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December 9, 2018 God Is Love

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt

you and praise your name, for in

perfect faithfulness you have

done wonderful things, things

planned long ago.

Isaiah 25:1

DATE PONDER POINT

THE BIG GOD STORY REMEMBER VERSE

Welcome & Rules (4 minutes): Begins class creating an inviting atmosphere for kids to feel welcome and to worship in song.

Worship & Connect (12 minutes): Establishes community and engages kids, drawing them in and preparing them to hear God’s word.

The Big God Story Pt 1 (6 minutes): Creates space for children to hear God’s word.

Mail Time & Worship (7 minutes): Breaks up the Big God Story to keep kids engaged and teaches the importance of memorizing scripture.

The Big God Story Pt 2 (6 minutes): Children continue to hear God’s word.

Small Groups (20 minutes): Kids respond in small groups to what they heard in the Big God Story.

Remember Verse & Bless (3 minutes): Allows children to practice their memory verse and be sent out with a sense of peace so they can be a blessing to others.

(See page 8 for 10:15 schedule and rotations.)

Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–5 Mary and Joseph

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GOAL: Worship & welcome is all about engaging kids and helping them enter into worship, letting

them know that class has begun preparing their minds for what they are going to hear. Establishes

community and engages kids, drawing them in and preparing them to hear God’s word.

WELCOME & RULES - 4 minutes (Host) IMAGE: Welcome

We are so glad you are here at Critter Land today. Personalize your welcome. Relate to what’s happening such as holidays, school year, church camp, etc. Pique the curiosity about today’s Ponder Point/Story, tell a joke, do something to draw in the attending of the kids and mention any announcements!

RULES VIDEO: Sheriff Hawk

WORSHIP - 3 minutes (Worship Leader/Host) If you brought offering, go put it in the squirrel feeder while we worship!

WORSHIP VIDEO: O What a Glorious Night

(Direct kids to get with their groups and circle up with their small group leader before sitting down)

SMALL GROUP CONNECT QUESTIONS - 4 minutes (Host) VIDEO: 4 minute countdown

What is your favorite Christmas Tradition?

Would you rather decorated Christmas cookies, or make Christmas ornaments?

How do you remember Jesus at Christmas?

WARDROBE OF WONDER - 5 minutes (Host) What’sIt: 9:00 - Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus from nativity scene

VIDEO: Wardrobe of Wonder Intro

Choose 1 volunteer. Volunteer picks two hats from wardrobe one for himself, one for host. Tell other kids to put on their “imaginary thinking caps”. Volunteer peeks in the What’s It box. Host gives 3 clues, kids get to vote on what they think it is.

Then as host you say….

If you think our clue is a , raise your hand.

If you think our clue is a , raise your hand.

If you think our clue is a , raise your hand.

Let the child volunteer tell which answer is correct!

ASK: 9:00

What did we find in our Wardrobe. Who do we celebrate at Christmas. I think I know what our Big God story is going to be do you? I am so excited because it is one of my favorite stories and I love this time of year so get ready because it’s time……..

Video: The Big Story Intro

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Point out that what kids are about to hear is true and is recorded in the Bible. Open your Bible to

the passage and leave it open and visible throughout The Big God Story. Invite kids to open their

Bibles and follow along as you storytell. Children respond to what the Holy Spirit is teaching them

as they reflect on the day’s portion of The Big God Story.

STORYTELLING - PART 1 - 6 minutes (Storyteller)

Welcome children and lead them in a Prayer of Release to pause, be still, and ask the Holy Spirit to quiet their hearts and minds. It’s so good to see you today! I’m going to need your help this morning telling this portion of The Big God Story. I have pictures of different faces. When you see one pop up on the screen, we’ll all make the face we see. Let’s practice. Tech: Cue each emotions image—slowly scroll, giving children time to make their own face. Good job!

Many years ago, way before you and I were born, there lived two people who loved God very much. Their names were Mary and Joseph. Now Mary and Joseph were engaged. Do you know what engaged means? Pause for children to answer. Good thinking! It means they were planning to be married. But before they had their wedding, an angel came to tell Mary that she was going to have a baby.

