CHILDREN'S LESSON: 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent

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

The past few weeks, we have been lighting candles on the Advent Wreath. Do you remember what the 1st Candle is for? The first candle is the candle of HOPE it helps us remember to wait patiently for the coming of Jesus.

Do you remember what the 2nd Candle is for? The second candle reminds us of the PEACE God gives to us through Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

The 3rd Candle? Reminds us of JOY – true joy which comes from God.

The 4th candle reminds us of the LOVE – God’s love.

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

Have one of the older students read.

God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them! ~ John 3:16,17 (CEV)

STORY: Have the children act out the nativity story while you or an older student reads it.

APPLICATION: How do you know you are loved? How do you know your parents love you? (They tell you and others, hugs, kisses, discipline.) How do you show others you love them? (play with them, tell them, share toys) How can we share God's love with others? Is there anything special we could do at Christmas time to show God's love? (Invite people to Christmas services. Tell people God loves them.)

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Thank You for coming to be with us and sharing Your love with us. Help us to share with others Your love. Amen.

ACTIVITY/CRAFT: Make a heart-shaped ornament. Cut out foam heart shapes and punch a hole in the top to string ribbon on. Use glitter glue, markers, sequences to decorate. Could add "John 3:16" to the heart.
Other suitable crafts & activities – Go Carolling and share God’s love. Use some ideas the kids suggest under the Application

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

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