Bonus Questions: What is the problem that keeps us in the dark? What did Jesus do for us? 4-5th: How can you be a light for Jesus at school?

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1 LEADER S GUIDE Lesson Overview Today, we re talking about our last word for this Christmas season. We re going to talk about light. Think about all the lights you see at Christmas. We see colored lights, white lights, candles and more. Lights make our Christmas trees, wreaths and yards look so pretty. Well, did you know that God cares about lights, too? He does. He put a bright light, a star, in the sky to lead the wiseman to Jesus. And, the best light of all is Jesus! Jesus is our light that leads us to God. The Bible says that we live in the dark because of our sin. But, Jesus came to save us from our sins so that we don t have to live in darkness anymore. His light leads us to a relationship with God. And, we can be a light for Jesus by living in a way that points others to Jesus, too! Classroom Agenda 1. (5 min) PLAY: Let kids start working on Activity Page #1. Big Idea Jesus is the true light at Christmas. Key Question Why do we need the light of Jesus? Memory Verse John 12:46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 2. (5 min) WARM UP: What s the coolest Christmas display you ve ever seen? (someone s house, a big tree, nativity scene, Christmas village) (Tip:It s fun to drive around and see beautiful lights at Christmas time. But the real light we need is Jesus.) 3. (5 min) PREVIEW: Write out the Big Idea, Memory Verse, and Key Question on a whiteboard. Have the kids copy it down on Activity Page #1 (if applicable). 4. (20 min) LARGE GROUP: Gather for songs and videos with other kids. Then return to class to finish this guide. 5. (2 min) RECAP: Read the Lesson Overview (see above). 6. (3 min) KQ: Answer the Key Question. (Answer: His light leads us out of darkness into a relationship with God. (The Bible says that our sin keeps us in the darkness and away from God. But, Jesus came to lead us out of the darkness by dying to pay for our sins. Because Jesus fixed our sin problem, we can follow his light and have a relationship with God and look forward to living in heaven with him some day.) Bonus Questions: What is the problem that keeps us in the dark? What did Jesus do for us? 4-5th: How can you be a light for Jesus at school? 7. (5 min) EXPLORE: Read John 8:12. Who is the light of the world? What does Jesus help us to see?(answer: Jesus is the light of the world. He came to bring hope and healing to all of us. He came to die for our sins so we could live a new life in him. The light of Jesus helps us in many ways: to recognize our sin problem, shows us how to live a life that honors him, and helps us to know how we can be a light to our friends and family so they can meet Jesus, too.) 8. (10 min) PLAY: Choose a group activity from Activity Page #2. 9. (5 min) CLOSE: Share prayer requests and pray as a class. Encourage kids to use the Family Guide at home with their parents - and remind them to go online to pursuegod.org/kids to find this week s lesson video. 1

2 ACTIVITY PAGE #2 Teacher instructions: Choose an activity for your classroom. OPTION 1: MATCHING GAME Bonus Activity: Bible Hangman Words or phrases: Light, Christmas, Jesus Instructions: Divide the class into groups of 4. Give each group a set of matching words (page 5-6). Have kids place cards face down. Have kids take turns playing a game of concentration; one kid flipping over 2 cards to find a match. If a match, they get to keep those cards and take another turn. If not a match, the next kid gets a turn. Play until all matches have been found. Supplies needed: Memory cards (pg. 5-6, precut, 1 set per group) OPTION 2:JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF BOOKMARK Instructions: Give each kid a bookmark template (page 7) Have kids color their bookmark. As they work, remind the kids that Jesus is the light of the world. He came to lead us out of darkness and into a relationship with God. Supplies needed: Bookmark template (pg. 7, precut, 1per kid) Crayons Bonus Activity: Find the Book Have the class get into pairs. Give each pair a Bible. Have them race to find the books below. Decide if each book is found in the OT or NT. Books: Exodus, John, Acts 2

3 Lights at Christmas FAMILY GUIDE 2nd - 3

4 ACTIVITY PAGE #1 Instructions: Solve the puzzles. Big Idea Key Question Memory Verse John 12: I have come as a to shine in this world, so that all who put their in me will no longer in the dark. 4

5 LIGHT LIGHT JESUS JESUS 5

6 HOPE HOPE 6

7 JESUS IS THE TRUE LIGHT AT JESUS IS THE TRUE LIGHT AT John 12:46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. John 12:46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 7