When Joseph heard this news, he was sad. Tech: Cue image 1. Sad. He didn’t know it was God who made this wonderful thing happen with Mary. Joseph thought to himself (Tech: Cue image 2. Thinking), “Maybe I shouldn’t marry her. I’ll tell her that I’ll no longer take her to be my wife.” Joseph was afraid of what other people would think. Tech: Cue image 3. Scared. Joseph wasn’t sure what to do. He wanted to do what was right, but he was scared and confused. But God had a plan.

God loved Joseph, and God didn’t want him to be sad or afraid. He was going to use Joseph in His big story. So, one night while Joseph was sleeping, and snoring, and rolling all over, God sent an angel to him in a dream. Tech: Cue Dream sound effect. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid! Tech: Cue image 4. Surprised. Mary was telling the truth; the baby she is carrying will be the Savior of the world! You shouldn’t be afraid to take Mary to be your wife.”

The Big God Story:

The Prayer of Release allows children and

leaders to pause, be still, and ask God to

quiet their hearts and minds. Before you

pray, you might ask the kids to hold out

their hands, palms up, in a spirit of releas-

ing their worries and distractions in order

to better receive what the Holy Spirit might

have for them today. Then encourage the

kids to quiet their voices, take a seat, and

pray with you.

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Joseph woke up from his dream and felt God’s love strengthen him. Joseph knew God loved him and was with him. He knew that being a husband to Mary and a father to her baby was what God wanted. Because God loved him and told him His plan, Joseph felt strong.

God’s love gives us strength too. Because God is love, He gives us the strength to do eve-rything He has planned for us to do—even when we’re sad, scared, or nervous. Joseph knew God was with him. Now he had the strength and courage he needed to do exactly what God said. Tech: Cue image 5. Smiling. So Joseph obeyed God and kept his promise to Mary to be her husband.

While this was happening, an important leader named Caesar Augustus made a new law. Tech: Cue Trumpet sound effect. The Roman leader wanted to know how many people lived in his land, so he told them to go home to be counted. Do you know how to count? Children respond. I wonder how many kids are here today. Will you help me count? Walk around room counting kids as if playing Duck, Duck, Goose. If too many to count, simply start, then continue. Wow, we have lots of boys and girls here today! Well, Caesar Augustus had many, many people to count too, so he told everyone to go back to their hometown to make it easier to count everyone. Well Joseph was born in Bethlehem, also known as the city of David. He was from the line of King David, and Mary was also. So they were going to have to make a long journey to Bethlehem. Did they have cars or airplanes back then? NO how were they going to get to Bethlehem? You will find out in a minute but right now, we are going to learn our Memory verse.

MAIL TIME & WORSHIP - 7 minutes (Host/Worship Leader) VIDEO: Mail Time Intro

IMAGE: Remember Verse

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned

long ago. Isaiah 25:1

Remember Verse Definitions Exalt: worship, honor Faithfulness: God always does what He says He will do.

Remember Verse Motions Lord: Point up with both index fingers. you are my God: Point to self. I will exalt you: Hold both hands straight up overhead with all fingers ex-

tended. and praise your name: With arms extended, wiggle fingers as arms come down to

sides. for in perfect faithfulness: Place open palms together in front of your chest. you have done wonderful things: Face open palms outward and extend hands out from your

body. things planned long ago: Point both thumbs back over shoulders.

Host: Way to say your verse! Now let’s all keep standing and sing a song!

WORSHIP VIDEO: Emmanuel

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STORYTELLING - PART 2 - 6 minutes (Storyteller)

So Mary and Joseph were going to have to make the long journey back to Bethlehem. And they were going to have to walk.

This was all a part of God’s big plan! Refer to Bible. Many years before, God told His prophets that the promised Savior would be born in the little town of Bethlehem. And, He would be born in the very same family as the mighty King David! Do you remember the name of King David’s town? Pause for children to answer. David was from the town of Bethlehem. Because Joseph was a part of David’s family from Bethlehem, they would travel together to be counted in their family’s hometown. Where did God want Mary and Joseph to go? Children answer. To Bethlehem, you’re right.

