WELCOME TO WEEK 4

This month we have seen the story of Jesus’ birth and how Jesus was the one everyone was waiting for. Jesus is the Savior and God revealed that to Simeon and Anna in the temple. They waited a long time to see and meet the Savior. This week we will see that Jesus was worth the wait.

Luke 2:22-40

BIBLE STORY

Place several Christmas type items on the floor in one area. Play this re-naming game with your child. Count down from 5 and when you say go, have them race to grab a Christmas item and then quickly tell a new way to use that item. For example, a candy cane can be used to hook fish. When I count down from 5, I want you to quickly grab an item and tell a new use for that item, or give it a new name. 

Was it easy to come up with a new name or use for a familiar item? When we know what something is used for it makes it easier to identify it and use it for the best use. This month we’ve seen how John the Baptist prepared the people for Jesus’ coming and how an angel appeared to Mary. The angel told Mary what she was to call the newborn baby. He was not ordinary baby, and He was named special. His name described who He was and why they had waited for so long for Him to come. This week we will see why He was worth the wait!

Read or listen to the scripture Luke 2:22-40

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)

Why were Mary and Joseph 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 surprised 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)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

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 hunt page

Alternate

Create a large game board by placing pieces of construction paper around the area in a square. As you ask your child questions, have them move forward or backward according to the cards directions if they answer the question correctly.

Materials: construction paper, printed game cards

Independent activity:

Create the stable and manger using rectangles and various other shapes cut from brown construction paper. Glue structure onto a larger sheet of construction paper and then color and cut out pictures to play with and retell the story in the stable.

Materials: square pieces of brown construction paper and other shapes, printed animal sheet, crayons, scissors

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Coloring page

Materials:printed coloring sheet, crayons or other coloring utensils

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

Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. Observe the things God created and how they work together in His plan. What part do each of us play in God’s plan for us?