Curriculum

The Joy of Christmas

The Joy of Christmas Go to Curriculum multi-week pack

Bible Background

What Kids Will Learn

John the Baptist told others about Jesus—even before His ministry began. And John encouraged people to share with others.

Scripture Summary

John the Baptist was a relative of Jesus. Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth, John’s mother, were relatives. God chose John the Baptist to be a messenger to tell others of the Messiah’s coming—before Jesus’ ministry began.

With a message full of love and grace, John challenged others to turn from their ways and follow God. It wasn’t enough that the people were descendants of God’s followers, such as Abraham. God seeks a personal relationship with each and every person. John’s message was about more than just repentance. He challenged others to live their lives in a way that reflects their choice to follow God’s best way.

Great crowds followed John and listened to his teachings. After repenting, they wanted to know how to live a life full of God’s ways. As John responded to their questions, he gave three main ways to live and love well. First, we should share what we have. God has given each of us what we need—and more. We’re to share what we have with others. Next, whatever we do, we should do our best and treat others fairly. God has given each of us gifts to use as we interact with others and accomplish our work. Finally, we are to be content with what we have. God knew that we humans are tempted with jealousy and a desire for more. His best ways include contentment with what He has provided.

The people wondered if John was the Messiah. But John set them straight and reminded them that he was just a messenger. He shared that Someone greater was coming—Someone who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, not just water. This great Messiah would also judge between those who honestly followed Him and those who chose the world’s ways.

Why Is This Important

In this stingy culture, it’s tempting to hold on tightly to what we have. But God calls us to share what we have with others

Teacher Devotion

Scripture

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)

My friend shared cookies with me, and I’ll never forget it.

She had walked with me through an exceptionally tough time I was having while on staff at a nonprofit organization. After 10 years with this organization, I decided to resign. On that day, I texted her a brief message, “I resigned today.”

The next day, she showed up on my doorstep with a box of cookies. I’m not talking about just any cookies; these were top-of-the-line, jumbo cookies from a specialty bakery. She simply handed me the box, gave me a hug, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

I still get tears in my eyes recalling the day—and her beautiful act of sharing. My friend spent money on the cookies. She got in her car and drove over an hour round trip to deliver the cookies. I’m sure she had plenty of other tasks on her to-do list that day.

But she chose to share generously. And I’m glad she did.

Her generosity reminded me of God’s love and generous spirit toward me. It brought me great joy—and still does. My friend felt joy in her spirit as she got in her car, selected the cookies at the bakery, and delivered the beautiful package.

Isn’t God good! In the midst of really hard times, He has the ability to infuse even the toughest situations with His joy. Maybe you’ve recently received a generous package from someone that provided great joy in your heart. Or maybe God prompted you to share with someone else as He allowed His joy to flow through you. Either way, take time to tell God how grateful you are.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for Your joy. For both the giver and the receiver, Your joy reminds us of Your love and generosity. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Get the full Sunday school lesson plan

  • Bible Memory Verse
  • Interactive Bible Experience
  • Animated video with companion questions

Bible Memory Verse

You’ll Need: Bibles, Gift boxes with lids, Paper, Scissors, Tissue paper

Get Ready: Before class, cut strips of paper, and write a phrase from the Bible memory verse on each strip. Make one set for each team, and mix the strips with the tissue paper in each gift box.

“‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’” (Luke 3:10-11)

Lead kids in these steps to learn today’s Bible memory verse:

  • Invite kids to open their Bibles to Luke 3:10-11.
  • Read a phrase from the verse aloud, and invite kids to echo the phrase back. Continue until kids have said the whole Bible memory verse.
  • Next, form several teams, and line up the gift boxes on the opposite side of the room.
  • Explain to kids that team members will run across the room one at a time, open their team’s gift box, and take out a paper strip with a phrase.
  • Next, kids will run back with the paper strips and put today’s Bible verse in order.
  • The first team to put its verse in order wins.

SAY: Great job putting the Bible verse in order. In today’s passage, John the Baptist reminds us to share with others and treat them fairly. He also shares the good news that Jesus is coming soon. We look forward to Jesus’ coming with joyful hearts.

