3 rd -6 th. God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7. Lesson #4-11. Sunday, November 19, 2017

Transcription

1 Sunday, November 19, 2017 Lesson #4-11 God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 3 rd -6 th Key Verse: The Point: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Isaiah 9:2a The prophet promises the people a new king, one that will be the presence of God s light in the world. Making Connections: Promises of Hope Bible Nuts & Bolts: The Messiah Spiritual Practice: Prayer 1

2 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Activities Supplies Explore the symbolism of light and darkness. Optional: whiteboard or large sheet of paper, marker Students learn the meaning of Messiah. Bibles Bottle or pitcher of oil Perform the Isaiah text as a skit. Activity Sheet #4-11.A Optional: highlighters Use lights to worship God. Battery-operated light sources or glow sticks Create a reminder of God s light. Activity Sheet #4-11.B Covered jars Glow in the dark paint Paint brushes Glue Paint smocks or old t-shirts 2

3 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Decorate candles for family devotions. Listen to our Bible passage sung. White candles (tapers or pillars) Tempera paints Narrow paint brushes Paint smocks or old t-shirts A recording of the For unto us a child is born chorus from Handel s Messiah Music player Students continue their own Bible storybook. Bible Book page (found at end of lesson) Cardstock or plain paper Pens Markers or crayons Optional: three-ring binders, hole punch None 3

4 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Background for Teachers Story Connections Today your class continues on our journey through the Hebrew prophets with Isaiah 9:1-7. This text is often heard during Advent as a promise of the coming Messiah. Prophetic language can be difficult to understand, and it is important to remember that it is often the language of poetry and therefore the images should be understood symbolically. Story Summary: God s Light Shines in Darkness God s people were experiencing a dark time. Although the precise audience and time period who originally received this prophesy is debated by scholars, the people Isaiah refers to have definitely experienced difficulty. The darkness that the people have lived and walked in is not literal darkness, but figurative language. This is addressed to a people who have known oppression and violence (Isaiah 9:4-5), and most likely hunger due to famine or destruction of crops (verse 3). Yet in the midst of this darkness, God promised the coming of a Messiah who would bring light, peace, and joy. This Messiah is promised to bring an ever-expanding and everlasting kingdom in which will be justice and righteousness. This will be the final and complete fulfillment of this prophecy, begun at the Incarnation of Jesus and awaiting completion at the Messiah s return as described in Revelation 21 and 22. Both in the spread of Jesus love here and now and the future coming together of heaven and earth, the light of God shines and destroys the darkness. The Point The prophet promises the people a new king, one that will be the presence of God s light in the world. God sent a prophet to speak a word of comfort to the people living in darkness. Life will not always be full of suffering and oppression. The prophet Isaiah tells the people that God is sending a child, a king. While the prophecy may indeed refer to King Hezekiah as a king who will soon bring the people peace, the forever aspect of the promise can only be fulfilled by the promised Messiah. Bible Nuts and Bolts: The Messiah This lesson will introduce the meaning of the word Messiah, which means Anointed One in Hebrew. Samuel marked David as the new king of Israel by pouring oil on his head, or anointing him. Anointing was the way that the Israelites set apart their kings, priests, and prophets for the work God had given them. However, God had given promises throughout the Scriptures of a coming Servant who would bring salvation to God s people and peace to the world. This Servant was understood as the promised Messiah. This Messiah was revealed in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who in the common Greek language of the time was called the Christ, which is Greek for Anointed One. Spiritual Practice: Prayer There are a variety of ways to pray. Today, students will name persons for whom they are thankful, and pray a responsive prayer of thanks for their light and influence. 4

5 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Lesson Plan Explore the symbolism of light and darkness. You will need: Optional: whiteboard or large sheet of paper, marker During class: 1. Today we will continue with our exploration of the prophets. Last week we talked about the prophets. What is the job of a prophet? [To speak for God, tell people what God wants them to hear.] 2. We will hear today from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah uses a lot of images, or wordpictures, to say what God wants the people to hear. One of the word-pictures he uses is about light and darkness. 3. What are some of the things that make light? [The sun, light bulbs, fire, etc.] 4. What feelings or thoughts come to mind when you hear the following words and phrases (write these words on the whiteboard or mural paper): Light, sunlight, a light bulb going on, and campfire? [Happy feelings, warm, comfortable, being able to see, having an idea, good, etc.] 5. What feelings or thoughts come to mind when you hear the following words and phrases (write these words on the whiteboard or mural paper): Dark, deep darkness, shadow, being in the dark, and blackout? [Sadness, confusion, fear, cannot see, evil, etc.] 6. Often people use the image of light to indicate that something is good or happy, and the image of dark or darkness to indicate that something is bad or scary. What can you think of from books, movies, or other stories that use light and dark in these ways? [The light side and dark side of the Force, conquering Voldemort, etc.] 5

