will make of the suggested
activities, Bible verses, Bible conversation
and story, and songs. Ask God to continue
His work in you as you become excited
about His faithfulness. Become excited to
the degree that you give your best as a
teacher to Him.
As you share the Bible thoughts and
truths with the preschoolers in your
department, use simple conversation. Guide
them to feel the truth and excitement that
God’s Son was born. Let them feel your
love for Christ. As you read from the Bible,
share these great truths on their level.
Bible Truths in this Passage
• Jesus’ birth was a part of history.
• God shaped events in order to bring about
His will.
• God uses people to work out the details
of His plan.
• We must listen to the Holy Spirit as He
leads us.
SessionInformation
BIBLE STORY:
Jesus Was Born
Scripture Reference:
Luke 2:1-7; Matthew1:25
BIBLICAL TRUTH:
God loved us and sent
His Son, Jesus.
LIFE QUESTION:
How am I happy about
Jesus’ birth?
LIFE IMPACT:
I am happy that
Jesus was born.
BIBLE VERSES
AND PHRASES:
Babies—2s
“Jesus was born in
Bethlehem”
(Matt. 2:1).
“Jesus loves you”
(John 15:12).
3s—Kindergarten
“Be happy and sing
songs to God”
(Ps. 9:2).
“Jesus was born
in Bethlehem”
(Matt. 2:1).
“God loved us and
sent His Son”
(1 John 4:10).
16
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 0 6 17
4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER
Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s
BibleConversation
for Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation as
babies and ones are involved
in session activities.
• Mary and Joseph
went to Bethlehem.
• Jesus was born in
Bethlehem.
• Mary wrapped Baby
Jesus in a blanket and
laid Him in a manger.
Teaching TipFollow your church’s
hygiene guidelines for
diapering, cleaning runny
noses, and toileting needs.
Before the Session:• Pray, asking God to remindyou of the joy knowing Jesusbrings you.• Read the session informationand look at suggested packitems. Mount the picture ofBaby Jesus on cardboard andcover it with clear contactplastic. • Gather suggested materials.• Review suggested songs.
Greet: Show Tamara the picture“Baby Jesus in the Manger”(PACK, item 6). Tell her: “I amhappy that Jesus was born. TheBible says, ‘Jesus loves you,’Tamara. We will have a happyday at church learning about thebaby Jesus.”
MusicAs the music plays, sit on thefloor with the doll on theblanket beside you. Invite Sarato help you cover the doll andpat its back. Tell her: “Jesuswas born in Bethlehem. Marywrapped Baby Jesus in ablanket. Mary loved Jesus. Sara,‘Jesus loves you.’ ” EncourageSara to sing along with thecassette tape as she rocks thebaby.
NatureProp the picture of Baby Jesusnear the diaper changing area.Sing the words (chorus “JesusLoves Me”): “Jesus lovesNathan, Jesus loves Nathan,Jesus loves Nathan, The Bibletells me so.” Point to the pictureand say: “Jesus was a baby.Thank You, God, for Jesus.”
If Nathan becomes unhappy
during diaper changing, askanother teacher to give him therattle. Talk to Nathan about howmuch God loves him. Say, “I amglad you have ears to hear thesong and the rattle. You haveeyes to see the picture of Jesus.Jesus loves you, Nathan.”
ToysMake a crib mobile of thefamily photos by attaching thelaminated or clear-plasticcovered photos back-to-backand hanging them across the topof the crib and out of Trae’sreach. Show Trae the photos.Point to the picture of the babyand say: “Look Trae! Look atthe baby. Thank You, God, forthe baby.” Repeat with thepicture of the mommy anddaddy. When he sees the pictureof Baby Jesus, remark: “I cansee a picture of Baby Jesus.Jesus was a baby, too. ThankYou, God, for Baby Jesus.”Show Trae the mirror. Tell him:“Look Trae! Look at the pictureof Trae in the mirror. ThankYou, God, for Trae.”
GATHER: Bible, tape of
lullaby music, doll,
a small blanket
on
e:
1:25
H:
ent
N:
out
S
:
n
”
n
g
d GATHER: Bible, rattle, picture
“Baby Jesus in
the Manger”
(PACK, item 6)
GATHER: Bible, family photos
(PACK, item 5),
several books about
babies,
nonbreakable mirror
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B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de18
Explore Bible Truths with 2sUse in addition to Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s.
Week of
December 10, 2006
GATHER: Bible, doll, doll bed or
box, blanket, baby
squeeze toys or
rattles
GATHER: Bible, picture “Baby
Jesus in the Manger”
(PACK, item 6), box with
hay or pinestraw in it,
doll, small blanket,
pinebranches from
Christmas trees, several
pinecones
PuzzlesFor durability and ease ofcleaning after use, laminate thepictures or cover them with clearcontact plastic.
Place only one set on the tableor floor. As Marshall sees youlooking at the pictures, he maybecome interested. Show a picturethat matches one on the table andsay, “Marshall, please find apicture on the table that looks likethis one.” Accept Marshall’schoice and keep playing until hehas matched all three pictures. AsMarshall’s skills develop, he willbecome more accurate withmatching. Use the pictures toinitiate telling the Bible story fortwos.
NaturePlace the picture of Baby Jesusnext to the box of hay or straw.Offer Seth the doll and point tothe picture of Baby Jesus in themanger. Tell him, “Mary laidBaby Jesus in a manger.”Encourage Seth to look at andtouch the nature items. Place apinecone in his hands. Rub hisfingers over the branches. Say:“God gave us our eyes and handsto enjoy the things He made.Thank You, God, for Seth’s eyes and hands.”
HomelivingSing the song “Away in a Manger”while Meredith plays with a doll.Tell her: “Meredith, you are takingcare of the doll. Mommies takecare of their babies.” Open theBible to Luke 2 and say: “Jesuswas born in Bethlehem. TheBible says that Mary took care ofBaby Jesus. Mary wrapped BabyJesus in a blanket and laid Him ina manger.”
Bible Story for 2s:Tell the Bible story in brief segments as twos are involved in activities.
Mary and Joseph waited and waited for Mary’s baby
to be born. One day, Joseph told Mary that he had to
go to Bethlehem to be counted with his family.
Mary went with Joseph to Bethlehem. When they
arrived in Bethlehem, they could not find a place to
stay. Joseph finally found a stable where they could
rest. While they were in the stable, Baby Jesus was
born. Mary wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in
the manger.
CONTINUECONTINUE• Consider sending a Christmas card toeach of your members and prospects.• Call absentees during the week andencourage parents to make SundaySchool and church a priority in theirChristmas schedules.
GATHER: Bible, two or three
pairs of pictures
of babies from
magazines, pictures
of Baby Jesus from
out-of-date
literature or
Christmas cards
(two of each
picture)
Bible Story PlusWrite each word of the verse Jesuswas born in Bethlehem on a separatesheet of paper. Mix up the papers andinvite the children to put the words inthe correct order, then read the versealoud. Show the Bible story picture onthe leaflet and tell the Bible story.Sing the song from the nature activityon page 17, using each child’s name.
GATHER: Bible, today’s
Live & Learn,
five sheets of
paper, marker
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 0 6 19
4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER
SessionSchedulefor 3s—K:Introduce Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
Learn Together (10-15 min)
• Play a Bible phrase game
with a beanbag.
• Play music and sing.
• Use Live & Learn.
• Hear a Bible story.
• Talk about the Bible
story.
• Sing Bible phrases.
• Pray together.
Explore Bible Truths
(25-35 min)
• Build a stable.
• Act out the Bible story.
• Match baby care items to
a poster puzzle.
• Make missionary
Christmas ornaments.
• Play with a puzzle and
examine objects.
Clean Up (5 min)
Apply Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
• Recall the Bible story.
• Sing songs.
• Talk about babies.
• Hear a missions story.
• Use the baby care items
puzzle.
Before the SessionGreet: If you did not prepare the game“Smells of Christmas” (PACK, item 21)last week, do so now. Follow thedirections on page 13. Hold the filmcanister containing the baby powder orbaby oil in your hand so that the picturedoes not show. Kneel to greet each childand say: “Emilio, what does this smellremind you of? Our Bible story today isabout a very special baby being born.Let’s see which activity might be mostfun.”
Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two of the suggested activitiesfrom the Explore Bible Truths activities touse as the children arrive. (Note: Continuethese two activities along with additionalactivities during the Explore Bible Truthsactivity time.)
Learn Together• Use three sheets, different colors, ofconstruction paper. Cut a strip from theend of each color of paper. Insert the stripsof paper in the Bible to mark today’s Biblephrases: Psalm 9:2; Matthew 2:1; and 1John 4:10. Place the large pieces ofcolored paper on the floor. Invitepreschoolers to take turns playing. Onethrows a beanbag onto a colored piece ofpaper. Then he opens the Bible and findsthe marker of the same color. Whisper thewords of the Bible phrase to the child andask him to repeat it aloud.• Play a tape of Christmas carols until allthe children are seated in the group. Singthese verses to the tune “Mary Had aLittle Lamb.”Mary had a baby boy, baby boy, baby boy.Mary had a baby boy; she named the babyJesus.” Substitute these words as youcontinue singing:“God loved us and sent His Son; theynamed the baby Jesus.”“Be happy and sing songs to God; Hesent the Baby Jesus.”“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a stablethere.”• Distribute a copy of today’s Live &Learn to each child and ask everyone to
find the picture of Baby Jesus. Say: “OurBible story today is about the night BabyJesus was born.” Open the Bible to Luke2:1-7 and tell the Bible story in your ownwords.• Tell the boldfaced portion only forthrees and younger fours.
Jesus Was BornScripture Reference: Luke 2:1-7; Matthew1:25The ruler, Caesar Augustus, wanted toknow how many people lived in hispart of the world. He made a law (for)that required people to go to the citywhere they were born, and they wouldbe counted there. This was the firsttime that the people had been countedby Caesar Augustus.
All the people traveled to their owncity to be counted. Joseph was from thecity of Bethlehem.
Joseph obeyed the law, made byCaesar Augustus. He took Mary andtraveled from Nazareth to the city ofBethlehem.
While Joseph and Mary were inBethlehem, it became time for Mary’sbaby to be born. Joseph made a bedfor Mary in the stable. The mangerwas filled with hay.
