Faith Quest

 

Advent

 

November 14 – December 12, 2004

 

Holywood

 

Scripture:  Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-28 and 2:1-7

 

Memory Verse:

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 KJV

 

Concepts:      

1.     God works through ordinary people who obey him.

2.     Jesus is both human and God.

3.     The story of Jesus’ birth (and life, death, and resurrection) is the story of God.

4.     Jesus has many important names: Son of God, Son of the Most High, Son of David, Emmanuel, Christ the Lord, Son of Man, the Messiah and others.

5.     Jesus came into the world to reveal God the Father.

 

Objectives:    

1.     Children will view the video The King is Born.  The story covers all the concepts in general terms.

2.     As the children watch the video of a story they are very familiar with – they should see how many different names Jesus is given by the many people who want to see him. 

3.     The children will note that Jesus lived in more than one place during his time on earth.

4.     Reinforce the concepts through discussion.

 

Procedure:                 

Welcome and Introductions:

1.   Greet the children and introduce yourself.  Wear your nametag. Make sure the children are wearing nametags. If not, ask the shepherd to supply a temporary badge. Remember you are interacting with a different group of students each week that may not know you.

2.   Explain to the children that the purpose of this workshop is to not take for granted the Christmas story.  The story of Jesus, our savior being born is a very special event in history that changed the world for ever.  As they view the video have them to see how many different names Jesus is given by the many people who want to see him. 

 

Scripture/Bible Story:

Read the Bible story – Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-28 and Like 2:1-7. Encourage the children to use their Bibles in looking up verses.  You may want to ask the children to read or you may want to read the scripture yourself.  If a child does not want to read that is perfectly fine.  Be creative in giving suggestions for retelling the story in weeks 3-5 when the children are more familiar with the story. You may want to ask them what happened first, second, etc.  Once you have finished the Bible reading, please distribute the popcorn (ask Shepherds to help) and start movie.

 

Application:

  1. Turn off the lights and begin the video. It’s about 30 minutes.

 When the video is over turn the lights on.

2.      Distribute their journal sheets and have the Shepherd to provide the pens or pencils so they can jot down names they heard Jesus called prior to providing names out loud. Provide about 4 minutes for them to jot down the names they recalled.   Have the students to share the names and add to the list:

Jesus - Son of God, Son of the Most High, Son of David, Emmanuel, Christ the Lord, Son of Man, the Messiah, Savior, The Most Holy, King of Kings, The Good Shepherd, Christ, King of the Jews, Yahweh, and etc.

3.      Ask the children why Jesus, Mary and Joseph had to go to Egypt?  - King Herod was still alive and they were afraid of him.  They lived in Egypt until Herod died and then they returned to Judea and lived in ________?  (Nazareth).

4.      Who were some ordinary people that supported Mary and Joseph during the birth of Jesus?  How does Jesus work through us today when there are things we should do for others?

5.      How did the older leaders in Bethlehem know that Jesus was going to be born? 

   

Reflection Time:

If there is time after the journal question of the names Jesus has – here are a few questions to have them to reflect on:

 

Younger children -   We know that God is in control and that he has been from the beginning of time.  Jesus was born and lived on earth as a man for 33 years.  If you had lived during the time of Jesus birth – what would have been your gift to the Savior?  Or draw a gift they would have presented to Jesus.

 

Older children - We know that God is in control and that he has been from the beginning of time.  Jesus was born and lived on earth as a man for 33 years.  Even during the time of Jesus there was unrest in the world.  Joseph and Mary were following God’s plan.  How would you react if you were given such a task to complete relying only on your faith?  Or if you had been the Inn keeper – how would you have assisted Mary and Joseph – the same way, a different way, or turn them away?

 

Remind them that the offering from this rotation will go toward the Joy Gift - A gift of the Presbyterian Church to support retired ministers. 

 

At 10:45 ask the students to close their journals and sit quietly for prayer.

 

Closing:

Prayer: Suggestion for the closing prayer.  Dear God, Thank you for sending us your Son who provides a way for us to have everlasting life when we believe on Him.  Help us to be more like him this season as we carry out act of kindness for all people.  Amen.

 

Tidy and Dismissal: Ask children to help clean up popcorn before they leave Holywood.  Wait until after class to pile up the beanbag chairs. The kids tend to throw them. Wipe out popcorn machine thoroughly, do not use water.

 

Teacher preparation in advance:

1.     Read the scripture passages and attend the Faith Quest Leaders Bible Study.

2.     Review the video so you are familiar with the story.

3.     Prepare a closing prayer for your lesson.

4.     PRACTICE OPERATING THE POPCORN MACHINE.

 

Supply List

Ř     Video will be given to you at the Workshop Leaders’ Bible Study or you can pick it up in the church office to view prior to the leader’s lesson.

Ř     Journal pages will also be provided at the Bible study or the first Sunday of the rotation.

Ř     Stickers if you want to put them on the journal pages.

 

References

Lori Houck, Kirk Faith Quest Bible Study Leader

The King is Born, A NEST Family Entertainment Series ISBN 1 -56489-171-2