6 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Learn the meaning of Messiah. You will need: Bibles Bottle or pitcher of oil During class: 1. Several weeks ago, we learned about Samuel following God s instructions and choosing the next king of Israel. What did Samuel do to David to mark him as the next king? [Anointed him with oil, poured oil on his head.] 2. Samuel marked David as the next king by anointing him with oil, which simply means to pour oil on his head. Pretend to pour the oil on someone s head. This was how God told the people of Israel to mark their kings. 3. They did not use the word Anointed because that is an English word. The people of Israel used the word Messiah. So, a messiah was someone who was anointed to be a king. 4. However, God promised many times to the people of Israel that a very special person would be coming to be a very special king. This Messiah would represent God in a very special way. There is a promise of this Messiah here in our Isaiah passage for today. 5. Look up Isaiah 9:1-7 in the Bible. Help children find it as needed. Read the passage to the students, or invite older volunteers to read. 6. Different people had different ideas of who this Messiah would be. Hundreds of years after our Bible story today, some of the people spoke a different language, called Greek. Do you know what word they used to mean Anointed or Messiah? They said Christ. Who do you think the Messiah is? [Jesus!] Yes, Jesus is the promised Messiah of God! 7. Let s listen for the promise of the Messiah in today s Bible story. 6

7 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Perform the Isaiah text as a skit. You will need: Activity Sheet #4-11.B Optional: highlighters Before class: 1. Make copies of the skit script for each actor. To save time in class, you may wish to highlight the different parts before class. During class: 1. Select five actors from the class. If you have less than five available actors, Person 2 and Person 3 s parts can be combined. Any teachers or others can also take parts as necessary. 2. After the skit has been performed, ask: What did the people of Israel mean by being in the dark? [They meant that things were bad.] 3. In what way were things bad for the people? [They were slaves, they were starving.] 4. Tell us about a time when things seemed dark to you, a time when you were sad, scared, sick, or angry. Allow, but do not pressure, students to share their stories. You may want to set an example by sharing a story yourself. If a student says anything that concerns you about their past or present situation, please share your concern with your pastor. 5. Did Isaiah bring good news or bad news to the people? What was it? [Good news that there would come a time when there would be joy, freedom, peace, and justice.] 6. Who would bring about this joy, freedom, peace, and justice? [The child that will be born.] 7. Tell us about a time when someone brought you joy, peace, or comfort. What happened? Who brought it? Allow students to share their stories. Feel free to share a story yourself. 8. Who do you think the child mentioned by Isaiah is? [Jesus!] For older students, you may explain that prophecies in the Bible usually had more than one meaning or fulfillment. Isaiah was probably referring both to the coming Messiah in the distant future (and to the end of this age as described in Revelation) and to the birth of the king Hezekiah of Judah, through whom God would save the southern kingdom from invasion. 7

8 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Use lights to pray to God. You will need: Battery-operated light sources or glow sticks During class: 1. Set up a place for students to sit comfortably in a circle with candles or lights in the center. Once students are sitting quietly, turn off the main lights and light the candles (or turn on the lights). 2. God is the one who brings every good thing into our world. We are going to take some time to pray to God and thank God. We will quietly name places, times, and people where you have seen God s light. We usually see God s light in anything that is happy, good, or beautiful. When one of us names a light, let us all quietly say, Praise God, who brings light to dark places! 3. You may go around in a circle one or more times, or have students call out their light in a random order. 4. You may also incorporate a time of prayer in which students name places of darkness, fear, sickness, or anger and respond with, Mighty God, bring light to this dark place! 8

9 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Create a reminder of God s light. You will need: Activity Sheet #4-11.B Covered jars, such as canning or baby food jars Glow in the dark paint Paint brushes Glue Paint smocks or old t-shirts Before class: 1. Make copies of Activity Sheet #4-11.B and cut the words into strips to fit around the jars. Make enough for one per student. During class: 1. Give each student a jar and cover and a paintbrush. Squeeze a small amount of paint into the cover of their jar to use as a paint tray. 2. We are going to make a reminder that God s light shines in darkness. We will turn these jars into glowing reminders, and then add our lesson theme to help us remember. 3. Show students how to place dots of paint on the inside of their jar. The more dots, the more their completed project with glow. 4. When students have completed painting their jar, give each a strip from Activity Sheet #4-11.B, and glue on the jar. 5. If possible, set the jars under a light to charge. At the end of class, turn off the lights and view your creations. 6. When you see these jars glowing at night, remember that let s say it together God s light shines in darkness. 9