Tech: Cue Walking Feet sound effect. Did you know that it took Mary and Joseph three whole days to walk to Bethlehem? Do you think they were tired when they arrived? Can you show me a really tired face? Tech: Cue image 6. Tired. How about a really tired yawn? Pause for response. Mary and Joseph were tired. It was uncomfortable for poor Mary because she was going to have a baby. There were times when they wanted to give up. But then they would remember that God’s promised Savior would soon be here. Mary and Joseph remembered God was with them. He is love, and His love gave them the strength they needed to do everything He planned. God made sure Jesus was born in Bethlehem—just like God promised the prophets so many years ago.

No matter how we feel—if we make mistakes or if we don’t know what to do—God is love, and He gives us strength. God is always with us. Let’s all say that together. Pause to repeat. God is always with us, and His love is always with us too. His love gives us the strength we need to trust in God and obey His words. He’ll give us what we need to do everything He has planned for us to do.

DISMISS TO SMALL GROUPS (Host)

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In this part of The Big God Story, Joseph experienced many feelings about what was happening to him and

Mary. But everything was a part of God’s big plan! God spoke to Joseph in a dream, and then Joseph knew

what to do. God’s love gave Joseph and Mary the strength they needed to do everything He planned.

I wonder ... How did Joseph feel after God spoke to him in a dream?

I wonder ... How big is God’s love?

I wonder ... How can I learn more about God’s love for me?

I wonder ... How do I feel when I think about how much God loves me?

GOAL: Kids respond in small groups to what they heard in the Big God Story.

GOD IS LOVE SUPPLIES Yellow construction paper with hole paper punch and string(one per child) Star stickers Brown paper strips for Manger Cream paper stirps for hay Baby Jesus (one per child) ENGAGE God loved Mary and Joseph and knew he would need His strength to face the coming challenges. By this time, Mary was nearing the end of her pregnancy. The three-day journey to Bethlehem would be especially difficult for her to undertake. But God’s love for them both gave them the strength they needed as they made their way to the place where, in fulfillment of the prophecy, the Savior would be born. God’s love gives us strength. As children of God, we can know and trust God’s Spirit—even when our feelings are sad or afraid or surprised. God is never surprised. And He loves us so much He gave us Jesus. Our Savior! Place the glue in the middle of the table. Glue the brown strips on the paper to make a manger. Color and Glue baby Jesus to the manger. Glue some hay on and around baby Jesus. Place 3 or 4 brown strips over the hay, so it looks like baby Jesus is in the Manger. Let kids place one large Gold Star, and lots of smaller stars on the top of their Manger scene. Ask wonder questions while kids work.

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Review the Remember Verse:

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

Isaiah 25:1

Remember Verse Definitions Exalt: worship, honor Faithfulness: God always does what He says He will do.

Remember Verse Motions Lord: Point up with both index fingers. you are my God: Point to self. I will exalt you: Hold both hands straight up overhead with all fingers

extended. and praise your name: With arms extended, wiggle fingers as arms come

down to sides. for in perfect faithfulness: Place open palms together in front of your chest. you have done wonderful things: Face open palms outward and extend hands out from

your body. things planned long ago: Point both thumbs back over shoulders.

BLESSING

Children, God loves you so much. His love will never leave you. No matter how you feel, how many mistakes you make, or what others may say, God loves you and wants you to know Him. Have children partner up and repeat the following phrase after you say it. Give both children a chance to bless the other.

May you know God is love today and every day. Children repeat phrase to partner. May His great love bring you peace and joy. Children repeat phrase to partner.

Song VIDEO: In This Life

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Host will welcome kids to Critter Land. Worship Leader will lead kids in a time of worship and allow kids to give offering. Song1: Celebrate Song2: Noel

Play Station (Play)—Kids

will have time to play and en-

joy each others company.

