© Copyright, 1975, International Publication Services, FMB/IMB, of SBC

C46-14

Teachers Lessons

UNIT 1: FRIENDS HELP ME

AIM FOR UNIT: To help each child to understand that God planned for people to help one another.

God knew that people could not live by themselves. People need one another. We often need the help of our family and friends. Children can help others. Provide opportunities for the children to help others.

Lesson 40 Elisha's Room

Lesson 41 Farmer Boaz

Lesson 42 Four Helping Friends

Lesson 43 A Blind Man's Friend

UNIT 2: GOD MADE A GOOD WORLD

AIM FOR UNIT: To guide each child in becoming aware of God as Creator and to help each child understand that God planned and made the world.

Lesson 44 Day and Night

Lesson 45 Rain

Lesson 46 The Sun

Lesson 47 Growing Things

Lesson 48 The Beautiful World

UNIT 3: JESUS IS GOD'S BEST GIFT

AIM FOR UNIT: To guide each child in understanding why we have Christmas and to know that God sent his Son because he loved us.

Lesson 49 Angels Visit Mary

Lesson 50 The Birth of Jesus

Lesson 51 The Shepherds and Angels

Lesson 52 Gifts for Jesus

Lesson 40

ELISHA'S ROOM

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God planned for friends to help.

Bible Verse to Learn: "The Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8).

Songs: "Help Me to Be Kind" "I'm Glad Today" "Friends" "I Like to Go to Church"

Picture to Use: Number 40

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: 2 Kings 4:8-10

These verses explain how God provided for Elisha. A woman from the city of Shunem shared her food and her home with this servant of God. Elisha was grateful for her kindness.

Elisha was a prophet of God. He had a long ministry and performed many miracles. He saved a widow's sons from slavery. (Read 2 Kings 4: 1-7.) He brought a child back to life. (Read 2 Kings 4:8-37.) He healed the Syrian, Naaman, of leprosy. (Read 2 Kings 5.) He gave warnings that saved Israel from defeat by the Syrians.

Elisha often went to the city of Shunem. A woman there welcomed him in her home. She said to her husband, "I perceive this is a holy man of God." Because of his actions, Elisha was recognized as a man of God.

You will want to teach the children that God planned for friends to help one another. The woman helped her friend, Elisha.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1 . Welcome each child in a friendly way. Say, "I'm happy today because Mary (name each child) has come to Sunday School."

2. Sing: "I'm Glad Today"

3. Offering: Encourage the children to place their offering in the basket as soon as they arrive.

4. Prayer: Thank God for the church and friends.

5. Call the name of each child and mark in the roll book if the child is present. Have each one to stand as his name is called. Make a circle.

6. Sing: "I Like to Go to Church"

7. Ask, "What does mother do when guests come?" Let the children answer. "Do you help? What do you do?"

"Have you ever gone to visit other people? What did you do? Did you sleep there?" Let the children describe visits they have made.

8. Say, "Our story today is about a man who visited in a friend's home." Open Your Bible to 2 Kings 4 and tell the story:

ELISHA'S ROOM

"Hello, Past or Elisha. You look tired. Will you come to our house and rest awhile? Will you eat with us?" a woman called to Elisha.

"Thank you, but I have to travel," said Elisha.

"Please come. We want you to rest before you travel." The woman invited Pastor Elisha to her home.

Elisha accepted her kind offer. He was tired. He had walked a long way in the hot sun.

Elisha went into the house. The woman and her husband talked with Elisha. They prepared food for their friend.

"You have travelled through our village before," the woman said.

"Yes, I visit many villages. I pass through here very often," Elisha told her.

"You are always welcome to rest at our house."

When Pastor Elisha had rested, he continued his journey. Many times as he travelled he stopped and rested at his friend's house.

One day the kind woman said to her husband, "I believe Pastor Elisha really loves God. I'm glad he wants to sham God's Word with others. What can we do to help him?"

"We can build a room for him. We can put a bed and a chair in the room. When he comes he will have his own room. He can rest them.

The woman and her husband were happy. They had prepared a place for Elisha.

Elisha was happy, too. He was very thankful for the special room his friends provided.

9. Let the children act out having guests. Choose five children. Two can be in their house; the other three can be guests. Encourage the children to greet the guests properly. give each guest a chair. Perhaps "mama" will serve tea. After a few minutes, choose five other children to act out having guests.