During the night, the baby wasborn in Bethlehem. Mary wrappedBaby Jesus in soft cloths and laid Himin the manger filled with hay, becauseall the rooms in Bethlehem were full.
• Ask these questions: “To what city didMary and Joseph travel?” “Could Josephrent a room at the inn?” “Where did Maryand Joseph stay that night?” “Where didthey lay Baby Jesus to sleep?”• Before the session, insert the Biblemarkers (PACK, item 18) for this week attheir references in the Bible. Invite a childto open the Bible to a marker. Help thechild sing the Bible phrase (see LearnTogether, above). Allow each child whowants to have a turn to do so.• Encourage the preschoolers to saythank you to God that Baby Jesus wasborn. Allow as many as wish to pray todo so.
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Tea3s—
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de20
Explore Bible Truths with 3s—Kindergarten
GATHER: Bible, blocks, animal
matching game
(PACK, item 23),
blocks background
“Night Sky” (PACK,
item 19), Christmas
stand-up figures
(PACK, item 20),
today’s Live & Learn
GATHER:
Bible, book The
Christmas Story (PACK,
Item 16b), inserts for
book The Christmas
Story (PACK, Item 17),
simple dress-up clothes,
a camcorder (optional)
or a camera with film
(optional)
GATHER: Bible; poster board;
marker;
several baby
care items such
as diaper pin, comb,
diaper, sock, bib,
baby powder, baby oil,
spoon, bottle
PuzzlesPlace the baby care items on theposter board. Use a marker to tracearound each item. Remove theitems from the poster board. Insertan article of baby’s clothing in theBible at Matthew 2:1 and highlightthe verse in the Bible.
Guide a child to match the babycare items with the outlines on theposter board. Then ask the child toopen the Bible to the markedsection. Say: “This verse in theBible says, ‘Jesus was born inBethlehem.’ Mary and Joseph tookcare of Baby Jesus after He wasborn. They dressed Him in longstrips of cloth called swaddlingcloths.”
Note: Keep the items used in thisactivity for use in the January 14puzzles activity for threes—kindergartners.
MissionsMake Christmas ornaments aboutmissionaries. Write the name of themissionary family on one side ofeach construction paper circle. Pourthe glue onto small paper plates.Provide wooden craft sticks forspreading. Coat the ornament withtorn bits of construction paper.
Show the children a copy of lastweek’s Live & Learn. Point to therebus story about the missionaryfamily. Explain, “We’re going tomake ornaments to remind us ofthis missionary family. First, let’spray for this family. Let’s ask Godto take care of them.” Allow a childto lead in the prayer if she iswilling. If she does not want topray aloud, say the prayer for bothof you. Continue: “You may takeyour ornament home with youtoday. Maybe you would like tohang it on your Christmas tree.When you hang the ornament, askyour family to pray with you forthe missionary family.”
Each activity offers an opportunityto reinforce and cultivate Bibletruths. Provide as many Bible-learning activities as possible.
BlocksEncourage children to build astable using the pack items.Discuss the trip that Mary andJoseph took to Bethlehem. Ask:“What do you think Mary andJoseph ate during their long trip?Where do you think Mary andJoseph slept while they weretraveling? Was this a short trip or along trip?” Point to the Live &Learn picture and say: “Jesus wasborn in Bethlehem. Tell me abouta long trip you have taken.”
Dramatic PlayIf you did not prepare the bookThe Christmas Story last week, doso now. Invite children to dress inthe clothing. If you prepared thebook according to the instructions,guide a child to carefully changethe image on the page as you readpages 3 and 4 aloud. If you did notprepare the pages to slide, guidethe child to use the Bible-timespictures as overlays to fit over thephotographs of children in thebook. Invite children to play outpart of the Christmas story, as youfilm them (optional).
GATHER: Bible, hole punch,
construction paper cut
into circles, glue,
paper clips, markers,
paper plates,
wooden craft sticks,
last week’s
Live & Learn
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 0 6 21
Teaching 3s—Kindergarten
4
CONTINUE
the Bible phrase while you sing thesecond stanza. Open to Psalm 9:2 forthe third stanza and Matthew 2:1 forthe fourth.• Direct conversation with thepreschoolers about what it is like tolive with a small baby. Ask: “Do youthink Baby Jesus cried during thenight?” “Do you think Baby Jesusslept a lot and played?” • Say: “The Christmas ornaments youmade remind us to pray formissionary families. Ask God to helpthem stay well and strong to tellpeople about Him. Remember to askyour family to pray with you.” Tellthe following missions story in yourown words.
“Lottie Moon spent six years teachingthe girls in her school. After the sixyears were over, Lottie began helpingfamilies who did not have a place tolive find a house to live in.
If there were no houses, Lottiewould let people come and live in herhouse. While the people were livingin her house she would tell themabout all of the good things God haddone for her. Lottie knew the peoplewould listen to her because Godwanted her to tell them these things.”
• While waiting for parents to arrive,place the baby care items (puzzleactivity) in a paper bag. The childrenfeel and match the items to outlineson the poster board. Repeat until allparents have arrived.
CONTINUE• Give each child a copy of today’sLive & Learn to take home.• Remind children to pray for themissionary family when they hangtheir Christmas ornaments on theirtrees at home.• Mail a postcard (Live & LearnParent Page, card # 2) to each child.• Encourage preschoolers to tellsomeone this week why they arehappy Jesus was born.
GATHER: Bible, two Christmas
puzzles (PACK, item 22),
scissors, three (6 ounce)
tuna cans (unopened), tape,
hay (optional)
NatureCut apart the three strips of thegame. Remove the labels from thecans but do not open the cans. Useclear tape to attach one game stripto each can. Stack the tuna canswith the top game piece on the top,the middle game piece in themiddle, and the bottom piece on thebottom of the stack. If available,place hay near the game.
Show a child how to move thetuna cans to align the images: thecamel’s head, body, and feet invertical alignment. Comment:“There might have been animals inthe stable where Jesus was born.What kind of animals do you thinkmight live in a stable?” A verse inthe Bible says, ‘Jesus was born inBethlehem.’”
Invite the child to examine thehay. Ask: “How does it feel againstyour skin? There was probably hayin Baby Jesus’ manger bed. Do youthink it made a soft bed? Can youthink of another way hay is used?”
Clean Up: Play the game “BabyCare Clean Up.” Ask the childrento sit in a circle to play.
Explain: “I will call your name.Then I will tell you something toput away. Before you get up, tellme something that we use to takecare of babies. Then you may getup and put away your item.”
Apply Bible Truths• Show the Bible story illustrationin today’s Live & Learn. Invite achild to tell the Bible story. Helpthe child if he has forgotten details.The child might like to use theMary and Joseph block figures(PACK, item 20) to present thestory.• Sing the Bible phrase songs frompage 19. Show the Bible storypicture from Live & Learn whileyou sing the first stanza. Open theBible to 1 John 4:10 and point to
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Week of
December 17, 2006
Shepherds Visit JesusShepherds Visit Jesus
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de22
Personal Bible Study
Biblical Setting\ (Luke 2:8-20)
The sky is dark. The sun has gone down.
Shepherds watch over their flocks on the hills
above Bethlehem. Suddenly the sky filled with
light and an angel stood before the shepherds
proclaiming the glorious news that Jesus had
been born.
Bible Study for Teachers
This week’s study builds on the two previous
studies in Luke. The study this week records the
first word to be shared about Christ’s birth.
Interestingly enough, the first people to hear
were not the religious leaders but simple
shepherds. Why did God choose to first reveal
His news to simple shepherds? ________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
The shepherds were plain, hard working
people of that day. They were out of the city for
long periods of time (usually from March until
November) so they were not able to observe the
ceremonial Law of the Jews. Due to the nature
of their work, many times they were unclean
and unkempt.
The work of the shepherds was very difficult.
They traveled from place to place, wherever
there was grass, shelter, and water. They had to
protect their sheep from robbers and animals.
To make it more difficult, they had to pay for
animals when they were lost, stolen, or dead.
An angel appeared. The Bible does not
identify the name of the angel as it did with
Zacharias and Mary. The name mentioned here
means messenger. His very presence terrified
the shepherds.
The angel spoke. Read Luke 2:10. What
were the two things the angel told the
shepherds? _____________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Leadership Meeting
• Focus on the Mission—The angel has made a
miraculous announcement to the shepherds on
the hill. Does the church know of the missions
activity you have planned for this month? Next
Sunday will be Christmas Eve. Do you plan to
attend church on this glorious day?
• Focus on Relationships—The angels
announced the birth of Jesus to the
shepherds. Take time this week to contact
each of the preschoolers and tell them how
happy you are they are a part of your worship.
• Focus on Bible Study—Put yourself into the
place of the shepherds on that hill. How would
you have reacted to the message of Christ’s
birth?
4PREPAREPREPARE
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 7 , 2 0 0 6
The first was reassuring. He said they
should not be afraid. The second was that
he was bringing good and joyful news.
These words were later to be used to
characterize the good news of the gospel.
This good news would bring great joy for
“all the people.” It would be available to
everyone in every land.
Today. Read Luke 2:11. On the day the
angel spoke, Christ the Savior had been
born. The event which had been prophesied
through the ages had come to pass.
Salvation for the world had arrived with
the birth of Jesus.
How will you know? Read Luke 2:12.
The angel gave them a sign telling them
how to identify the child. He would be
wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Suddenly. Can you not see the
shepherds as multitudes (host, great
company) of angels appeared? As they
appeared, they began to praise God. Take a
moment and praise God for what He has
done for you. ______________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Read Luke 2:i2-13 again and note the
timing of the multitude’s appearance. It
was as if they waited for the angel’s
message to be finished. Then the multitude
from heaven joined in celebrating the
event. They were celebrating the peace
which God had provided through His Son,
Jesus.
Glory to God. Luke 2:14 notes the two
things which are mentioned by the
Heavenly Host. The glory mentioned is that
which represents the heavenly splendor
and adoration for God. The latter part of
the verse deals with what happens on
earth. Another way to say it is that God
will bring peace for men on whom His
favor rests. The emphasis here is on God
rather than man. The peace is that which
takes place between God and man. It has
to do with the healing which takes place
in the hearts of men.
The angels left. The quietness after
they left must have been striking. The
excitement level must have been
unbelievable. The shepherds had heard the
words from the angel, and the heavenly
host had appeared and praised God.
