CHILDREN'S LESSON: 2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent

Do you remember what Advent is? (wait for students to reply) Advent is getting ready for Jesus' Birthday.

Over the next few weeks until Christmas, we will be placing candles on the Advent Wreath. The first candle is the candle of HOPE it helps us remember to wait patiently for the coming of Jesus.

The second candle reminds us of the PEACE God gives to us through Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

As we read prophecies about Jesus, we will light (place) the first and second candles on the Advent Wreath.

Have one or two of the older students read.

Like a branch that sprouts from a stump, someone from David's family will someday be king. The Spirit of the LORD will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight. He will be powerful, and he will know and honour the LORD. His greatest joy will be to obey the LORD. This king won't judge by appearances or listen to rumors. The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice. ~ Isaiah 11:1-4 (CEV)

A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David's kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The LORD All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done. ~ Isaiah 9:6,7 (CEV)

These prophecies give us hope and remind us of the coming of the Prince of Peace - Jesus.

STORY:That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord's glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David's hometown a Saviour was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay."

Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: "Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God."

After the angels had left and gone back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about." They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and they saw the baby lying on a bed of hay. ~ Luke 2:8-16 (CEV)

APPLICATION: God sent the angels to tell the shepherds about the birth of Jesus. How can we, like the angels, share God’s peace with others? What things can we do? (Don’t fight with our siblings. Forgive others. Play nicely. Play with someone who doesn’t have anyone to play with them. Invite people to church and/or the Christmas services.)

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Thank You for the peace You bring us. Help us to share with others Your peace. Amen.

ACTIVITY/CRAFT: Angel crafts
Other suitable crafts & activities - Use some ideas the kids suggest under the Application. Make invitations to the Christmas play (perhaps go Carolling and hand them out).

(For more resources see Crafts, and Colouring Pages.)

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Lesson 1 - Lesson 3 - Lesson 4 - Teaching Resources