Fulfilled
WELCOME TO WEEK 4
What are some things you celebrate? Perhaps you celebrate birthdays, holidays or winning a game. We can celebrate lots of things throughout our year. We can also celebrate that God keeps his promises. We can trust the promises God has made in the Bible, He will keep them! This week we will look at some promises God has made and celebrate His faithfulness.
BIBLE STORY
Print the following activity sheet and cut into strips. Place the strips of paper into a bowl and pull them out one at a time and read each one aloud. Ask your child to decide if the promise that was read, is something that they could keep or if they think they would break the promise at some point. Then reread a few strips and say If these promises were from God, would he be able to keep the promises?
We all make promises sometimes and we intend to keep our promises but sometimes we aren’t able. When people make promises to us, we hope they will keep their promises but sometimes people break their promise to us. But do you know who always keeps their promises? You are right! God always keeps his promise! This week we will see how God fulfilled a promise he made to someone even though he had to wait a very long time.
Read or listen to the scripture story in Luke 2:25-38
What had the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon? (That he would not die until he saw the Messiah)
What made Simeon go to the temple? (The holy spirit moved him to go)
What were Mary and Joseph doing in the temple at that same time? (To do for Jesus what the custom required)
When Simeon saw the child what did he say? (Now you can dismiss your servant, I have seen your salvation you’ve prepared before all nations)
Why were Mary and Joseph surpised by the things Simeon said? (They were surprise he knew Jesus was the messiah)
What did the prophet Anna at the temple? (She never left the temple but prayed day and night)
What did Anna say about Jesus? (She gave thanks for him and spoke about the child to anyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem)
Materials: Printed paper, scissors, a bowl or container
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Sometimes it can be hard to wait for something you have been excited to see or have. Simeon and Anna waited to see baby Jesus because God had promised they would see him. They were excited and celebrated when it happened. We can celebrate that God always fulfills his promises.
Activity
Complete this Celebration scavenger hunt. The items on this scavenger hunt are things you might use to celebrate something special. Simeon and Anna celebrated seeing the long awaited Savior. Look around your house and see if you can find any of the items on the board. If you are able to find a row or column of items, you win!
Materials: printed scavenger hunt, pencil, items around your house
Alternate
Listen to the following stories about the birth of Jesus. As you listen to the story of Simeon and Anna, follow along while she is reading the story and try to read it with her!
Materials: device to watch the story
Independent activity:
Complete the following activity sheet
Materials: printed activity sheet, pencil, crayon, scissors, glue, construction paper
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring sheet
Materials: coloring sheet, crayons
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
What did Simeon pray would happen before he died?
Where were Simeon and Anna when they met Jesus?
How did they know Jesus was the promised Savior?
How long did God’s people wait for the promised Savior?
Can we trust that God will keep His promises?
Can you think of one promise that God has given in the Bible?
Practical Application at Home
Sometimes it is hard to wait for the things we are excited to receive. The promises God has made to us are exciting and may seem like they are taking a long time to come true, but God has perfect timing. Think about the following promises that are made to us sometimes, and determine if you think it is a promise that can be answered right away, or if we might have to wait awhile for it to be answered.
-A promise to go to the park
-a promise that Jesus will return and take us to heaven
-a promise to learn a new instrument
-a promise to become best friends
-a promise to have a cookie for dessert
-the promise to take a trip
-a promise to read a bedtime story.
Some of the promises could be answered right away and some might take a little time to have answered. Sometimes we have to wait to get an answer to a promise, but when we wait for God to answer our prayers, we will not be disappointed. We can be sure that God will always answer his promises and that’s something to celebrate!
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.