Lesson Learned: Even a candy cane can remind of us Jesus (or, Jesus can be seen in everything!)
Materials Needed:b white construction paper, scissors, red marker, candy cane
Bible Verse:
(review the Christmas story; it’s a great idea to be reading this every single day!)
Luke 2:1-20
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Talking Points: Christmas is a special time because we get to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Before Jesus was born, He lived in Heaven with His Father, God, and He came down to Earth to teach us about His Father. Mary, His mother, knew that Jesus was going to be a special, special baby because an angel had told her so, and she was very happy to be His mother. I bet your mom and dad are very happy to be your parents too! Mary remembered all the good things the shepherds said about Jesus, and she wanted to remember them always. Did you know that we are reminded of Jesus everyday in lots of things around us? Today we’re going to learn about something we always see at Christmas that will remind us of Jesus.
Questions: Whose birthday are we getting ready to celebrate? Why is Jesus’ birthday so special? Do you remember where Jesus was born?
Activity: Read this poem:
(copied from http://ministry-to-children.com/candy-cane-poem-about-jesus/)
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who’s sinless and pure!
“J” is for Jesus My Lord, that’s for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me!
Cut out a candy cane shape from white construction paper. Let the child draw red stripes on the candy cane and show them how the candy cane looks like a “J” for Jesus when they flip it upside down.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we are reminded of how great You are in everything around us, even things like a candy cane. Help us to always see You and praise You in everything. Amen!