WAIT FOR IT: Week 1
A 4-WEEK SERIES ON ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
Who doesn’t love a board game? Waiting for the the game to unfold is a part of the fun, but it can be frustrating if kids don’t know why they are playing or what they need to be a part of it. In, Wait For It, our kids will learn how to watch for and put their hope in Jesus. Everyone will meet John, Mary, Simeon and Anna— people who waited for a Savior to change their lives. Kids will learn that everyone needs a Savior, that the Savior will change everything, that God will do impossible things, and that Jesus is the one they’ve been waiting for!
Click HERE to watch this month’s memory verse video.
Everyone needs a Savior
MEMORY VERSE:
"But as for me, I watch and hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7
READ: John Prepares for Jesus: Mark 1:1-8
WATCH:
Preschool: teaching video
Elementary: teaching video
SONG: Celebrate
ACTIVITY:
Every week in this series, try out a board game with your kids to reinforce the idea of having to wait before getting a win. You can play any game you have available.
IDEA: “Chickapiglets,” a fun twist on your traditional memory and matching game.
COLORING: coloring sheet
DISCIPLE:
Read Mark 1:1-8 together.
John the Baptist traveled and taught many people about God and about the Savior who was coming. . .Jesus! John the Baptist baptized people and helped them get ready for Jesus’ arrival. John the Baptist helped Jesus by preparing the people around him to know that they needed Jesus to rescue them. And just like they needed Jesus as their Savior, we do, too!
Family Activity:
We talked about how everyone needs a Savior — that includes your friends, your family, your teachers, and yourselves!
Who is someone you can talk about Jesus with?
Ask your kiddos to cut out the paper Scrabble tiles from this printable and glue them on a piece of paper to spell out that person’s name (e.g., mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, friend’s name, etc.).
(If you have young children ask them to name the people in their lives. You can write their names or draw pictures for them that they can color. Then ask, “Who needs a Savior?” Then guide kids to circle every name/picture to show that everyone needs a Savior!)
Ask:
Who did you pick?
How can you be kind to this person this week?
What can you tell them about Jesus?
Pray
Dear God, we thank you for giving us a Savior and for sending John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us. We love you. Amen.
DISCUSSION:
What message did John the Baptist have for the people?
Why did people come to see John? How do you think you would have responded to John's message?
How did this prepare the way for Jesus?
Read Isaiah 40:1-8. Who is the one "crying out in the wilderness" and who is the one who will bring glory to God?
What are some ways we can remember we need a Savior?
How can you make room for Jesus this week?
Who in your family or circle of friends needs a Savior?