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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



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




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



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.

13



4

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.


“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.



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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bab

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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.


• 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


Luke 2:1-7; Matthew1:25

BIBLICAL TRUTH:


His Son, Jesus.

LIFE QUESTION:


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



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




• 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

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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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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



W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 0 6 19

4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER


(5-10 min)


• Play a Bible phrase game

with a beanbag.

• Play music and sing.

• Use Live & Learn.



story.

• Sing Bible phrases.

• Pray together.


(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)


• 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—



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


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.”


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



W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 0 6 21


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

k

s

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r

d



Week of

December 17, 2006

Shepherds Visit JesusShepherds Visit Jesus



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.


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



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.


• 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


Luke 2:8-20

BIBLICAL TRUTH:


His Son, Jesus.

LIFE QUESTION:


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).

23

ss



4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER


BibleConversation




• 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.”




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


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


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





(5-10 min)


• Play the game “Pass It

On.”




story.

• Pray together.


(25-35 min)

• Build with blocks.

• Paint with watercolors.


• Make banks.

• Work puzzles.

Clean Up (5 min)

Apply Bible Truths

(5-10 min)



• Talk about missions

offerings.


• 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



W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 1 7 , 2 0 0 6 27


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


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



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.


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


1408_BFLGD6.qd 1Dec 7/6/06 12:00 PM Page 28

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.


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




4

CU

bab

• M

• S


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.


• 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


Luke 2:21-40

BIBLICAL TRUTH:


His Son, Jesus.

LIFE QUESTION:


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



31

4ENCOUNTERENCOUNTER


BibleConversation




• 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:

H:

ent

N:

out

bout

S

:

rch”

n

s

d

W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 0 6



4E

SSfoInt

(

Lea

• G

c

• I

• H

• T

s

• R

• P

Exp

(

• B

• D

• P

• W

p

• T

Cle

App

(

• S

• H

• H

• T

• 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


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.”


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



W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 0 6 33

4ENCOUNTER


(5-10 min)


• Go for a walk through the

church.




story.

• Read Bible phrases.

• Pray together.


(25-35 min)

• Build a church.

• Decorate cupcakes.


• Work teacher-made

puzzles.

• Talk about missionaries.

Clean Up (5 min)

Apply Bible Truths

(5-10 min)

• Sing a song.

• Hold the swaddled doll.


• Talk about missionaries.


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



Tea3s—

34


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


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.”


book The Christmas

Story (PACK, item 17c),

inserts for book The


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.”




35


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



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





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.


• 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


Matthew 2:1-12

BIBLICAL TRUTH:


His Son, Jesus.

LIFE QUESTION:


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



4


ENCOUNTERENCOUNTERExplore Bible Truths with Babies & 1s

BibleConversation




• 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



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


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



B



(5-10 min)


• Read Bible phrases.




story.

• Pray together.


(25-35 min)


• 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.


• 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



W e e k o f D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 2 0 0 6 41


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


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.


book The Christmas

Story (PACK, item 16c),

inserts for the book The


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.



4

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.



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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