Because they had heard the story first
hand, they felt an urgency to see for
themselves the Babe who was the
Messiah. Where is the sense of urgency in
your life today? __________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
They hurried off. This is in reference to
the obedience to God by the shepherds.
They were eager to see these things and
wanted to obey God. Their action shows
the faith and the devotion they had to God.
Read Luke 2:16. What are the three
things they found? If you said Mary,
Joseph, and the Babe laying in a manger,
you are correct. This humble birth was only
a sign of the great things which the angel
had promised.
After they had seen Him. As soon as
they saw the babe in the manger, the
shepherds began to share the story of the
angels’ visit. They spread the good news to
all who would listen. Can you feel the
surprise which gripped the town? The
people must have thought about the things
they had heard and wondered at the
extraordinary actions of the shepherds.
Mary kept all these. Read Luke 2: 19
and Luke 1: 26-38. Compare what Mary
heard in both passages. How do you think
Mary felt about what she saw and heard?
The Bible says that she treasured these
things. The picture comes to mind that she
remembered every thing she saw and
heard and put them in the deep recesses
of her heart to be considered later.
The shepherds returned. Luke 2:20.
Get a mental image of the shepherds’ trip
home. Think about how happy and excited
they were. They may have returned to their
common work, but they would never be
the same again. They continuously praised
God. It transformed their lives. It will do
the same for us today.
Bible Truths in this Passage
• God uses the humble to do great things
for Him.
• God reveals His will to us today.
• We should not hesitate to do His will.
• We should treasure the meaningful
experiences God gives us.
SessionInformation
BIBLE STORY:
Shepherds Visit Jesus
Scripture Reference:
Luke 2:8-20
BIBLICAL TRUTH:
God loved us and sent
His Son, Jesus.
LIFE QUESTION:
How am I happy about
Jesus’ birth?
LIFE IMPACT:
I am happy to tell others
about Jesus.
BIBLE VERSES
AND PHRASES:
Babies—2s
“God made the animals”
(Gen. 1:25).
“God loves us”
(1 John 4:10).
3s—Kindergarten
“Jesus was born
in Bethlehem”
(Matt. 2:1).
“Go and tell others
about Jesus”
(Mark 16:15).
“God loved us and
sent His Son”
(1 John 4:10).
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4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER
Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s
BibleConversation
for Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation as
babies and ones are involved
in session activities.
• God’s angels told the
shepherds about Baby
Jesus.
• The shepherds saw Baby
Jesus.
• The shepherds said thank
you to God for Baby Jesus.
Teaching TipPreschoolers enjoy making
choices. Provide a variety of
activities in a session to
give them opportunities to
choose how they will learn.
GATHER: Bible, book
Christmas Picture
Book (PACK, item
3), books about
Baby Jesus,
Christmas cards
that show
shepherds at
the manger
GATHER: Bible, animal
figures, fur
GATHER: Bible, zip-lock bag,
ice cubes,
masking tape
Before the Session:• Pray, asking God to help you,daily, to experience the joy oftelling others about Jesus.• Read the session and look atsuggested pack items. Prepare thepeekaboo manger scene.• Select the activities you willprovide.• Gather materials you will need.• Meet and pray with otherteachers that the session activitieswill meet the needs of thepreschoolers you teach.
Greet: Place the peekaboomanger scene (PACK, item 7)near the door. Greet Austin andinvite him to lift the puzzlewindows to find the picture ofBaby Jesus. When he discoversthe picture of Jesus, say: “I amhappy to tell others about Jesus.Let’s find a friend and let himwork the puzzle, too.”
ToysShow one-year-old Devon the
toys. Tell her: “Devon, shepherds
take care of sheep. God sent
angels to tell the shepherds that
Baby Jesus was born.” Rub your
hand over the fabric. Invite
Devon to feel the fur. Talk about
sheep and the softness of their
wool. Thank God for the soft
wooly sheep. As baby Jon enjoys
the animal mobile above his crib,
tell him, “Jon, God made theanimals. God loves Jon.”
BooksSit with the books and cards andinvite one-year-olds, Raynell andDemetrius, to look at the packChristmas book with you. Whenyou get to the picture of theshepherds visiting Baby Jesus,open the Bible to Luke 2 and useBible conversation. Give eachchild one of the Christmas cards.Tell Demetrius: “The shepherdssaid thank you to God for BabyJesus. I can say, ‘Thank You, God,for Baby Jesus,’ too.”
NaturePut a few ice cubes in a zip-lockbag. Seal the bag with maskingtape to ensure that it does notcome open when handled. ShowChristian how to hold the bag andfeel the cold ice cubes. Tell him:“The ice is cold. God gaveChristian hands to feel the coldice. God loves us.” Sing thesewords (traditional tune or one
you choose) as you walk withChristian to the window:“Cold, cold ice, Oh, I canfeel the ice. God gave mehands So I can feel theice.” Help Christian puthis hand on the windowpane. Say, “Thank You,God, for hands to feel thecold.”
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de24
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 7 , 2 0 0 6 25
Week of
December 17, 2006
4
CONTINUE
Explore Bible Truths with 2sUse in addition to Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s.
ArtPut a painting smock on Madisonand show her how to wipe thesponge bottle on the black paper.As she works, mention that theblack paper looks like nighttime.Tell her it was nighttime when theangel told shepherds about BabyJesus. Use the wipes or papertowels to clean Madison’s hands.Show her the Bible and tell theBible story. Say: “The Bible says,‘God loves us,’ Madison. ThankYou, God, for the Bible story aboutBaby Jesus.”
HomelivingAvoid pointed shoes or other kindsof shoes that could cause injury.Take one shoe out of the box andask Merideth to help find the shoethat matches it. As she matches theshoes, tell the Bible story. Say:“The shepherds went to Bethlehemand found Baby Jesus. Then theytold others about the baby in themanger. Thank You, God, forpeople who tell others about Jesus.”
NatureGlue a small piece of each texture
to a sheet of cardboard.Show Austin the cardboard
texture game. Encourage him totouch each item. Offer words tohelp him describe the item such assoft, rough, and smooth. Talk aboutthe sheep the shepherds watched.Say: “The sheep were soft andwooly. God made the animals.God loves us, Austin.” Take a walkaround the room and find othertextures to touch. Add: “God gaveAustin hands to touch. Austin’shands can touch and help Austinknow how things feel.”
PuzzlesShow the peekaboo puzzle toJared and invite him to lift theflaps and look at the parts of thepuzzle. When he finds the donkey,tell him God made the animals.When he finds the baby, sing thesong “Away in the Manger.”Open the Bible to Luke 2 and say:“God tells us in the Bible aboutBaby Jesus. Thank You, God, forthe Bible.” Tell the Bible story.Pray, “Thank You, God, for theBible story about Baby Jesus. “
GATHER: Bible, peekaboo
manger scene
(PACK, item 7),
Christmas cards
depicting different
parts of the
Christmas story
Bible Story for 2s:Tell the Bible story in brief segments as twos are involved in activities.
Some shepherds were on a hillside watching their
sheep. A bright light came in the sky. There was an
angel. The shepherds were afraid.
“Do not be afraid,” the angel said. The angel told the
shepherds Baby Jesus was born.
The shepherds hurried to see Baby Jesus. They found
Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus just like the angel said.
The shepherds left the stable and told everyone they
saw about Baby Jesus.
GATHER:Bible, smocks, sponge
bottle of white
shoe polish, black
construction paper,
diaper wipes or wet
paper towels
GATHER: Bible, pairs of shoes,
box
GATHER: Bible; glue; different
textures such as cotton
balls, fur, sandpaper,
aluminum foil, burlap;
cardboard
s
CONTINUE• Call the homes of the childrenwho were absent today. Encourageeach parent and pray with them.
d
e
d,
d
h
e
Bible Story PlusInvite the children to play “WhoHas the Shoe?” One child sits inthe middle of the circle and closeshis eyes while the children pass theshoe. The child who has the shoewhen you call Stop puts it behindhis back and all the children puttheir hands behind their backs. Thechild in the middle tries to guesswho has it. Play several times, thenbriefly tell the Bible story.
GATHER: Bible, a shoe
from
Homeliving
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B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de26
SessionSchedulefor 3s—K:Introduce Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
Learn Together (10-15 min)
• Play the game “Pass It
On.”
• Sing Bible phrases.
• Hear a Bible story.
• Talk about the Bible
story.
• Pray together.
Explore Bible Truths
(25-35 min)
• Build with blocks.
• Paint with watercolors.
• Play out the Bible story.
• Make banks.
• Work puzzles.
Clean Up (5 min)
Apply Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
• Sing Bible phrases.
• Recall the Bible story.
• Talk about missions
offerings.
• Hear a missions story.
• Pray for the missionaries.
• Play a game.
Before the Session• Gather plastic containers with lids and achenille craft stem. Write today’s Biblephrases on slips of paper. Place the chenillecraft stem, bent in the shape of a shepherd’sstaff and Bible phrases inside one plasticcontainer.• Place copies of today’s Live & Learn wherethey will be easily reached for use inactivities and to be sent home with eachpreschooler.• In the tops of another set of margarinetubs/plastic containers, make slits largeenough for coins to be inserted.• Place the puzzle strips on tuna cans for theChristmas puzzle in the Nature activity if thepuzzle was not prepared and saved from lastweek’s Nature activity.
Greet: Wrap a doll in strips of cloth. As yougreet each child at the door, kneel to speak tothe child. Say: “I’m glad you came today,(name). Last week we heard a Bible storyabout Baby Jesus being born. Our Bible storytoday is about the shepherds visiting BabyJesus.”
Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two of the suggested activities fromthe Explore Bible Truths activities to use asthe children arrive. (Note: Continue these twoactivities along with additional activitiesduring the Explore Bible Truths activity time.)
Learn Together• Play the game “Pass It On.” Give eachchild a plastic container with lid, preparedbefore the session. As children sit on the floorin a circle, play a tape of Christmas carols.Ask the children to pass their containersaround the circle. When the music stops, eachchild opens her container. Tell the child aboutthe items inside: “You will find somethingshaped like a shepherd’s staff. After theshepherds saw Jesus, they wanted to go andtell others about Jesus.” Ask other children,one at a time, to choose a strip of paper fromthe container. Read the Bible phrases (unlessthe child can read it) as the children choosethem and comment about how the shepherdstold others that Jesus was born.• Sing Bible phrases together. Sing these
words (tune “Mary Had a Little Lamb”):“Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Bethlehem,Bethlehem. Jesus was born in Bethlehem;The Bible tells me so.”