10. Sing: "Friends"

11. Bible Verse: ;'The Lord is good* (Psalm 34:8). Repeat it with the children.

12. Sing: "Help Me to Be Kind"

13. Show Picture No. 40. Talk about Elisha and the room.

14. Pray, thanking God for friends who help us.

Lesson 41

FARMER BOAZ

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Friends help me to have food.

Bible Verse to Learn: "I will help you" (Isaiah 4 1:10).

Songs:

"Happy Sunday Morning" "God Takes Care of Me, I Know" "Help Me to Be Kind"

Picture to Use: Number 41

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Ruth 2.

Ruth and Naomi were widows. They moved to Bethlehem at the beginning of the harvest. Therefore they had no crops to harvest. In Bethlehem they saw workers cutting the grain and tying it into bundles. It was the custom that any loose pieces were left for the poor to collect. This is the way Ruth gathered food. Boaz, the owner of the field, was a friend who helped Ruth.

Today, friends often help one another in the field. They help to cultivate and plant the grain. They also help one another to harvest the crops. Ibis is part of God's plan.

Naomi, her husband and two sons had left Bethlehem because of a famine. They lived many years in the country of Moab. Her sons married girls from Moab. One of them married Ruth. After a few years both of Naomi's sons, as well as her husband, died.

Ruth returned to Bethlehem with Naomi. She helped her mother-in-law by gathering grain from the fields of Boaz.

Read Ruth 3 and 4. Ruth married Boaz and they had a son. They named him Obed. Obed's son was Jesse. Jesse's son was David who became King of Israel. Read Luke 2:4. Joseph was a descendant of Ruth and David.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome each child. Bend down so the children can see you as you talk with them.

2. Sing: "Happy Sunday Morning"

3. Let one child hold the offering basket. Others march past singing "Happy Sunday Morning."

4. Call each child's name and mark in your record book.

5. Play a Game: Say: "My head, my shoulders, my knees, my toes." As you name each part, put your hands on the part of the body you name. Let the children do the same. Repeat three times. Then say: "We all clap hands together." Start very slowly. Repeat a little faster.

6. Bring some food to show the Children. Perhaps a cob of maize, a banana, a tomato or beans. (Bring food you have at home.) Talk about how food grows. Who plants the seeds? Who gathers the harvest? Show the cob of maize. Say, "A woman in the Bible picked grain so she could have food. Maize is a kind of grain. God planned different grains for people to eat - maize, millet, barley, wheat, etc.

7. Open Your Bible to Ruth 2 and tell the story:

FARMER BOAZ

"Naomi, we have no food. I will go to the fields and gather some grain," Ruth said.

Soon Ruth came to a field where men were working.

"May I pick up the grain you drop?" she asked.

"Yes, Farmer Boaz will not mind if you do," the men replied

Ruth gathered grain in the hot sun. Later Farmer Boaz came to the field. He saw Ruth picking up grain that had fallen.

"Who is that woman?" he asked.

"She is Ruth. She comes from the country of Moab. She lives with Naomi," they said.

Farmer Boaz talked with Ruth. "You may continue to gather grain in my fields. Do not go to another's field. You may also have some water to drink."

Ruth said, "Thank you. Why are you being so kind to me? I am a stranger in your country."

"I have heard about your being kind. to Naomi. I want to help," Boaz replied.

Ruth worked until late that day. She had gathered plenty of grain.

"Ruth, where did you get so much grain?" Naomi asked.

"I went to the field of Farmer Boaz," answered Ruth. He said I could return every day to gather grain."

Naomi and Ruth thanked God for their friend Boaz. They were thankful for a friend to help them.

8. Ask, "What did Ruth do to help Naomi? Do you help your mother? How did Boaz help Ruth? God wants us to help others."

9. Sing: "Help Me to Be Kind"

10. Help the children learn the Bible verse, "I will help you" (Isaiah 41:10).

11. Show picture No. 41 and talk about Ruth and Boaz.

12. Sing: "God Takes Care of Me, I Know"

13. Thank God for the food he provides.

Lesson 42

FOUR HELPING FRIENDS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Friends help me when I am sick.

Bible Verse to Learn: "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17).

