Opening Song: The Apostles' Creed
Big Idea: We are getting ready for Jesus to come back!
Story: "God's Peaceful World" - Spark Story Bible, pg. 172
Lesson — John the Baptist
Ask: Last week we talked a bit about being excited for things, like birthdays or Christmas, and what it was like to wait for such wonderful days. But how do you get ready for such big days?
Let's take Thanksgiving as an example. How did you and your family get ready for Thanksgiving? (examples: going shopping, cooking food, cleaning the house, decorating, etc.)
Now, how are we preparing for Christmas during Advent? (example: decorating, buying presents, lighting Advent candles, putting up a nativity in our house, etc.)
Say: Part of Advent is getting ready not just to remember when Jesus came to Earth the first time, but preparing for Jesus to come back!
John the Baptist prepared people for Jesus to come for the first time. This time, it's our job to help prepare the world for Jesus' return (even if we don't know when it will be - that just means we should always be ready).
But how can we be prepared for Jesus to come back? By loving God and loving others - and telling others about Jesus - like John the Baptist did! So, let's sing a song that reminds us of how we can help prepare people for Jesus' return!
Song ("Go Tell It on the Mountains" with hand motions)
Activity Sheets or Play
After the song, hand out the activity sheets. Younger children are welcome to play with the Duplos (encourage them to play out a story that fits with the lesson).
End with the Lord's Prayer when the Usher comes to let you know the prayers have started.