Second stanza: use the following Biblephrase: “God loved us and sent His Son,”
Third stanza: “Go and tell others aboutJesus”—ending with the phrase “Godloved us and sent His Son.”• Open the Bible to Luke 2:8-20 and tell theBible story in your own words.• Tell the boldfaced portion only for threesand younger fours.
Shepherds Visit JesusScripture Reference: Luke 2:8-20Shepherds lived in the hills close toBethlehem. The shepherds took good care oftheir sheep.
Stars were shining in the sky one night.Suddenly, the shepherds saw one of God’sangels. The shepherds were scared!
“Don’t be afraid,” the angel said. “Ihave wonderful news to tell you! Tonight aspecial baby was born in Bethlehem. Thebaby is Jesus, God’s Son. You will find thebaby lying in a manger. He will bewrapped in strips of cloth.”
Suddenly, the shepherds saw manymore angels. The angels were veryhappy!”
Then the angels left. The shepherdslooked at each other. “Let’s go toBethlehem,” they said. “Let’s go and seethe new baby!”
The shepherds ran to Bethlehem. Theywent to the stable. The shepherds saw Maryand Joseph. They saw Baby Jesus. Thebaby was wrapped in strips of cloth. Hewas lying in a manger. The shepherdsloved Baby Jesus.
After the shepherds saw the baby, theywent through Bethlehem. They wanted totell others about Jesus. They told thepeople that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.The shepherds told that God loved us andsent His Son.
• Show today’s Live & Learn and promptthe children in retelling the story.• Invite children to say, “Thank You, God,for Baby Jesus.”
4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 7 , 2 0 0 6 27
Explore Bible Truths with 3s—Kindergarten
GATHER: Bible, blocks
background “Night
Sky” (PACK, item 19);
Christmas stand-up
figures (PACK, item
20); animal matching
Game (PACK, item 23);
blocks; today’s Live &
Learn
GATHER: Bible, white crayons,
white paper,
December Bible
markers (PACK, item
18), watercolor paints,
brushes, small cups
of water
Each activity offers anopportunity to reinforce andcultivate Bible truths. Provide asmany Bible-learning activities aspossible.
BlocksLay the Live & Learn near theBlocks center. When a childcomes near, point to the Live &Learn and comment: “Our Biblestory today is about the shepherdsgoing to see Baby Jesus. How canyou use the things in this center totell the Bible story?” Supply anydetails of the story that the childhas forgotten. He may want toinvite other children to watch hisperformance.
ArtBefore the session, use a whitecrayon to write one of today’sBible phrases on each sheet ofwhite paper. Insert the Biblemarkers in the Bible at theseverses: Matthew 2:1; Mark 16:15;and 1 John 4:10.
Place the paints, paintbrushes,and water on the table. As a childshows interest, give him a sheetof the prepared paper. Encouragethe children to paint a picture onthe paper. As they paint, theBible phrases that youwrote will appear as apart of their pictures.Whenever a child’s Biblephrase appears, helphim locate that versein the Bible. Readthe words tohim then singthe Biblephrasetogether(LearnTogether,p. 26).
GATHER: Bible, dress-up clothes,
book The Christmas Story
(PACK, item 16c),
inserts for book The
Christmas Story (PACK,
item 17),
camcorder (optional)
or camera with
film (optional)
GATHER: Bible, knife, margarine
tub (or other plastic
container with lid) for
each child, newspapers,
glue, water, bowls,
pictures of people from
other lands, brushes
Dramatic PlayInvite children to dress in theclothes. If you have prepared thebook pages for sliding, guide achild to carefully change theimage on the page as you readpages six and seven aloud. If thepages are not prepared to slide, theBible-times pictures can beoverlays for the photographs ofchildren in the book. Invitechildren to play out the part of theChristmas story.
MissionsCover the table with newspapers.Mix equal parts water and whiteglue. Pour the mixture into thebowls. Place the bowls on thetable.
When a child wants to make abank, guide her to brush gluesolution on her tub. Next, she willstick the pictures onto the glue.Then a coat of the glue solutionbrushed over the top of thepictures will seal them.
As the children work, explain:“At Christmas time, we give aLottie Moon Christmas Offering.Many people bring money for thisoffering. The money is sent to helpmissionaries in other countries.The missionaries use the money tohelp other people. You can takeyour bank home today. Maybe youand your family would like to putmoney for the Lottie MoonChristmas offering in the bank.”Tell the children when yourchurch will collect the offering.Provide reminders for the childrento bring their banks. Suggest,“You and your family can pray formissionaries, too.”
m,
e
f
.s
a
e
d
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4
CONTINUE
offering. The money will helpmissionaries go and tell others aboutJesus.” Tell the following missionsstory in your own words.
“Lottie Moon wanted everyone toknow that God loved them. Shewanted everyone to know that Jesuswas born. Lottie began helping peoplefind out more things about Jesus.
Lottie moved to a new house. In thenew place where Lottie lived therewere many people who did not knowwho Jesus was. The people lovedLottie because they knew she lovedthem. Lottie would bring the Bible tothem and read the stories about thegood things God has done.”
• Invite children to pray formissionaries who go where people donot know about Jesus and tell themabout Jesus. Some children may prayaloud and others may prefer to praysilently.• While waiting for parents, play agame. Point to your nose and ask,“Can you think of some things theshepherds smelled?” Continue playingthe game as you involve the senses ofhearing, smell, sight, andtouch/feeling. Point to your mouthagain and ask, “What do you think theshepherds said to the people theysaw?”
CONTINUE• Give each child a copy of Live &Learn to take home.• Mail each child a postcard (Live &Learn, Parent Page, postcard #3).• Encourage preschoolers to tellsomeone about the good news ofJesus’ birth this week.
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de28
Teaching 3’s—Kindergarten Puzzles
Place both Live & Learn copiesbeside the Christmas puzzle madewith stacked tuna cans. When achild starts to work the puzzle,point to today’s Live & Learn.Explain: “On the night that Jesuswas born, a beautiful star appearedin the sky. The shepherds were nearBethlehem. They saw the star in thesky.” Next point to the December31 Live & Learn and say: “Thewise men lived far away fromBethlehem. They saw the star, too,when it appeared in the sky. Thewise men knew that a special babywas born that night. They decidedto go and see the baby. They knewthey would have to travel for a longtime before they got to the placewhere the baby had been born.”Clean Up: At the Blocks center,kneel and say: “Jason, please putthe blocks back on the shelves.When you finish, come and joinme.” As you walk around the room,tell each child it is time to clean up.
Apply Bible Truths• Sing Bible phrases together untilall children finish cleaning and jointhe group. (Learn Together, p. 26)• Show today’s Live & Learn. Say:“In today’s Bible story, theshepherds heard wonderful news.The shepherds heard that Jesus hadbeen born. What did they do afterthey saw Baby Jesus? You can tellother people about Jesus, too.”Allow children to discuss theiranswers. Continue: “If you tellpeople that God loved us and sentHis Son and Jesus was born inBethlehem, you are doing what theBible says to do. The Bible says goand tell others about Jesus.”• Remind children: “You madebanks today so that you can savemoney in them for the Lottie MoonChristmas Offering. Take your bankhome then bring the money yousaved back to church to put in the
GATHER: Bible, three (6 oz.) tuna cans
(unopened), tape, three star
strips from the two
Christmas puzzles (PACK,
item 22), today’s Live &
Learn, a copy of
December 31 Live & Learn
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Week of
December 24, 2006
Baby Jesus Goes to ChurchBaby Jesus Goes to Church
Leadership Meeting
• Focus on the Mission—This Sunday is
Christmas Eve. Will the ministry activity be
completed by that date? Inform the church
of the progress being made on the activity.
If you are collecting food or clothing for a
family make sure that it is delivered this
week.
• Focus on Relationships—Send a handmade
Christmas card to every child on your roll.
Make sure you let them know you will be
looking forward to seeing them at church
this week to learn from the Bible.
• Focus on Bible Study—Prepare the lesson
by reviewing the Personal Bible study. What
does God have in store for you this
Christmas day? Share with your leaders
what this passage of Scripture means to
you. Allow your leaders to share what is
special about this holiday season.
4PREPAREPREPAREBiblical Setting (Luke 2:21-40)
Jesus had been born. The angel’s
announcement had passed. The time had come
for the baby to be dedicated to the Lord.
Following His circumcision he was presented to
the Lord at the temple in Jerusalem. Simeon
and Anna were able to see the salvation of the
world.
Bible Study for Teachers
The life of Jesus was certainly eventful. Even
the first few days after His birth things began
to take place that fulfilled both the Law and
the plan of God. According to Jewish law, every
firstborn male animal or child had to be
circumcised. Jesus, being the firstborn of Mary,
was no exception. He was circumcised on the
eighth day after His birth, in accordance with
the law.
It was the custom to name the child at the
time of circumcision. On that day, they named
the child Jesus, as the angel had instructed.
Two ceremonies took place after the birth of
a firstborn son. The first event was the
circumcision; the second was the purification
of the mother. Again, according to the Law, a
mother was considered unclean for forty days
following the birth of a son. For her
purification, Mary had to offer, as a sacrifice,
two pigeons, one for a sin offering and the
other for a burnt offering.
Numbers 18:15-16 says to present the child to
the Lord. God had decreed that the firstborn
belonged to Him. This was because He had
spared all the firstborn males when the
Israelites were in captivity. Later, parents were
allowed to buy back, or redeem, their firstborn.
The price was to be a pair of doves or two
young pigeons. Read Luke 2:22-24. They did
this when they dedicated Jesus to the Lord. The
law did not require the baby’s presence at this
ceremony.
A Man Called Simeon. Simeon lived in
Jerusalem. He was a devout and faithful man.
W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 0 6 29
Personal Bible Study
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CU
bab
• M
• S
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de
He constantly looked for the fulfillment of
God’s promise to Israel—the coming of
God’s kingdom. How long could you have
waited to see the salvation? ______________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Simeon was just, upright, and very
careful about his religious duties. The
Spirit had told him he would not die before
seeing God’s Son.
