Joy
WELCOME TO WEEK 2
Joy to the World! Joyful Joyful Lord we adore thee! When we think of the word ‘joy’ those songs may quickly come into our heads. Joy is not just a word in song, but what Jesus brought to the world when He was born. Our hope in Jesus our Messiah is what gives us joy even during difficult circumstances.
BIBLE STORY
Have you ever heard good news that you were almost bursting to share. It was so good you couldn’t keep the news to yourself? Good news brings joy to us and to the people we share it with. Let’s share some good news with each other. Take turns sharing good news with each other that is relevant to your life and community.
Did you enjoy hearing good news shared among yourselves? It’s nice to hear good news. It brings joy to people and ourselves when we share good news. As we continue our bible story we will see that the news of the promised Savior’s birth brings joy. When Mary receives a visitor that proclaims she will have a baby who will be the Messiah, the Angel tells her not to be afraid but to know that she has found favor with God.
Let’s read the Bible story for the week Luke 1:26-55
Who did God send to visit Mary? (The angel Gabriel)
How did Mary react to seeing the visitor? (Confused and disturbed)
Why did the angel say she was highly favored? (She would conceive a son, Jesus)
What did the angel say Jesus would do? (He would be great, the son of the Most High, He would be given the throne of David, He would reign over Israel)
How long would His kingdom last? (His kingdom would never end)
Who else was pregnant in Mary’s family? (Elizabeth)
Why was it a miracle that Elizabeth was pregnant? (She was thought to be barren)
What happened with Elizabeth’s baby when Mary went to visit her? (The baby leaped inside her)
What was Mary’s song of praise about? (Here praise to God for being chosen, God’s goodness over her)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
How do you show joy? Do you sing, dance, or tell someone of your joy? In the Bible we can find the joy God has for us, His word can bring us joy just as the message the angel brought to Mary from God. We can remember that God has a message of joy for us as well. Let’s do a joy walk-around. Go around the room or designated area, and find the cards that say joy, then read a Scripture on the card that describes joy found in the Bible.
Materials: printed Joy Cards
Alternate
During the Christmas season we sing a lot of songs about Joy. Let’s play a game to see who can come up with the most amount of songs about Joy. Play guess that tune but the songs must use the word Joy.
Materials:
Independent activity:
Create a greeting card to share the Good News with someone. Think of good news you could share with someone, like Jesus is King, or Jesus saves. Using card stock paper, fold the paper in half and use water colors, or crayons to create your greeting card. Then write a note inside to share your good news.
Materials: Card stock paper
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, scissors
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Who did the angel come to visit?
What did the angel tell Mary to do instead of having fear?
What are some ways you show joy?
Is our contentment, or joy, dependent on our current situation?
How can we have joy even during difficult times?
Does this mean we should never be sad or feel discouraged?
How can you share this good news, or peace from God, with others?
Practical Application at Home
Jesus is the joy of the world, which means we get our joy from Him. We often try to create our our joy baby chasing after things that will not bring us what we really need, Jesus. We might think the latest toy or the coolest shoes will bring us the joy wee are looking for. They may bring us joy for a moment, but eventual it will fade. God offers us contentment that will never fade, His love. God’s love and His strength can see us through good times and during our hardships.
Read Philippians 4:11-13 and fill in the blank of the blank of the missing words below, then discuss with your family what this verse means. Give examples of what this verse has looked like in your life.
11b. For I have learned to be _______ in whatever circumstances I am. 12. I know both how to have a ______, and I know how to have a _____. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being _____- whether well ____ or ____, whether in ______ or in _____. 13. I am able to do all things through _____ who strengthens me.
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?