See
WELCOME TO WEEK 1
When it is dark outside, what do you do? Do you stand still unable to move or do anything or do you get a source of light to help you see and move? There is a light that helps us through the darkness. Jesus is our light and helps us see God more clearly.
BIBLE STORY
Show pictures of several items one at a time and see if your child can tell a bible story that uses or talks about the item you showed. See how fast they can come up with a story or instance when that item was talked about in the Bible, or time them to see how many items they can give a story to in under 1 minute (or other appropriate time for their age).
When you saw each item, did it quickly remind you of a story in the Bible that talked about that item? We may have closed our eyes to think or remember, or kept our eyes open visualizing the story. We use all of our senses when we learn from the Bible or the world around us. We use our sense of sight to observe and record the information we see. We listen to stories that impress us or create new emotions. Our senses play a large role in how we learn and take in new information.This month we will use our senses to learn about the world around us and learn more about God. We can see God through Jesus. Jesus gives us a clearer view of who God is and how much He loves us. John the Baptist helped those around him be prepared to meet Jesus. They first needed to be prepared to see their sins so that Jesus could save them from their sins. They first needed to see that they had a need for a Savior, and John the Baptist prepared their hearts for just that. Let’s read or listen to the Bible verse this week to see how John the Baptist helped others see Jesus was their way for salvation.
Read or listen to the Bible verse for this week: John 1:1-18
Who was in the beginning? (The Word and God)
Who was the Word? (God)
What was done through Him? (All things were made, without him nothing was made that was made)
What was the life that was in Him? (The light of all mankind that shines in the darkness)
What has not overcome the Light? (Darkness)
What was John sent to do? (To testify concerning the Light, that through him all might believe)
Did the world the Light came to, know him? (No, although He made the world, it did not recognize him and his own did not receive Him)
Has anyone ever seen God? (Only the one and only Son who is himself God)
Who has made God known? (The One and only Son who is God and in the closest relationship with the Father)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
What are some sins we need to have forgiven. It’s sometimes hard to admit when we are wrong and when we make mistakes. We don’t often like to admit that we need help and don’t always like to admit our mistakes. But when we recognize our failures and how we fall short of perfection, we can ask Jesus to be our Savior. He is full of truth and grace and can repair our mistakes and forgive our sins.
Activity
Create a simple obstacle course for your child to walk through. Create several pairs of glasses that have different ‘lenses’ taped to the glasses’ outline. On one pair of glasses create lenses out of wrapping paper, another pair with tissue paper lenses, another pair with clear Saran Wrap lenses. Have them complete the obstacle course wearing the glasses in the order listed above, starting with the least visible lenses to the most visible. Was it easy or hard to make it through the obstacle course. What made the course easier to navigate through? When our lenses were clear it was easier to get around the course because we could see exactly what was in front of us. John the Baptist made the way to Jesus and salvation clear. He helped others see the way to salvation was through accepting Jesus as the Messiah and believing in Him. We can accept Jesus as our Savior as well and then we get a clearer view of who God is.
Materials: printed eyeglasses, Saran Wrap, tissue paper, wrapping paper, objects for obstacle course
Alternate
Sometimes it is hard for us to see clearly the reasons why things happen, or why our parents give us certain rule for guidelines. Listen to some of the following statements and see if you can see clearly the reasons for these restrictions. Then see if you can think of some on your own.
My parents don’t let me play in the street because they don’t want me to have fun… or because they want me to be safe and not hit by a car.
My teacher makes me take these test because she wants me to fail… or because she wants me to see how much I’ve learned.
My brother doesn’t let me drive his car because he is selfish… or because I’m not old enough to drive and could hurt myself or others.
My parents don’t let me do whatever I want to do because they are unfair… or because they know I’m not old enough to know all the consequences to my actions.
My parents don’t let me watch whatever I want to watch on TV because they think I’m a baby… or because they know some things are not good for me to see that can not be unseen.
Materials:
Independent activity:
Create your own exhibit of John the Baptist. Create a 3D version or draw a picture. Be sure to include a picture of John the Baptist, and several artifacts or items that describe him or things he used. Include his environment such as where he may have lived in the wild or the stream where he baptized others. Write a small description under each artifact or item. Optional: create the exhibit using a shoebox, clay, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, and various craft items.
Materials: paper, crayons, optional: shoebox, clay, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, various craft items
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
Has anyone see God the Father in heaven? Earlier we read that only the One and Only Son has seen and has the closest relationship with the Father in heaven. One of Jesus’ disciples, Philip, wanted Jesus to show him the father. Read or listen to John 14:6-11.
What did Philip want Jesus to show them?
What was Jesus’ response?
How had Jesus already shown the disciples God the Father?
Who was giving Jesus the authority on earth to do the miracle the disciples were seeing?
Being a reflection of something else, means you are getting a visual of the image you want to see. If you see a reflection in the mirror, it is just like seeing the actual object. Jesus was saying that when they looked on him, observed His behaviors, or listened to his words, they were see the Father as well. Jesus did not do anything outside of the Father’s will, so looking on him was simply a reflection of God the Father. We are not God, but we can help others see God through our actions, words, and the love we show them. We can live in such a way that we allow God’s love to shine through us to others.
Use a mirror that is angled in such a way that you can see the face of the person sitting next to you. As you look into the mirror at your partner, use words to give a detailed description of them. Then swap places and have them describe you in detail.
Practical Application at Home
It’s hard to see when it is dark outside. When it is hard to see we often find a light source to help us clearly see what we are not able to see in the darkness. The light is what helps us see where we are going, where we have been and to walk in a clear path. Jesus is our Light. He helps us see where He has taken us in the past. He helps us see where He is leading us in the present. He is the Light that leads us in the right direction so we don’t stumble over the things that lead us away from Him. Jesus is the Light that leads to God and salvation.
Hide a toy or an item that they’ve seen before that they need to find. Don't show them the hiding place but be sure they have seen the item prior to hiding it. Jesus is our light that shows us our mistakes or sins, and then shows us where to go. Jesus wants to help lead us out of our mistakes and sins so that we follow the path He has already planned for us. Follow my light, and see if you can find the hidden object. Jesus wants us to follow Him and stay with Him even when it gets hard, we can continue to use His Light to help show us the way.
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?