When he saw Jesus, he knew He was
the One he had looked for all the years.
Simeon took the baby in his arms and
blessed (worshiped) God. He thanked God
for keeping His word.
Simeon said. Simeon expressed four
things in Luke 2:28-32. Read these verses
and find them. ____________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Simeon expressed his gratitude to God
for seeing Jesus. He showed his readiness
to die now that he had seen the Messiah.
He said that Jesus was the Savior (light,
revelation) for all people and glory for
Israel.
Marvel and pain. Mary and Joseph
marveled at what they heard. After his
outburst of praise to God for the Messiah,
Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph. He then
addressed Mary, saying this child was
destined to cause great falling and rising
for many in Israel. (Luke 2:34). This
affected two groups: The arrogant,
unrepentant, and unbelieving would be
punished. The humble who repented of
their sins and received the Lord would be
saved. How do you think Simeon’s words
affected Mary? __________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
A sign and a sword. Simeon further
said that the child was destined as a sign
which would be spoken against. This is an
interesting statement which meant
Christ’s very presence on earth was a
rebuke to sin. This sign would bring bitter
animosity to the hearts of those who heard
and rejected the Gospel. This meant that
when people were confronted with Christ,
their true feelings were revealed. Do you
find this to be true when you come face to
face with Christ? _________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Simeon then said to Mary that a sword
would pierce her heart. He was referring to
the sorrow and grief she would experience
at seeing her son rejected and crucified.
There was another person who had not
lost hope of seeing the Savior. This was
the prophetess, Anna. She was quite old
and had been a widow for many years. She
prayed and fasted continually. She never
left the temple.
The Spirit led Anna to join the group just
as Simeon had finished speaking. As she
approached them, she began to praise God
for the promised Redeemer. She spoke
about Jesus to all the faithful people in
Jerusalem who had been looking forward
to redemption, or salvation.
Had done everything. Mary and Joseph
continued to keep the Law faithfully. After
they had performed the rites of
purification and dedication, they returned
to Galilee.
And the child grew. Luke 2:40
describes the unfolding growth of Jesus.
Read it again and find the three things
mentioned about His growth.______________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
The Scripture says Jesus grew and
became strong and healthy. He was filled
with wisdom. He had knowledge, and
God’s grace was upon Him. Jesus would
need all these things as He faced the
difficult days ahead.
Bible Truths in this Passage
• The events in Jesus’ life were set out
long before His birth.
• God has a timetable for our lives.
• God places people in our lives at
strategic times to help and guide us.
• The gospel causes people to examine
their deepest feelings.
SessionInformation
BIBLE STORY:
Baby Jesus Goes to Church
Scripture Reference:
Luke 2:21-40
BIBLICAL TRUTH:
God loved us and sent
His Son, Jesus.
LIFE QUESTION:
How am I happy about
Jesus’ birth?
LIFE IMPACT:
I am happy to learn about
Jesus at church.
BIBLE VERSES
AND PHRASES:
Babies—2s
“Jesus went to church”
(Luke 2:27).
“Jesus grew”
(Luke 2:52).
3s—Kindergarten
“Jesus was born
in Bethlehem”
(Matt. 2:1).
“Go and tell others
about Jesus”
(Mark 16:15).
“God loved us and
sent His Son”
(1 John 4:10).
30
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31
4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER
Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s
BibleConversation
for Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation as
babies and ones are involved
in session activities.
• Baby Jesus went to
church.
• Mary and Joseph went to
church.
• Simeon thanked God for
Baby Jesus.
• Anna thanked God for
Baby Jesus.
• Mary and Joseph took
care of Jesus.
Teaching TipYoung preschoolers learn
more if their learning
activities use two or more
of their five senses. The
more senses
stimulated, the most likely
the child is to learn from
her experience.
Before the Session:• Pray, thanking God for thosewho lead your church in helpingpeople learn about Jesus.• Study the Bible passage andthe session materials.• Prepare the activities.• Review suggested songs.• Make sure that all teachers orteacher substitutes will bepresent for this Christmas evesession.
Greet: Sing a song of greetingas each child arrives. TellMeredith: “We will learn aboutJesus at church today. BabyJesus went to church, too.”
MusicHang the church shapes as amobile over a baby’s crib. Lookinto Caryn’s eyes as you sing(tune “Mulberry Bush”): “Thisis the way we go to church, goto church, go to church, This isthe way we go to church, on aSunday morning.”
Make a path for ones, bytaping the footprints through theroom or in a circle. InviteJoshua to walk on thefootprint path with you.As you walk, sing thesong suggested above.Continuing to walk,mention that Mary andJoseph walked tochurch with BabyJesus. Say: “I liketo go to churchwith my family.Thank You,God, for mychurch.”
ToysProvide teethers, rattles, andunbreakable mirrors in the cribsof young babies. Use the Bibleconversation and tell Allie youare glad she came to church.
Older babies and one-year-olds may enjoy a toy that makesanimal sounds. If possible, usethe sounds with pictures of theanimals that make the sounds.The child will be stimulatedvisually and audibly. If a toy isnot available, use pictures ofanimals from coloring books ormagazines and provide thesounds with your voice. TellGraham, “Jesus was born inBethlehem. Maybe there weresheep, cows, and other animalswhere Baby Jesus slept.”
BooksPrior to the session, cut theposter board into cards the samesize as the photos. Write on eachcard a word such as “daddy,”“mommy,” “church,” or a Biblephrase from this session. Punchholes on the left edge of thecards. During the session, showMeredith the photos and cardsand ask her to help you make abook. Give each child theopportunity to add a card orphoto to the book. When thebook is finished, give each childa turn to look at the book. Talkabout what the parents andbabies are doing in each picture.
GATHER: Bible; teethers,
rattles, and
nonbreakable
mirrors; toys that
make animal
sounds; pictures of
animals to match
their sounds
GATHER: Bible; shapes cut from
construction paper: church
shapes from black and
white, and footprints from
various colors;
masking tape
GATHER: Bible, scissors, poster
board, family photos
(PACK, item 5),
permanent markers,
hole punch,
two plastic or
metal rings
on
hurch
e:
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ent
N:
out
bout
S
:
rch”
n
s
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 0 6
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4E
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• T
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• S4Explore Bible Truths with 2s
Use in addition to Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s.
Week of
December 24, 2006
GATHER:Bible, marker, paper,
pictures of faces cut
from magazines,
glue sticks, wet paper
towels, church
pictorial directory
(optional)
GATHER: Bible, doll, diaper bag,
diapers, doll bottles,
toys, doll clothes
Toys/BlocksTell Carrie that the blocks arewrapped like presents today.Show her how to use the blocks,poster board, and tubes to make achurch building. Say: “Carrie, youare growing and learning. TheBible tells us that Jesus grew andJesus went to church.” As sheworks, talk about your churchbuilding. Tell her: “I am happy tolearn about Jesus at our church.Thank You, God, for our churchbuilding.”
GATHER: Bible, cardboard
blocks or
shoeboxes
wrapped
in Christmas
gift wrap paper,
poster board,
cardboard tubes
Bible Story for 2s:Tell the Bible story in brief segments as twos are involved in activities.
Step, step, step. Mary walked and carried Baby Jesus.
Joseph walked beside Mary. Mary, Joseph, and Baby
Jesus went to church.
Simeon held Baby Jesus at church. Simeon thanked
God for Baby Jesus.
Anna saw Baby Jesus at church. Anna was glad Baby
Jesus came to church. “Thank You, God, for sending
Jesus,” Anna prayed.
Mary and Joseph thanked God for Baby Jesus. Mary
and Joseph took care of Jesus.
CONTINUE
GATHER: Bible, puzzles,
photograph of church,
glue, cardboard, clear
contact plastic,
scissors
ArtPlace an assortment of faces cutfrom magazines on the worksurface. If your church has apictorial directory, make copies ofthe pages and select photographs ofpeople the two-year-olds mightrecognize. Provide glue sticks andwet paper towels. Say to Daniel: “Iam happy to learn about Jesus atchurch. We have many friends atour church. Daniel, you may gluesome faces on the church picture.”Tell the Bible story.
HomelivingTalk about how mommies anddaddies get their babies ready forchurch. Say, “Devon, let’s pack thediaper bag so that we can take thedoll to church.” As she works, tellthe Bible story. Open the Bible toLuke 2:27 and read “Jesus went tochurch.” Pray: “Thank You, God,for Devon’s mommy and daddywho bring her to church.”
PuzzlesTo make a puzzle of your church,enlarge a photograph of the churchbuilding. Glue the photo to a pieceof cardboard, and cover it withclear contact plastic. Cut the churchpicture into 4 to 6 pieces. WhileJustin works a puzzle, talk aboutthe people he sees at church. Say:“Jesus went to church with Hisfamily. A man named Simeonthanked God for Baby Jesus. A
woman named Anna thankedGod that Jesus had come tochurch. I thank God that
Justin came to churchtoday.”
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de32
EN
CONTINUE• Pray daily for the families of thepreschoolers you teach.• Call absentees and wish each parent aMerry Christmas.
Bible Story PlusWhisper one of December’s Bible versesthrough the tube into the ear of the childnext to you. Let the children whisper theverse (through the tube) around the circleuntil it gets to the last person. Everyonethen says the verse aloud. Continue withthe other December verses. Open theBible and tell the Bible story.
GATHER: Bible, cardboard
tube from the
toys activity
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4ENCOUNTER
SessionSchedulefor 3s—K:Introduce Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
Learn Together (10-15 min)
• Go for a walk through the
church.
• Introduce the Bible story.
• Hear a Bible story.
• Talk about the Bible
story.
• Read Bible phrases.
• Pray together.
Explore Bible Truths
(25-35 min)
• Build a church.
• Decorate cupcakes.
• Play out the Bible story.
• Work teacher-made
puzzles.
• Talk about missionaries.
Clean Up (5 min)
Apply Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
• Sing a song.
• Hold the swaddled doll.
• Hear a missions story.
• Talk about missionaries.
• Sing Bible phrases.
Before the Session• Place a copy of the song “Christmas IsSuch a Happy Time” (December 3 Live &Learn) with the materials for group time(see note, p. 14).• Prepare materials needed for activitiesand group times.