Different play options will be

provided.

Big God Story (BGS)—The

storyteller will present the Bi-

ble lesson and point to pon-

der.

Memory Work (MW)—

1. Practice Memory Verse

2. Use Color Activity Sheet

( In 10:15 Bin)

3. Bathroom Break

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done

wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

Remember Verse Motions Lord: Point up with both index fingers. you are my God: Point to self. I will exalt you: Hold both hands straight up

overhead with all fingers extended. and praise your name: With arms extended, wiggle fingers

as arms come down to sides. for in perfect faithfulness: Place open palms together in front

of your chest. you have done wonderful things: Face open palms outward

and extend hands out from your body.

things planned long ago: Point both thumbs back over shoulders.

11:15 Host will pray a blessing over the kids before parents pick up. If time allows worship leader will lead the closing song. Transition DVD/Video:

10:30 - 10:43 10:45 - 10:58 11:00 - 11:15

Owls Play (113) BGS (114) MW (115)

Bunnies MW (116)

Turtles MW (115) Play (113) BGS (114)

Frogs MW (116)

Snails BGS (114) MW (115) Play (113)

Squirrels MW (117)

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Grandma was sick for a long time. Her health was starting to decline quite rapidly, and we got the feeling that time was getting shorter. “I really feel like we all need to go and visit Grandma today and say our last goodbyes,” my husband said to me one Saturday morning. So, we gathered our children together and with sadness and tears shared with them what we felt we needed to do that day.

During the drive to her home, we shared stories of Grandma and reflected on the wonderful memories we had of her. We spent many hours with her that day, each of us taking turns telling her how much we loved her and what she meant to us. Although she could no longer speak, we sang for her, shared favorite memories, and held her hand as we sat by her bedside.

Days later, my husband had a strong feeling that he should go back to his mom’s. Just 20 minutes after he arrived and greeted her, she passed away. Though it was sad, the amazing part came as we talked with our children later. We reminded them how God encouraged us to visit Grandma the Saturday before to say our “I love yous.” God showed us exactly what we needed to do, and when, so we could show her the love and respect she deserved in our last moments with her. God knew what we all needed and when everything would take place. He loved us enough to lead us through it all. God truly gave us the strength we needed in such a difficult time.

Nicki Straza Freedom House Church

God loved Joseph and knew he would need His strength to face the coming challenges. There was a Jewish betrothal custom that began with a young man visiting the prospective bride’s home. He would ask for her father’s permission and pay a bride price to seal the covenant. Then the bridegroom would return to his home for about 12 months, during which time the betrothed couple would prepare for their marriage. It was during this separation that Mary became pregnant with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Joseph must have been devastated to learn that his beloved was pregnant with a child that was not his own. But Joseph was a man of God; he loved and respected Mary. Rather than publicly disgrace her, his thought was to quietly divorce her, as it was only through divorce this betrothal covenant could be broken.

As Matthew 1:20 tells us, while Joseph was considering this option, he was visited by an angel of the Lord. This angel told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, that the baby was conceived not by natural means and would be a fulfillment of prophecy. Through this dream, God gave Joseph the strength he would need to support Mary as she carried the baby.

Such strength was needed again when the Roman emperor, Augustus, called for a census. It was necessary for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem to register (Joseph’s family was from the line of King David, whose ancestral home was Bethlehem). By this time, Mary was nearing the end of her pregnancy. The three-day journey to Bethlehem would be especially difficult for her to undertake. But God’s love for them both gave them the strength they needed as they made their way to the place where, in fulfillment of the prophecy, the Savior would be born. God’s love gives us strength.

As children of God, we can know and trust God’s Spirit—even when our feelings and humanity lead

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us in another direction. As you prepare for this week, take time to meditate on Acts 8:26–40, 9:1–19, and Luke 4:1–13. Reflect on your journey with God as Counselor. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in this time of reflection and meditation. Ponder how the knowledge, understanding, and experience of God’s unconditional love give you the strength to move forward in obedience. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen that understanding and give you insight in communicating this to your little ones.