Interactive Bible Experience

You’ll Need: Bibles, T-shirts, Packaged food items, Dollar bills

  • Invite kids to open their Bibles to Luke 3.
  • Read aloud Luke 3:7-10.
  • Ask kids to share their reactions to what John said.
  • Form two or three teams, and have each team get in a line.
  • Explain that as you read the next verses, kids will compete in a team challenge.
  • Place the T-shirts, food items, and dollar bills at the front of each line.
  • Begin reading verses 11 through 14. Explain that when you name each item, kids will pass that item over their heads or under their legs until it reaches the last person on their team.
  • The first team to get all three items to the last team member wins.

ASK:

  • In hearing John’s instructions, what do you think God might want you to share?
  • Who is someone you can share with this Christmas?
  • Finish by reading aloud Luke 3:15-18.

SAY: In today’s passage, John was clear that we are to be good givers as we wait for Jesus to return. Let’s remember our joy is in sharing.

Snack

Gift Snacks

You’ll Need: Paper plates, Napkins, Rice Krispies treats, Twizzlers Pull ’n’ Peel licorice, Frosting, Plastic knives, Sprinkles

Get Ready: Have kids clean their hands.

Follow these steps for the “Gift Snacks”:

  • Give each child a paper plate, a napkin, a plastic knife, a piece of licorice, and a Rice Krispies treat.
  • Put frosting and sprinkles in a central location for kids to share.
  • Invite kids to use the frosting, licorice, and sprinkles to decorate their Rice Krispies treat to look like a gift.
  • Enjoy.

ASK:

  • What is the best gift you have ever received and why?
  • What kind of gift are you excited to give away this Christmas?

SAY: God tells us it is better to give than to receive. The gift of joy comes when we share with others. Jesus set the perfect example by giving His life for us. Jesus is the greatest gift of all!

Game

Unwrap the Greatest Gift

You’ll Need: Christmas music, Plastic wrap, Ball, Individually wrapped candy, Small gift box, Paper, Pen, Confetti

Get Ready: Write “Jesus is the Joy of Christmas” on a piece of paper, and place it in the gift box. Next, wrap the plastic wrap around the gift box many times to secure the package. Place a piece of candy on top, and continue wrapping the plastic wrap around it to hold it in place. Repeat while adding pieces of candy one by one, ensuring there are several layers of plastic wrap between each piece.

To play the “Unwrap the Greatest Gift” game, follow these steps:

  • Invite kids to sit in a circle on the floor.
  • Explain that they will pass the ball as the music plays.
  • When the music stops, the child holding the ball gets to unwrap the plastic wrap until he or she reaches a gift (a piece of candy).
  • Play until all the pieces of candy are found, and when the gift box is revealed, allow the child holding it to open it.
  • Celebrate the child who gets to open the gift box, then read the message in an excited voice while throwing confetti.
  • Give a piece of candy to each child who did not get to unwrap the gift.

ASK:

  • What was exciting about unwrapping the gifts in this game?

SAY: In this game, you got to unwrap lots of fun gifts, but only one gift is truly life-changing. Candy and toys may be fun for a while, but they just don’t last. We can have joy at Christmas because Jesus is a gift that changes our lives forever. Let’s share the joy of Jesus this Christmas.

Craft

Christmas Coupons Gift

You’ll Need: “Christmas Coupons” handouts, Markers, Crayons, Scissors

Get Ready: Print the handout on card stock, one per child.

Have kids follow these steps to make the “Christmas Coupons Gift” craft:

  • Give each child a sheet of coupons and pair of scissors.
  • Instruct kids to carefully cut out their coupons.
  • Once the coupons are cut, encourage kids to decorate their coupons and think about who they can share gifts of joy with this Christmas.
  • Invite children to write individual tasks or services they could do that would bring joy.
  • Encourage kids to share their coupons with the people they thought of.

SAY: With these gifts from your heart, you can go the extra mile to share the joy of Jesus. Share these coupons, and follow through with the gifts to show those you love a spark of joy.

Prayer

Jingle Bell Prayers

You’ll Need: Set of jingle bells

  • Invite kids to pass the jingle bells as they each take a turn saying the name of someone who they want to experience the joy of Jesus.
  • Allow everyone to share a name and silently pray for that person.
  • Close in prayer.

PRAY: Dear God, Your Son, Jesus, is the joy of Christmas. Please help the people we named to feel Your love and joy this Christmas. Thank You for reminding us to be joyful givers. In Jesus’ name, amen.