Greet: Kneel to greet each child as hearrives. If party hats are available,distribute them at this time. Explain,“We’re having a Christmas party today.”
Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two of the suggested activitiesfrom the Explore Bible Truths activities touse as the children arrive. (Note:Continue these two activities along withadditional activities during the ExploreBible Truths activity time.)
Learn Together• Go for a walk through the church. Asyou are exploring, ask these questions:“What clothes do little babies wear? Whatsounds do we hear at church? Think ofsomething you smell at church. Doesanyone live at our church all the time?Does anyone sleep at our church everynight? What do we talk about when wecome to church?”• Say something like, “As you hear thestory about Baby Jesus going to church,listen for the names of people in the storyand what the story tells about each one.”• Open the Bible to Luke 2:21-40 and tellthe Bible story in your own words.• Tell the boldfaced portion only for threesand younger fours.
Baby Jesus Goes to ChurchScripture Reference: Luke 2:21-40The baby boy was eight days old. Hisname was Jesus. The angel Gabriel toldMary that God wanted her son to havethat name.
Mary and Joseph were going to thetemple church. They wanted to tell Godthank you.
The temple church was very noisy.Mary and Joseph heard doves andpigeons. They might have heard bulls,
goats, and lambs. They heard childrencrying and people talking. They might haveeven heard music playing and coinsclinking.
Simeon was a good man. He was therewhen Mary and Joseph took the baby tothe temple church.
Simeon held Baby Jesus gently in hisarms. Simeon said: “Dear God, You keptYour promise! Thank You for letting mesee Jesus. This child will show people thatYou love them. This child will showpeople how great You are.”
Mary and Joseph were glad to hearwhat Simeon said about Jesus.
“Some people will be glad to hear whatJesus teaches. Some people will not want tohear what He says,” Simeon said.
Anna lived at the temple church. Annawas 84 years old. Anna prayed all the time.
Anna looked at Baby Jesus, too. Sheloved the little baby. Anna said, “ThankYou, God, for this special baby.” She wasvery excited! Anna went to tell othersabout Jesus.
• Help threes through kindergartners recallthe Bible story by guiding them to retell thestory in parts. Show the Bible story picturein today’s Live & Learn. Say somethinglike: “What was the first part of the storyabout?” “What was the middle part?” “Whatdo you remember about the end of thestory?”
You may prefer to name people from thestory and let the preschoolers tell you whatthey heard about each person.• Open the Bible to Matthew 2:1. Say:“This Bible verse says, ‘Jesus was born inBethlehem.’ The temple church was inBethlehem.” Write the Bible phrase on agreen strip of paper. Read and comment in asimilar manner, using the Bible phrases“God loved us and sent His Son” and “Goand tell others about Jesus.” Use adifferent colored strip to write each Biblephrase.• Use the Bible phrase strips in prayer time.One verse at a time, a child will choose acolor and read the Bible phrase. Ask thegroup to think of a thank-you prayer (orprayers) using that phrase.
esus.
ed
aby
ry
ENCOUNTER
a
sesldhecleeth
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Tea3s—
34
Explore Bible Truths with 3s—Kindergarten
GATHER: Bible, today’s Live &
Learn, blocks, gift
boxes, spools from gift
wrap paper or
ribbon
GATHER: Bible, newspaper,
marker, paper plates,
frosting in bowls,
plastic knives,
cupcakes,
candy sprinkles
Each activity offers an opportunityto reinforce and cultivate Bibletruths. Provide as many Bible-learning activities as possible.
BlocksPlace a copy of today’s Live &Learn near the blocks. Encouragechildren to build a church from theboxes and cardboard rolls. Aschildren build, point to the pictureon Live & Learn. Tell them: “Thistemple church does not look likeour church. What is different abouttheir temple church and ourchurch?” “What is the same abouttheir temple church and ourchurch?” Say: “I’m glad Mary andJoseph took Baby Jesus to thetemple church. I’m glad you cameto church today, too.”
ArtCover the table with newspaper.Before starting, place a maskingtape name strip on the bottom of acupcake ( in a paper baking cup)for each child. Give each child apaper plate. Spoon several colorsof frosting onto each child’s plateand distribute plastic knives.Explain: “You may spread thefrosting on your cupcake todecorate it. When you are ready,I’ll give you some candy sprinklesfor the top of your cupcake.”
Sing to any tune: “Thank You,God, for Jesus. Thank You, God,for Jesus. Thank You, God, forJesus. Thank You, God, for Jesus.”
GATHER: Bible, dress-up clothes,
book The Christmas
Story (PACK, item 17c),
inserts for book The
Christmas Story (PACK,
item 17), camcorder
(optional) or camera with
film (optional)
GATHER: Bible, scissors, old
Christmas cards*, glue,
today’s Live & Learn
Note: *Avoid Christmas
cards that contain
Santa, reindeer, elves,
and the wise men
visiting Baby Jesus at
the manger the night
He was born.
Dramatic PlayInvite children to dress up in theclothes. If you have prepared thebook pages for sliding, guide achild to carefully change the imageon the page as you read pages eightand nine aloud. If you did notprepare the pages to slide, guide thechild to use the Bible-times picturesas overlays to fit over thephotographs of children in thebook. Invite children to play out thepart of the Christmas story that youread.
PuzzlesBefore the session, prepare thepuzzles. Cut the front pictures offthe Christmas cards. Find two cardsthat are the same size; glue themtogether with both pictures facingout. Cut the card puzzle into twopuzzle pieces. Repeat the processuntil you have prepared severaldouble-sided Christmas cardpuzzles. Let the glue dry.
Place a copy of Live and Learn near the puzzle pieces. If you have very young children, limit the number of puzzle pieces. Encourage a child to find the puzzle pieces that go together. As she works, point to the Live & Learn and comment: “Susan, this Bible story is about Mary and Joseph taking Baby Jesus to church. I’m glad you came to church today. We learn about Jesus at church.” Suggest, “Let’s pray together and tell God thank you for Baby Jesus.”
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35
Teaching 3s—Kindergarten
4
CONTINUE
“One year while Lottie Moon was inChina, there was no rain. Because itdid not rain, the crops did not grow.The people had no food. Lottie didnot want to see the families gowithout food so she did somethingvery special.
Lottie wrote a letter to tell peoplein America that the families in Chinahad no food. Lottie did not getenough money to feed all the people,so she took her money and helped thepeople get food. The people toldLottie thank you.”
• Remind children: “A verse in theBible says, ‘Go and tell othersabout Jesus.’ Some missionaries goto other places and tell others aboutJesus. Let’s say thank you to God formissionaries.”• Prior to the session, insertDecember Bible markers (PACK,item 18) in the Bible at: Matthew 2:1;Mark 16:15; and 1 John 4:10. Invite achild to open the Bible to a Biblemarker. Help her sing the Biblephrase (see Learn Together, p. 26 forsong instructions). Continue playinguntil all children have a turn orparents arrive.
CONTINUE• Give each child a copy of today’sLive & Learn to take home.• Use a copier to make a copy of theletter to families (PACK, item 24) foreach child’s family. Mail these lettersso that they arrive before your nextsession.• As you leave, encourage thepreschoolers to share the good newsthat Jesus was born with someonethey meet this week.
• Mail postcard # 4 (Live & Learn)
Parent Page.
GATHER: Bible, Christmas
ribbon, copies of
Live & Learn for
each week of
December
yee
ageight
e theures
t theyou
ffards
mngoss
MissionsBefore the session, open the Bibleto Mark 16:15 and insert aChristmas ribbon.
Place the copies of Live & Learnon the table (or floor). Place theopened Bible nearby. Point to theBible verse and say: “This verse inthe Bible says, ‘Go and tell othersabout Jesus.’ A missionary issomeone who does that. Amissionary goes and tells othersabout Jesus. Look at the pictures onLive & Learn. Were any of thesepeople missionaries?” “Did any ofthem go and tell others aboutJesus?” Give hints, if needed, tohelp the children name theshepherds, Simeon and Anna, andthe wise men.
Tell the children: “We can bemissionaries, too. We can go andtell others about Jesus. Thinkabout someone you can tell aboutJesus?”Clean Up: Tell each child what histask is to clean the room. While thechildren work, lead the group insinging the song from the Artactivity (page 34). See how manytimes the group must sing the songbefore the room is clean.
Apply Bible Truth• Sing the song “Christmas Is Sucha Happy Time,” printed on the backof Live & Learn for December 3.• Pass the swaddled doll (from lastweek’s session). Comment, “This isthe time of year when we celebrateJesus’ being born.”• Say: “We have learned aboutmany people who were
missionaries. Anna was amissionary. The shepherdswere missionaries.Missionaries are peoplewho tell others about Jesus.I have another story aboutLottie Moon to tell youtoday.”
W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 0 6
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Week of
December 31, 2006
Wise Men Bring GiftsWise Men Bring GiftsLeadership Meeting
• Focus on the Mission—The wise men brought
gifts to the boy Jesus. They had been
following the star for quite some time. Did
the wise men give up their search because it
had taken them so long? Did they persist in
their pursuit of the boy? Is your department
being faithful to the ministry of the church,
never failing, and never giving up, even if you
do not see immediate results?
• Focus on Relationships—The last week of the
year is here. What will the new year bring?
Call each preschooler in your department this
week and let them know that the promise of
a new year brings about the promise of a new
beginning. Discuss with your leaders their
plans for teaching in the new year.
• Focus on Bible Study—Study the Personal
Bible Study and allow each leader to remark
on one thing she found through her study she
had never known before. How can your leaders
apply this to their lives and their ministry
with preschoolers?
4PREPAREPREPAREBiblical Background (Matthew 2:1-12)
The star that shone above Bethlehem the night
Jesus was born was not only seen by the
shepherds in the fields, but it was also seen by
wise men from the east. The wise men traveled
to Jerusalem looking for the child that was
born.
Bible Study for Teachers (Matthew 2:1-12)
These verses are very interesting. The Bible
material today deals not so much with the birth
of Jesus, but the events following His birth. It
involves the things which happened between
Herod the King and the Magi.
King Herod. Herod was a descendent of
Esau, therefore an enemy of the Jews. It was
toward the end of his reign that we begin our
study. Herod was very political, and very
insecure, but he was an extremely shrewd
politician. He was a builder and laid heavy taxes
on the Israelites. As he grew older, he became
increasingly paranoid about threats to himself
and his leadership.
