Mary, a single woman to be wed, was to give birth to a baby who would save the world. I don’t know about you, but if a stranger came up to me and told me I was to have a baby who would change the world, I would think they were playing a joke on me! I would laugh and simply walk away, not thinking twice about it. But Mary had faith in God and believed He could work miracles. She believed that this stranger was an angel just as he said and believed that God would give her a child named Jesus. And because of her faith in God, He gave us all a Son, Jesus, through Mary. Trust that God can work miracles in your life even when all the odds are against you.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: God told us He would give us Jesus. (The Angel and Mary • Luke 1:26-33, 38, 46-49)
Memory Verse: “God has given a son to us.” Isaiah 9:6, NCV
Key Question: How do we know God loves us?
Bottom Line: God gave us Jesus.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing and dance for God.
Bible Story Video – The Angel and Mary (link)
Worship – What Christmas is About (link)
Worship – Oh What a Special Night (link)
Extra Worship – Little Drummer Boy (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. We will practice this verse all month. Be sure to use the hand motions as it helps the kids to remember. Also, think of a fun reward you can give them at the end of the month when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Today’s Bible story was about an angel. ‘A’ is for ANGEL! God sent an angel to give Mary a very special message. Do you remember the angel’s special message for Mary? (Pause.) Yes! The angel told Mary she would have Baby Jesus!
“God loves you, and [Basic Truth] God loves me so much that He gave us Jesus! That’s how we know God loves us. [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus! How do we know God loves us? (Together.) [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus!
“And the Bible verse we’ll learn will help us remember that [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus. It says . . . ‘God has given a son to us,’ Isaiah 9:6. The Son God has given us is His Son, Jesus! Let’s stand up and say that Bible verse together with these motions I’ll teach you. Just say what I say and do what I do.
“‘God has given (point up) a son (rock the baby) to us (thumbs to chest),’ Isaiah 9:6.” (Open hands like a book.) (Practice this verse several times with your kids.)
“You did great! Now let’s sit down so we can write in our prayer journal and talk to God.Today, we’ll make a list in our prayer journal of things we would like to get for Christmas. (Have each family member list something and be sure to include yourself.)
“These are some great gifts! But God has already given us the BEST gift. Say His name with me. (Together.) Jesus! Yes! [Bottom Line] God gave us Jesus! Let’s pray and thank God for all the gifts we will receive this Christmas and for giving us the best gift—Jesus! Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give each family member who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)
Prayer: “Dear God, Thank You for Christmas. It’s such a special time when we can show people we love them by giving gifts. Thank You for gifts like (read the list your family made). But more than anything, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Jesus is the best gift ever! We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6, NLT