10 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Decorate candles for family devotions. You will need: White candles (tapers or pillars) Washable paints Small paint brushes Paint smocks or old t-shirts During class: 1. Have students each decorate a candle, with various colors, symbols, pictures, or words to remind them of God s promise of light, peace, and justice. For example, students can paint lines of fire colors; paint a sun, moon, or stars; paint a cross or other religious symbol; write the word Peace or Love. 2. You and your families can use these candles as part of your family devotions time or at special meals to remind you of the promise of God s light, even in times of darkness. 10

11 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Listen to our Bible passage sung. You will need: A recording of the For unto us a child is born chorus from Handel s Messiah Music player During class: 1. Using CDs, YouTube videos, or other recordings, play all or part of the chorus For unto us a child is born so that students can hear today s Bible passage put to music. Several YouTube videos are available that include the lyrics. 2. Discuss the following: How is hearing these words sung different from hearing them read? Did you enjoy this type of music? Do you think it fit the words? What type of music would you have used? What do you think the composer, Handle, is trying to make you feel through his music? 11

12 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Optional ongoing activity. You will need: Bible Book page (found at end of lesson) Cardstock or plain paper Pens Markers or crayons Optional: three-ring binders, hole punch Before class: 1. Make copies of this week s Bible Book page on cardstock or copy paper for each student. During class: 1. Hand out Bible Book pages. 2. What are some of the important things we have learned from today s story? [Answers will vary.] 3. On the bottom of your page, please write one or two important things that you have learned from the story today. In the middle of the page, draw a picture from the story or illustrate one of the important things you ve learned. Don t forget to put your name on the back of the page, please! 4. Optional: Collect and three-hole punch the pages, and put them in individual binders for each student to be kept at church until the end of the year. If you wish, you can investigate other options for binding the Bible books through a local print shop at the end of the year instead of using a three-ring binder. 12

13 Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Before ending class, make a point to come together to pray. Use the following or say your own prayer. Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Thank you for shining the light of your goodness and peace throughout the world. Help us to love the people around us so that we shine with your light, bringing light to others. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. 13

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15 Activity Sheet #4-11.A Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 Characters: Person 1 of Israel Person 2 of Israel Person 3 of Israel Isaiah the Prophet The Child The Light in the Darkness Perform the Isaiah text as a skit. (Persons 1, 2, and 3 are on the stage standing around. Isaiah and the Child are off stage) Person 1: Person 2: Person 3: Person 1: Person 2: Person 1: Person 3: Person 2: Person 3: Isaiah: Person 3: Isaiah: Person 2: Isaiah: Person 1: Isaiah: Person 3: Person 1: Isaiah: Person 2: (Looking around, pretending it is dark) Boy, it s really dark over here. (Looking around, confused) What do you mean, the sun is shining. There are a few clouds over there, but I don t think you can call it dark. (Looking up) Nope, not dark. Well, maybe not dark in the whole there is no light kind of way. Huh? I don t get it. I m being figurative. You know, using the word dark to mean things are really bad here. That I can agree with! Yeah, I am not exactly enjoying starving to death. No kidding. Being a slave and getting beaten with a rod is horrible. (Using an announcer-like voice) But, there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. What? Who are you? I m Isaiah, a prophet of the LORD. Are you going to tell us our fortunes? No! I m telling you the message God wants to tell you. No gloom is good. That means the darkness is going away, right? The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You talk funny. I think he s telling us that things are going to get better. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest. Who, me? I didn t multiply anything. I never was really good at math. 15

16 Activity Sheet #4-11.A Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 The Light in the Darkness Perform the Isaiah text as a skit. Person 1: No, I think he s talking to God. God is going to make things better. We re going to be happy and joyful. Person 3: Does that mean it s party time? Person 1: Uh, no. I don t think that s happened yet. Things are still pretty bad here. Person 2: But, he said, you have increased its joy, which means it already happened. Isaiah: (Waving a hand in front of their faces, speaking normally) I am right here you know. Yes, this prophecy is about the future. Person 2: But Isaiah: Just accept it and move on. (Back in announcer-voice) For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of the oppressor, you have broken. Person 3: Hey, that means we won t be slaves anymore! We will be free! Isaiah: For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. Person 2: Gross. Why is he talking about blood? Person 1: (Excited) I think he s saying that there won t be any more fighting or wars! Isaiah: (Pointing dramatically to the Child, who stands up and comes forward) For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Person 3: (Speaking to the Child) Whoa! Who are you? Where did you come from? Child: God sent me to bring peace, freedom, and justice. Isaiah: His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. Person 2: Woohoo! Things aren t always going to be bad! There is hope! Person 1: (Speaking to the Child) But, who are you? When are you coming? (Isaiah and the Child walk away. Before they leave or sit down, the Child turns back to the people.) Child: I am coming soon! 16

