Gifts from God

Lesson Plans

WEEK ONE

GIFTS FROM GOD -CREATION

Memory verse : In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Songs - In the beginning

Story : Creation

Discussion : On the whiteboard or a large sheet of paper list as many things as possible that God gives us

Activities : clay animal models for gifts

Christmas program planning : Introduce the play and explain the concept of the series - Gifts from God

GIFTS FROM GOD CREATION - CAROL OF THE BIRDS

Memory verse : The time of the singing of birds has come. Song of Solomon 2:12

Discussion : God surrounds us with good things every day Remind the children of last week’s discussion. The singing of birds serves as a reminder of God’s gifts to us.

Songs : The carol of the birds

Craft : Make bird puppets

Christmas program planning :Make bird puppets for use in Christmas programAllocate parts Practise songs.

BIRD PUPPETSWhat you will need: Paint stir sticks (You can usually get these free from paint stores) or large craft sticks, construction paper, low temp glue or paper glue, crayons or markers.What to do:Make a copy the bird pattern. Cut out the bird and use it as a pattern to trace onto different colours of construction paper. Cut two birds per child. If you are using paint sticks enlarge the patterns to double their size.If you are using the large craft sticks, use the patterns as they are. Glue the birds back to back onto the craft sticks or paint stir sticks with hot melt glue or rubber cement.Do not glue the wings together. Fold the wings down to the side of the bird so that it looks like it is flying.Draw a face on and colour the bird

Feather Bird Craft - This is a very easy project, great for preschool children.

What you will need: Bag of colorful feathers,markers, movable eyes, pipe cleaners, glue, and cardboard.

What to do: Draw an outline of a bird on cardboard and cut out.Colour the beak, fold pipe cleaners to resemble feet and glue on the back. Glue feathers on the front, then glue a different colour feather for the wing and glue on an eye.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT AND GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

Memory verse :And the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self control Galatians 5:22

Songs What gifts shall we get? Fruit of the spirit

Activities : fruit Christmas cookery make pomanders Christmas program planning : Practise songs. Make large gifts for props for the play

GLACE FRUIT OATMEAL BISCUITS

250 g butter or margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

2 cups plain flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon bicarb of soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 and 1/2 cups instant oats

1/4 cup caster sugar

red and green glace cherries

In bowl cream softened butter or margarine and brown sugar Beat in egg and vanilla essence.

Combine plain flour, cinnamon and bicarb of soda and salt. Stir into creamed mixture.

Fold in instant oats. Shape into small balls, roll in caster sugar. Place on ungreased baking tray.

Press a green or red cherry half into each ball. Bake at 190 C (375 F0 until golden - 10-12 minutes. Makes 5 dozen.

GIFTS FROM GOD -OUR ABILITIES AND TALENTS

Memory verse :Let your light so shine before men that they will see your works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16

Songs : Off we go to Bethlehem

Story : Parable of the Talents - Matt.25:14

Activities : Gift vouchers Write verses for Off we go to Bethlehem which reflect the children’s own talents

Christmas program planning :Practise songs.

ADVENT - PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS -ALL AROUND THE WORLD

Memory verse : Prepare your hearts unto the Lord and serve Him only. 1 Samuel 7:3

Discussion : All around the world people are preparing for Christmas . Discuss the Christmas customs of several different countries

Songs :Jesus loves the little children Feliz navidad Activities : pinatas wreaths Advent calendars

Christmas program planning :Practise songs. Practise dialogue.

JESUS - EMMANUEL - GOD WITH US

Memory verse: Call His name Jesus

Luke 1:31

Songs: Emmanuel

Story : The angel tells Mary she will give birth to Jesus

Activities Emmanuel glitter cards

Pop-up Christmas cards

Christmas program planning :

Practise songs. Practise dialogue.

JESUS - THE WORD

Memory verse:In the beginning was the

Word and the Word was with God and the

Word was God John 1:1

Songs: Away in a manager

Off we go to Bethlehem

Story : The birth of Jesus and visit

of the shepherds

Activities

Christmas program planning : Get out the

Nativity scene costumes and try them on

Practise songs. Practise dialogue.

JESUS - SALVATION

Memory verse : For God so loved the world He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Songs : We three kings

John 3:16

Story : Visit of the Wise Men

Activities : Polish forever chain garlands

Decorations for John 3:16 song

Christmas program planning :

Practise songs. Practise dialogue.

WHAT CAN I GIVE HIM?

Memory verse : God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Story : Discussion about giving. How can we give to Jesus? What can we do for others that would be giving to Jesus? Talk about cheerful not grudging attitude to giving.

Songs : What can I give Him? A Boomerang of flowers

Activities : A Boomerang of flowers

Christmas program planning :Practise songs. Practise dialogue.

BIBLIOGRAPHY :

Dilly, Romilda Stained glass crafts 18 patterns. Cincinnatti Ohio Standard Pub.c1986

Freeman, W. B. Incredible mazes. Book 1Nashville, Nelson n.d.

*Gabrovec, Judy Christmas around the world Greenwood WA Ready Ed 1999

*Learners World More fun Christmas activities Melbourne, Hawker Brownlow Education c1991

*Newton, Leigh Christmas in the scrub Aldgate SA Leigh Newton & Tanya Wittwer 1998 For permission to use email apra@apra.com.au

BIBLIOGRAPHY :

* PUBLIC DOMAIN CLIPART

*THE BIBLE King James Version

*THE LION CHILDREN’S BIBLE