Songs: "My Best Friend Is Jesus" "Help Me to Be Kind" "Friends"

Picture to Use: Number 42

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Mark 2:1-12.

Many people came to Jesus to be healed. One man could not walk, so his friends carried him to Jesus. Help the children to understand that they can help friends when they are sick.

Jesus spent much time in Capernaum. He did many miracles there. It was in Capernaum that he healed the centurian's servant (Matthew 8:5-13) and also a nobleman's son (John 4:46-54). The feeding of the 5000 took place at Capernaum (Mark 6:33-50).

Jesus had returned to Capernaum. Many people wanted to see him. A great crowd gathered at the house.

The crippled man believed that Jesus could heal him. His friends also believed that Jesus could make him well. They carried him to Jesus and made a way for Jesus to see him.

Notice verse 5. Jesus first forgave the man his sins. Jesus knew the man's heart. Then he healed his legs. Jesus said, "That you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home."

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. 'Hold a mirror as you great each child. Say, "________, I'm glad you are here today. When I look at you, I see a special person. Look in the mirror and tell me whom you see," Call each child by name.

2. Sing: "Friends"

3. Let each child come to the front and give his offering.

4. Pray, thanking God for the gifts.

5. Sing: "My Best Friend Is Jesus"

6. Say, "It makes me happy to know Jesus is our best friend.

Jesus was always helping people. Do you remember a Bible verse that says, "Jesus ... went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Can you think of a Bible verse that tells us to help? See 2 Corinthians 1:24, (KJV): "We are helpers."

7. Sing: "Friends"

8. Say, "It is good to have friends. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times." Repeat the verse several times.

9. Open Your Bible to Mark 2 and tell the story:

FOUR HELPING FRIENDS

Four men were talking together. "Jesus is in town. He is preaching to the people. I wish our sick friend could see him. I believe Jesus could make him well."

They went to their friend's house. He was lying in bed. He could not walk. His legs could not move.

"Friend, Jesus is in town. Will you go and see him?" they asked.

"Oh, yes, but how will I go?' he asked.

"We will carry you on your sleeping mat," they said. They picked up the man's mat and carried him carefully.

When they reached the house where Jesus was, they saw many people. The sick man said, "I will not be able to see Jesus. There are too many people." The four men climbed the stairs. They put the sick man down on the roof. They began to loosen some of the roof. Finally they had an opening in the roof. They could see Jesus.

They lowered their friend down with ropes. Jesus saw the man and said, "Take up your mat and walk."

The sick man stood up immediately. His legs moved. He could walk.

His friends were glad they had helped.

10. Ask, "Do you know anyone who is sick?" If the children know someone, talk about ways they can help. (Be quiet, take care of younger children, take flowers, help tend the goats, etc.)

11. Play a sharing game. Have the children sit in a circle with their hands in their laps. Pretend to give each one a small rock. Give only one child the rock; the others guess who has it. Then that child gives the rock to another.

12. Sing: "Help Me to Be Kind"

13. Show picture No. 42. Notice the friends on the roof.

Lesson 43

A BLIND MAN'S FRIEND

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Jesus helps when no one else can.

Bible Verse to Learn: "Jesus ... went about doing good" (Acts 10:38).

Songs: "Happy Sunday Morning" "Praise Him" "Jesus Helped the Sick"

Picture to Use: Number 43

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: John 9.

Jesus healed a blind man to show the power of God. No one else had been able to make the blind man see. He praised Jesus and accepted him as the Son of God. Help the children understand that Jesus still helps us.

Jesus and his disciples were in Jerusalem for the worship services. He saw a man who needed help. The man had been blind since birth. The disciples wondered who was responsible. Jesus said it was not the result of his sins or the sins of his parents.

When the man was healed, he praised Jesus and thanked him for giving him his sight. The Pharisees tried to persuade the man to say that he could see before, but the man told the truth. Jesus had healed him.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome each child. Ask, "What did you see on your way to Sunday School?" Let each one answer.

2. Sing: "Praise Him"

3. Choose two children to pass the offering basket to the other children.

4. Pray, thanking God for all his blessings.

5. Call each name and mark those present in your record book.

6. Game: Tell the children to close their eyes. Ask, "What do you see?" Tell them to open their eyes. Choose one child. Ask him, "If you could not see, how would you know the other children?" Tie a cloth around the child's eyes. Say, "We have chosen a friend. We want you to know him. listen to his voice."