Magi from the East. The Magi were likely
from Persia. They were priests and were
political. Their predictions and sharp
interpretation often led to consultations with
kings and other nobility. This made them very
important and a vital part of court life.
By study, observation and speculation, they
concluded that a royal birth had occurred and a
“state visit” was called for.
The Magi asked. It is generally thought that
their trip took place one to two years after the
birth of Jesus. Imagine the surprise people felt
when the Magi asked where the child was?
They wanted to know where the child whom
they believed would be the future king was
located. This child was to be the king of Israel
by virtue of His royal birth. Have you asked that
all important question, “Where is He who has
been born King of the Jews?” _________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
When Herod heard this: It is interesting that
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 2 0 0 6
a Jewish leader was disturbed (in turmoil,
terrified) at the news of one who was born
to be king. At the same time, these
foreigners had come to pay homage to
that person. Herod called all the chief
priests and teachers of Jerusalem
together to discuss what the Magi had
asked. What was the answer the chief
priest and teachers gave to Herod?
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Herod’s political intensity and jealousy
concerning his position were the driving
forces in his life. He broadened his title to
include “and all of Jerusalem.” How
interesting that a high ranking religious
leader had to ask where this was to
happen.
Herod asked the leaders where the child
was to be born. The newborn Jesus was
now accepted as the Messiah.
In Bethlehem. The chief priests and the
scribes answered King Herod by quoting
from Micah 5:2. Find the three major
things in this Scripture about the Christ.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Bethlehem is important because God
chose it to be the place where His Son,
the King of the Jews, would be born. He
described Jesus as the shepherd of the
people of Israel. This was an image of the
ruler of God. He would rule and care for
His people as a shepherd did his sheep.
Then Herod called. The next events
portray how badly Herod was frightened of
the newborn Jesus. Compare Matthew 2:7-
8 with 2:16 to see how evil and paranoid
Herod was. He secretly called the Magi
together to find the exact time the star
had appeared. He told them to go to
Bethlehem and search for the child. As
soon as they found Him, they were told to
report back to Herod, and he would go
there and worship him. Was this truly
Herod’s intention? ________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
It was Herod who, later, ordered all
children two years old and under killed. He
had no intention whatsoever of worshiping
the child. He wanted to find and do away
with his perceived competition.
People seek Jesus for all kinds of
reasons. The parents of your preschoolers
may need Him for spiritual strength and
for help in overcoming problems in their
lives. In your contacts with parents, try to
learn about their needs. Pray for them.
Share books and articles to help them.
The star. When they continued on their
way, the star they had seen in the East
went ahead of them. The star would guide
them to the young child. It went ahead of
them until it stood still over the place
where the child was staying. Nothing is
said about the star after this time.
On coming to. The star led them to
where the child was staying. Note that the
Scripture uses the word child and not
baby. This would indicate it had been some
time since Jesus was born. Note, too, that
the young child and his parents were in a
house and not in the stable.
Upon seeing them. When the Magi saw
the child and his mother, Mary, they
worshiped Him, indicating their recognition
of Jesus as King, the Son of God. Upon
seeing Jesus and His mother, they realized
the divine guidance which had taken
place. They were filled with great joy. The
gifts used to honor the new king were
usually associated with royalty. It was
significant that the Magi worshiped Him,
indicating their recognition of who He was.
Do you approach the King in a reverent
and worshipful manner or, do you tell Him
what you want Him to do for you? ________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Having been warned. The Magi were
warned through a divine revelation that
there was extreme danger if they went
back to Herod. They returned to their
country by another way.
Bible Truths in this Passage
• Although pagan, the Magi worshiped the
Christ.
• God fulfilled His prophesy.
• God will not let His plan be destroyed.
• We need to practice sharing our gifts
with God.
SessionInformation
BIBLE STORY:
Wise Men Bring Gifts
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 2:1-12
BIBLICAL TRUTH:
God loved us and sent
His Son, Jesus.
LIFE QUESTION:
How am I happy about
Jesus’ birth?
LIFE IMPACT:
I am happy to say, “Thank
You, God, for Jesus.”
BIBLE VERSES
AND PHRASES:
Babies—2s
“God made the stars”
(Gen. 1:16).
“God is good to us”
(Ps. 73:1).
3s—Kindergarten
“Jesus was born
in Bethlehem”
(Matt. 2:1).
“The wise men
worshiped Jesus”
(Matt. 2:11).
“God loved us and
sent His Son”
(1 John 4:10).
37
ss
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4
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de38
ENCOUNTERENCOUNTERExplore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s
BibleConversation
for Babies and 1sUse Bible conversation as
babies and ones are involved
in session activities.
• The men wanted to
see Jesus.
• A star helped the men
find Jesus,
Mary, and Joseph.
• The men gave
presents to Jesus.
• The men thanked God
for Jesus.
Teaching TipAn occasional review
of the developmental
characteristics of
preschoolers will help
teachers know the best
teaching methods and
what to expect from
the children in their
department.
Before the Session• Pray, thanking God for the giftof His Son, Jesus, in your life.• Study the Scripture passageand the session material.• Prepare one or more boxbooks.• Make the mixture to be used bytwos.• Wrap at least one room toy perchild in Christmas paper.
Greet: Place the picture of Jesus(PACK, item 6) near the door.Welcome Anna to church. HelpAnna discover the picture ofJesus. Say: “I am happy Annacame to church. We are happy tothank God for Jesus, today.”
ToysBefore the session, find the placewhere the light in the room isleast bright. Suspend one or morefoil-covered star shapes from theceiling. Choose a height that willkeep ones who are pulling up orbeginning to walk from reachingthe shapes but close enough tothe floor for baby Stefan to seewhen you sit on the floor matwith him. With his head andbody supported against you, holdthe flashlight to reflect light fromthe star shapes. Use the Bibleconversation. Tell him, “Stefan,God made the stars.”
As one-year-old Kristen showsinterest, turn the flashlight on toreflect against the shapes thenturn it off. Repeat while herinterest lasts and tell her theBible conversation.
Provide a variety of toys suitedto the developmental needs of thebabies and ones in yourdepartment.
MusicSit near the boxes and inviteChristopher to tap to the musicwith you. Respond happily toChristopher’s tapping though itis not likely to resemble the truebeat of the music. He will hearthe rhythm of your tapping andwill enjoy his participation. Tapa simple rhythm like “Are YouSleeping” and sing the words:“God is good, God is good,Thank You, God, Thank You,God, Thank You, God, forJesus, Thank You, God, forJesus, God is good, God isgood.”
Younger preschoolers willenjoy the rhythm and the songas you tap a small box and sing.As you use Bible conversation,tell the preschoolers, “God isgood to us. Thank You, God,for Jesus.”
BooksStuff square boxes withnewspaper (tissue boxes aregood) and glue a biblicalChristmas card picture to eachside. Cover each box with clearcontact plastic. Place one of thebox books near a window. AsKhelsea looks at a picture of themagi following the star, showher the Bible and say, “TheBible tells us that God madethe stars.” Point to the skyfrom the window. Continue:“God put the star in the sky tohelp the men find Jesus. Themen said, ‘Thank You, God, forJesus.’ ” Place other box booksaround the room. Recall thestories about Jesus that eachpicture represents.
GATHER: Bible, square
boxes, glue,
Christmas cards,
clear contact
plastic, newspaper
GATHER: Bible, several boxes
of different sizes,
wooden spoons,
cassette tape of
recorded Christmas
music
GATHER: Bibles, foil-covered
star shapes, nylon
or other string,
flashlight, other
toys
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 2 0 0 6 39
Week of
December 31, 2006
4
CONTINUE
Explore Bible Truths with 2sUse in addition to Explore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s.
ArtInvite Rachel to paste paper scrapsonto one of the star shapes. As sheworks, tell the Bible story. Mentionthat the wise men followed the starto find Jesus. Say: “I am so happythat Jesus was born. Thank You,God, for Jesus!” Sing these words(tune “The Farmer in the Dell”):“The star was in the sky, The starwas in the sky, God made the starsto shine, The star was in the sky.”
NaturePlace one-quarter cup cornstarchand water in each bag, seal it, andsecure the seal with masking tape.Give one of the bags to Jared andshow him how to squeeze the bagto make the cornstarch and water gotogether. Encourage him to continueto squeeze the mixture to makebubbles and designs in the bag.Hold the bag to the light and seehow the mixture changes. As Jaredenjoys squeezing and watching themixture, show him the Bible andsay, “The Bible says, ‘God is goodto us.’ ” Sing to a made-up tune:“Thank You, God, for Jared’s hands(eyes), Thank You, God.” Tell theBible story. Say: “The wise mensaw the star in the sky and lookedfor Jesus. The wise men gave Jesuspresents with their hands. ThankYou, God, for Jesus.”
PuzzlesPlace the pictures faceup on a table.Choose one of the pictures and askMerideth to find the one that lookslike it. Continue the game as longas there is a child who is interested.As she matches each picture,comment that God gave her eyes tosee. Say: “I am happy I can see
Merideth at church today. ThankYou, God, for my eyes. ThankYou, God, for Merideth's eyes.”
Toys/BlocksThis may be the first center forwhich children show interestbecause of the gift wrap. TellJamar that the “presents” are forthe room but that he can open oneof the presents and play with it.Say: “Presents are fun. The wisemen took presents to Jesus. Godis good to us. He sent Jesus.”
GATHER: Bible, pre-wrapped
toys in Christmas
paper
Bible Story for 2s:Tell the Bible story in brief segments as twos areinvolved in activities.
God put a big, bright star in the sky when Jesus
was born.
Some men followed the star. They wanted to find
Jesus. They asked the king, "Do you know where
Jesus was born?" The king told the men to go to
Bethlehem.
The men followed the star to Bethlehem and found
Jesus in a house with Mary and Joseph. They gave
Jesus presents. The men thanked God for Jesus.
GATHER:Bible, paste or glue,
Christmas paper scraps,
star-shaped pieces of
poster board
GATHER: Bible, measuring cup,
cornstarch and water,
zip-lock bags,
masking tape
GATHER: Bible, matching
Christmas pictures
(PACK, item 4),
large star stickers
s
CONTINUE• Consider giving a box book to eachchild as a gift.• Call each parent and thank them forthe privilege of teaching their child.Wish each a happy New Year.
