Friday, March 27, 2015

Wise Men Worship Jesus - GREAT LESSON FOR CHRISTMAS

by Kimber Bailey Scott
Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11


SING:
His Name was Jesus
Tune: The Farmer in the Dell

His name was Jesus
His name was Jesus
Thank You, God, for Jesus
His name was Jesus

RHYME:
The Baby Jesus
By Dana Eynon

A stable (make house with hands)
A manger (make box with hands)
A baby (cradle baby)
With animals all around (arms outstretched)
The baby is sleeping (folded hands against cheek)
Let’s tiptoe (walk on tiptoe)
And not make even a sound (Shhh!)

LESSON:
Hold up a wrapped gift. I wonder what is in this package. I like to get gifts, don’t you? And I like to give gifts to other people too! Whom do you like to give gifts to? What gifts do you like to give to other people? Our Bible story is about some men who wanted to give gifts to Jesus.

Some wise men who lived far away saw a big bright star in the sky one night. Hold up your star. They said, “This star means that a special baby has been born. He is a king. If we follow the star, we will find Him.” So they packed some clothes, some food and some very special gifts. Perhaps they climbed up on their camels. Then they began their long journey. Let’s go on the journey with them. Have children stand and follow you as you hold the star up high and walk around your room.

The wise men followed the big bright star. The camels walked and walked. Clip-clop, clip-clop. Have children make “heavier” footsteps with their feet. Sometimes the wise men stopped to eat or to sleep or to get drinks of water. Stop and pretend to drink some water and then pretend to sleep. And then they would start on their trip again. Keep walking around the room.

Finally, the star stopped over a house. Stop walking. The wise men climbed down off their camels. In that house were Jesus and his mother and father! The wise men were so happy that they had found Jesus. They bowed down to Him and gave their special gifts to Jesus. Have children bow and pretend to give gifts. They were happy that Jesus was born. And they were happy to give thir gifts to Him. They knew He was special!

APPLY:
Gather in a circle. Why did the wise men want to see Jesus? We can show Jesus we know He’s special too. And we can give gifts to Jesus and to others. What gifts can you give to Jesus and to other people? Help guide the children’s answers as needed. They can give money to Jesus; make cards for sick peole; sing a song to praise Jesus; tell someone about Jesus, etc.

MEMORY VERSE:
The Bible says, “His name was…Jesus“ Can you say those words with me? Say them louder. Say them softer. Give each one a Bible (or share) & ask each to say, “His name was…Jesus“ Luke 2:21

SNACK OR ART/CRAFT:
Use star cookie cutters with playdoh or cookie dough to make cookies or bread to make sandwiches.

PRETEND:
As the children feed their babies, ask: What is your baby eating and drinking? Can a baby eat fried chicken? No! That’s big people food. What things do mommies and daddies do for babies? That’s right, they take care of babies. Who took care of the baby Jesus? Yes, His mommy and daddy, Mary and Joseph. Jesus was a special baby. I’m glad baby Jesus was born.

GAME:
Have children sit on the floor in a circle. Explain that the beanbag will be passed from one child to the next while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the beanbag will say the Bible words, “His name was Jesus.” You will need one adult to start and stop the music and one or more adults to sit in the circle with the children. You will need to say the words with the children several times. After that most will be able to say them on their own. However always say the words with a child who is new or needs help.

NEED:
Wrapped gift
star
star cookie cutters
playdoh OR cookie dough & oven OR bread & cheese
baby dolls
bottles
play food
plastic spoons
Christmas music

Bean bag or Ziploc of beans or rice

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