The other child will say, "I am here." Let the child whose eyes are covered with the cloth guess who has spoken. If he cannot tell, lead him to the child and let him touch the child. Now ask if he can tell who it is. Take off the cloth.

7. Talk about what it is like if you cannot see. Say, "I am thankful I can see, aren't you?"

8. Prayer: "Thank you, God, that we can see all the things you have made."

9. Sing: "Happy Sunday Morning"

10. Open Your Bible to John 9 and tell the story:

A BLIND MAN'S FRIEND

A man sat beside the dusty road. He heard people walking past him. He heard many sounds but he saw nothing. He was blind.

He had been blind since he was born. He had never been able to see. Every day he sat by the road. Every day he begged for money to buy food.

One day Jesus walked by. He saw the man. He made some clay and put it on the blind man's eyes.

Then Jesus told him, "Go wash in the Pool."

The blind man did as Jesus said. He went to the pool. He washed his eyes.

When the clay was washed away the man could see. He looked around him. He saw the blue sky. He saw men and women walking.

He was happy. He shouted, "I can see."

His neighbors looked at him. "Is this the blind man?" they asked.

The man said, "Yes, it is 1. A man named Jesus made clay. He put it on my eyes. Then he told me to wash my eyes. Now I can see."

"That is not possible. You have always been blind," they answered.

"I can see," he told them. "My friend, Jesus, helped me."

11. Ask, "What did Jesus do when he helped the blind man to see?" Let the children name what Jesus did: Spat, made mud, put the mud over the eyes.

12. Show picture No. 43. Talk about how the boy is helping a blind man.

13. Bible Verse: In the Bible we read the verse: "Jesus ... went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Let the children repeat it. Say, "Healing the blind man was one of the good things Jesus did as he went about."

14. Sing: "Jesus Helped the Sick"

15. Game: Let each child choose a partner. One will close his eyes. His partner takes his hand and leads him around the room. Repeat with the other child closing his eyes.

16. Prayer: Thank God for eyes to see, for hands and feet to help others.

Lesson 44

DAY AND NIGHT

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God planned for day and night.

Bible Verse to Learn: "God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night" (Genesis 1:5).

Songs: "God's Beautiful World" "We Love the Bible" "I Like to Go to Church"

Picture to Use: Number 44

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Genesis 1:1-5,14; 8:22; 28:10-16; Psalm 104:19-23.

These verses tell of God's creation. He is an Almighty God. He had a plan when he created the world. He made the day for work; he made the night for rest. This is God's plan.

Darkness was on the earth, and God decided to make light. He called 'the fight day. He created day on the first day of creation. On the fourth day the sun was made.

The darkness was called night and the moon and stars were made as lights in the night.

Read Genesis 28:40-16. Jacob was travelling. When the sun went down, Jacob stopped to rest. He used a stone for a pillow. While he was asleep he dreamed a dream. God gave Jacob a promise. He said he would be with Jacob and take care of him.

When Jacob awoke, he praised God for his promise.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children. When two or three children have come, hold hands, making a circle. Sing: "Sunday is a day of joy; we can come to church. Sunday is a happy day; that is why we sing."

2. As the children walk past the offering basket, sing "I Like to Go to Church."

3. As you call each child's name have him stand. Mark the record book.

4. Sing: "My Head, My Shoulders, My Knees, My Toes" (The words and actions are explained in lesson 41).

5. 'Ask, "When the sun sets in the evening what happens?' (It gets dark.) "What do you see in the sky at night?" (Moon and stars.) Say, "God was good to make the stars and moon to give us light at night. What do you like to do at night?" (Hear stories, sit around the fire, eat, be with parents, sleep.)

6. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

7. The Bible tells us that "God called the light Day and the darkness he called Night" (Genesis 1:5). Repeat the verse until the children learn it.

8. Say, "The Bible tells us many things about God. Aren't you glad we have the Bible?"

9. Sing: "We Love the Bible"

10. Open Your Bible to Genesis 28:10-16 and tell the story.

DAY AND NIGHT

God created the heavens and the earth. At first there was no land. There was nothing. It was very, very dark. There was no light at all.