Bible Story PlusPrint a December Bible verse oneach of the sheets of paper and placethem on the floor. Invite a child totoss a beanbag onto a sheet. Lead thegroup to say the verse aloud. Repeatthe process with each child. Openthe Bible to today’s story and brieflytell the Bible story.
GATHER: Bible,
beanbag,
eight sheets
of paper,
marker
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B
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de40
SessionSchedulefor 3s—K:Introduce Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
Learn Together (10-15 min)
• Read Bible phrases.
• Introduce the Bible story.
• Hear a Bible story.
• Talk about the Bible
story.
• Pray together.
Explore Bible Truths
(25-35 min)
• Play out the Bible story.
• Make Bible story
pictures.
• Play out the Bible story in
dress-up clothes.
• Make “Lottie Moon
Cookies.”
• Work teacher-made
puzzles.
Clean Up (5 min)
Apply Bible Truths
(5-10 min)
• Recall Bible stories.
• Hear a missions story.
• Pray together.
Before the Session• Assemble the pack items according to iteminstructions.• Review Bible and missions stories.
Greet: Kneel to greet each child as hearrives. Show him a map and say: “I use amap when I go on a long trip. In today’sBible story, we will hear about some menwho took a long trip. They had a star insteadof a map to show them their way.”
Introduce Bible TruthsChoose two of the suggested activities fromthe Explore Bible Truths activities to use asthe children arrive. (Note: Continue thesetwo activities along with additional activitiesduring the Explore Bible Truths activitytime.)
Learn Together• Before the session, print today’s Biblephrases on separate colored strips ofconstruction paper. Cut each strip into two orthree pieces, between words, cutting curves,zig-zags, and so forth so that preschoolerswill see which pieces fit together. Place Biblemarkers (PACK, item 18) in the Bible at eachBible phrase reference. Boys and girls mayuse the markers as guides for placing theirpuzzle pieces in the right order. Try to planfor each child to receive a piece of a Biblephrase puzzle. Ask the children with piecesof one of the colors to place the pieces on thefloor and put them together. Read the Biblephrase, then ask everyone to say it together.Repeat with the other two Bible phrases.• Open the Bible to Matthew 2:1-12 and tellthe Bible story.• Tell the boldfaced portion only for threesand younger fours.
Wise Men Bring GiftsScripture Reference: Matthew 2:1-12Jesus grew and He learned to sit, crawl, standup, and walk. Mary and Joseph lovedJesus, and they took care of Him.
Wise men from the east saw the beautifulstar in the sky. They followed the star untilthey came to a city called Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem, the wise men visited KingHerod. They knew the star meant that thespecial baby had been born. They said, “Wesaw the beautiful star in the sky. Where isthe special child? We want to see Him.”
King Herod called his priests andteachers together. “Where was the Son ofGod born?” he asked.
The priests said: “The Son of God(Jesus) was born in Bethlehem. The Sonof God will be a great king.”
King Herod was angry! He wanted tobe the only king. King Herod called (told)the wise men to the palace. “The baby wasborn in Bethlehem,” King Herod said. “Goand find the child then come back andtell me where He is. I want to see thisspecial child.”
The wise men left Jerusalem andfollowed the star to Bethlehem. They wentinto the city and found Mary and Joseph’shouse. The wise men knelt on the floor andlooked at the young child. They bowed andcalled Jesus “Wonderful.” They gaveJesus gold and special spices.
The wise men did not go back toJerusalem. They did not tell King Herodwhere to find Baby Jesus.
• Give each child a copy of this week’s Live& Learn and say, “Look at the picture andremember all of the Bible story that youcan. We are going to play a game to help ustell the story another way.” Ask for avolunteer to silently act like one of thepeople in the story, letting the groupmembers guess who is being portrayed.When the story character is identified, askwho can tell what he remembers about thatperson from the story. Repeat as long asthere is interest or until the story has beenretold.• Say: “I’m glad God loved us and sentHis Son. We have Christmas because Jesuswas born in Bethlehem. Let’s say thank-you to God for giving us the first Christmaspresent—Baby Jesus.” Allow children topray aloud if they wish.
4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER
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W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 2 0 0 6 41
Explore Bible Truths with 3s—Kindergarten
GATHER: Bible, blocks, blocks
background “Night
Sky” (PACK, item 19),
Christmas stand-up
figures (PACK, item 20)
GATHER: Bible, newspaper, paper
plates, glue or paste,
markers, Christmas
ribbon, bows, strips of
foil, scissors
Each activity offers an opportunityto reinforce and cultivate Bibletruths. Provide as many Bible-learning activities as possible.
BlocksAs children use these items to playout today’s Bible story, talk withthem about trips and traveling. Askquestions to help the childrenremember the story information.
Invite children to pray with you.Say: “When the wise men foundJesus, they worshiped Him. Theymight have told God thank you forthe special child. We can thank Godfor Jesus.” Pray, “Thank You, God,for Jesus.”
ArtPrior to the session, use the patternin the margin to make ribbonstreamers. Write the Bible phrase“The wise men worshiped Jesus”on each streamer. There should be astreamer for each child. Insert onestreamer in the Bible at Matthew2:11.
Cover the table with newspaper.Pour small portions of glue ontopaper plates for children to shareduring the activity.
From the remaining paper plates,give one to each child with hername written on the back. Remindthe children of the Bible story,mention the Bible phrase “The wisemen worshiped Jesus,” then askthem to draw something about thestory on their paper plate. If a childhas difficulty thinking of somethingto draw, suggest choices such aspeople in the story or gifts the wisemen gave Jesus. Provide items withwhich the drawing may bedecorated. When a child hascompleted her paper-platepicture, give her a ribbonstreamer. Tell her she mayglue the streamer to hangfrom her picture if she wishes.
GATHER: Bible, dress-up clothes,
book The Christmas
Story (PACK, item 16c),
inserts for the book The
Christmas Story (PACK,
item 17), camcorder
(optional) or camera with
film (optional)
GATHER: Bible; ingredients for
“Lottie Moon Cookies;”
cooking utensils:
two large mixing
bowls, small bowl, fork,
measuring cups and
spoons, sifter,
electric mixer,
cookie sheet, spoon,
spatula; poster
“Allergy Alert”
(PACK, item 2)
Dramatic PlayInvite children to dress up in theclothes. If you prepared the bookpages for sliding, guide a child tocarefully change the image on thepage as you read pages 10 and 11aloud. If you did not prepare thepages to slide, guide the child touse the Bible-times pictures asoverlays to fit over the photographsof children in the book. Invitechildren to play out the part of theChristmas story that they just heard.
MissionsPost the allergy alert where parentscan see the ingredients being usedin the cookies and tell you if theirchild should not participate in theactivity. Plan a substitute snack foran allergic child. Children andadults should wash their hands.
LOTTIE MOON COOKIES3 cups sugar1 cup butter1 cup sour cream3 eggs, slightly beaten1 teaspoon vanilla1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda8 cups flour
Allow children to take turnshelping; each child’s turn consistsof one bulleted item.• Measure the sugar into a mixingbowl.• Add the butter.• Cream the butter and sugartogether.• Add the sour cream.• Cream the mixture again.• Break one egg into the smallbowl. Beat slightly with a fork. Addthe egg to the sugar in the mixing
bowl.• Beat the egg into the
sugar/butter/sourcream mixture.• Repeat for the
second and the thirdeggs.
• Add the vanilla and beat
e
d
• Safety note: Do not
allow children to use
the electric mixer or
to touch the hot
cookie sheet.
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CONTINUE
Apply Bible Truths• Hold the book The Christmas Story(PACK, item 16a-c) so that childrencan see the pictures. Invite a child tocover the photograph on page threewith the Bible story picture. Say, “Asyou see the pictures in this book,raise your hand if you can tell uswhat the picture is about.” Turn thepages and allow the children to taketurns covering the photographs onpages three, five, seven, nine, andeleven with the Bible story picturesand repeating the process of tellingabout each picture.• Explain: “Missionaries are peoplewho tell others about Jesus. Let metell you about a missionary.”
“Because of the hard work that LottieMoon did with the people in China,we collect money each year inDecember to help pay for the workthat people like Lottie Moon still dotoday.
There are many missionaries allover the world that tell families aboutJesus. There are many people in theworld that still do not know aboutJesus.
The money that we give to theLottie Moon Christmas Offering goesto help the boys and girls around theworld to learn about the things thatGod has done.”
• Invite children to pray. Somechildren may prefer to pray silentlyrather than praying aloud.
CONTINUE• Give each child a copy of Live &Learn to take home.• Contact each child before nextweek and invite him and his family toattend church.• Remind preschoolers this week tothank God for Jesus each day.
B ib l e F o u n dat i on s : P r e sc h o o l Le a de r G u i de42
Teaching 3s—Kindergarten
again.• Sift the flour and baking sodainto the empty mixing bowl.• Add one cup of the flourmixture to thesugar/eggs/butter/sour creammixture. Beat well.• Continue adding the flour, onecup at a time. Beat well aftereach addition.• Spoon the cookie dough ontoan ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to12 minutes. Remind children:“We’ll eat the cookies in a fewminutes, after they are cooled.”
Continue: “Lottie Moon was amissionary. The Bible says, ‘Goand tell others about Jesus.’That is what Lottie Moon did.”Invite children to thank God formissionaries.
PuzzlesIf you have not yet preparedthese puzzles according to thepackage directions, do so prior tothe session. Place the copy ofLive & Learn between the twopuzzles.
When a child starts to workthe puzzle by twirling the cans,point to the Bible story picture ontoday’s Live & Learn and tellhim: “Bill, this picture showsthe wise men going to visitJesus. They wanted to worshipHim. The men followed thestar in the sky until theyfound Jesus, Mary, andJoseph in Bethlehem. Thewise men worshipedJesus. I’m glad youcame to church today toworship Jesus.”
Clean-Up: Prior to thesession, gather one sheet ofconstruction paper for eachactivity center. Cut each sheet ofpaper in half. Tape one half ofeach sheet in an activity centerand place the other half in apaper bag. Each child draws asheet from the bag to determinehis clean-up responsibility.
GATHER: Bible, two Christmas
puzzles (PACK, item
22), today’s Live &
Learn
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