17 Activity Sheet #4-11.B Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 God Shines Glow Jars Create a reminder of God s light. God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 17

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19 Bible Book Lesson #4-11 (3rd-6th) November 19, 2017 God s Light Shines in Darkness Isaiah 9:1-7 I learned: 19

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21 The Home 3 rd -6 th Living the Word: Teaching Kids God s Story Narrative Lectionary, Year 4 ( ) Lesson #4-11 Isaiah 9:1-7 Last Week Last week we began a new unit looking at God s promises. Through the story of Amos, we learned that even in difficult times, God remains with and protects God s people (Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24). This Week This week Isaiah reminds us that God is always with us, and that God s light will shine even in our periods of darkness. Story Summary God s people were experiencing a dark time. The darkness that the people have lived and walked in is not literal darkness, but figurative language. This is addressed to a people who have known oppression and violence (Isaiah 9:4-5), and most likely hunger due to famine or destruction of crops (verse 3). Yet in the midst of this darkness, God promised the coming of a Messiah who would bring light, peace, and joy. This Messiah is promised to bring an everexpanding and everlasting kingdom in which will be justice and righteousness. Practice: Prayer There are a variety of ways to pray. Today, students names persons for whom they are thankful, and prayed a responsive prayer of thanks for their light and influence. As a family, name those people who have been a light in your life. As each person is named, respond with Thanks, God, for the light! Next Week The Point The prophet promises the people a new king, one that will be the presence of God s light in the world. Bible Nuts & Bolts The Messiah This lesson will introduce the meaning of the word Messiah, which means Anointed One in Hebrew. Samuel marked David as the new king of Israel by pouring oil on his head, or anointing him. Anointing was the way that the Israelites set apart their kings, priests, and prophets for the work God had given them. However, God had given promises throughout the Scriptures of a coming Servant who would bring salvation to God s people and peace to the world. This Servant was understood as the promised Messiah. This Messiah was revealed in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, who in the common Greek language of the time was called the Christ, which is Greek for Anointed One. Next week we continue to hear about God s promises of hope as Jeremiah paints a vision of a better future.

22 @ HOME Lesson #4-11 Isaiah 9:1-7 Family Discussions Use the questions below or other questions you think of to discuss today s Scripture reading (listed above) with your family. In what way does this text speak to our theme of Promises of Hope? What does this scripture have to do with our lives today? What part of this scripture is the most interesting to you? Why? Family Devotions As you hear and study these stories each week, consider what God has to say to you and your family. What is God s message to us? How should we respond? Sunday Read Isaiah 9:1-7 God s light shines in the darkness. Have each family member share a time when things felt dark to them, a time when they were sad, hurt, or sick. How did you move out of that time? Monday Read Isaiah 9:8-21 Isaiah's pronounces judgment against arrogance and oppression. There is a difference between self-confidence and arrogance. What are you good at? In what areas has God given you gifts? How could this self-confidence turn to arrogance? Tuesday Read Isaiah 11:1-9 Isaiah shares a vision of the peaceful kingdom. Isaiah paints a picture of what is sometimes called the Peaceable Kingdom. Have everyone close their eyes and imagine a world where there is no sickness, hurt, hate, or fear (animals don t even hunt each other). Instead there is only love, peace, and justice. Praise God for this future. Wednesday Read Jeremiah 1:4-19 Jeremiah is called. Pray for God to send you to spread Jesus love to the people in your life. Name one person to whom you think God can send you. Thursday Read Jeremiah 25:1-14 Jeremiah prophesies exile. These words of Jeremiah are quite dramatic. Take turns acting out how you think Jeremiah acted when he gave his prophecy. Friday Read Jeremiah 27:1-22 Jeremiah prophesies exile again. Jeremiah makes multiple references to yoking. Do an online search to learn what it means to yoke an animal. What is Jeremiah saying with this comparison? Saturday Read 2 Kings 25:1-21 Judah is taken into exile. Use blocks and small characters to act out this battle scene. Even in the midst of great destruction, God is with God s people.