Then God said, "Let there be light."

There was light. God saw that the light was good. The time of light he called day. He called the time of darkness night.

God made a promise. As long as there is an earth there will be day and night.

Jacob was on a long journey. He had walked a long way. When night came, he had no place to sleep. He laid his head down on a large stone. He went to sleep. (Show picture No. 44).

While Jacob was sleeping, he had a dream. In this dream God talked to Jacob.

God said, "I will take care of you. I am with you wherever you go."

After the dream Jacob woke up. He said to himself, "God is here with me. He will take care of me."

Jacob was glad for the night. He was glad for a time of rest. He was glad that God would always be with him.

Many years later a man wrote a song about night-time.

"God made the moon and the seasons.

The sun knows it is time to set. God made the darkness.

At night some animals come out of the forest.

The young lions look for food.

When the sun rises, they go away. They lie down in their dens.

Man gets up. He works until it is evening."

11. Isn't that a good song? That is written in the book of Psalms.

12. Game: Say, "Let's play we are chickens looking for food. I'll be the mother hen. (Call the children from place to place to "peck.") "Now it is night time. Cluck, cluck, come little chickens." (The children may squat down near the teacher and pretend they are chickens sleeping.)

"Now we are children playing in the day time. (Children dance around.) Now it is night time. We must sleep." (Children pretend to sleep.)

13. Prayer: "When at night I go to sleep, I know God will watch over me. When I awake in the morning I say 'thank you, God for the rest of the night' "

Lesson 45

RAIN

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God sends the rain.

Bible Verse to Learn: "'God ... gives the rain' " (Jeremiah 5:24).

Songs: "We're Glad Today" "God's Beautiful World"

Picture to Use: Number 45

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: I Kings 17:1; 18:1-2, 41-45; Isaiah 55:10; Joel 2:23.

These verses help us to understand that God controls the rain. God created the earth and everything on it. He planned to use rain to water the earth. Seeds would grow and provide food.

In I Kings we read about Elijah, the prophet of God. God sent Elijah to warn Ahab, king of Israel. God would not send rain for three years. People did not have food or water. Cattle were dying, there were no crops.

Again, God spoke to Elijah. He said he was going to send rain. Read I Kings 18:41-45 once again. It started to rain just as God had said. This showed the power of God.

Read Isaiah 55:10. God sends the rain. Rain causes the seeds to bear fruit. There is grass for the animals. There is food for all.

In Joel 2:23 we read that we should rejoice and thank God for the rain. This is a lesson which children can easily understand. God sends rain to give water for people, crops and animals.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome each child. Say, "I am glad you have come today. Look around and see something God has made." (On a table or mat place several nature objects such as grass, corn, rock, insect, etc.)

2. Sing: "We're Glad Today"

3. Encourage the children to give their offerings when they arrive,

4. Call each name and mark those present in the record book.

5. Sing: "God's Beautiful World

6. Say, "God has made a beautiful world." Show each of the nature objects. Let the children tell why they think God made each one.

Ask, "What helps trees and flowers to grow?" (God, sun, rain.)

Ask, "Do animals need water? Do people need water?" God sends rain because he cares for his people."

7. Bible Verse: " 'God ... gives the rain' " (Jeremiah 5:24). Repeat the verse with the children.

8. Open your Bible to I Kings and tell the story:

RAIN

"God says there will be no more rain for years. Only when God says, will there be rain," said Elijah.

Elijah was talking to King Ahab. Ahab had done many wrong things. God was going to stop the rains from coming.

Just as God had told Elijah, it did not rain. It did not rain for three years. The grass did not grow. The crops did not grow. There was not enough food or water.

One day God spoke to Elijah, "Go and tell King Ahab it will rain. I am going to send rain."

Elijah went up on a mountain to pray. He prayed and then said to his helper, "Look toward the sky. Do you see any cloud?"

Elijah sent his helper seven times to look for clouds. The seventh time, he ran back with joy.

He said, "I see a cloud. It is very small. It is only as big as a man's hand."

"You must tell Ahab. You must tell him it is going to rain. God is going to send the rain," said Elijah,

The small cloud grew bigger and bigger. It became darker and darker. The wind began to blow. It blew

stronger. A few small drops of rain fell. The drops got bigger. They came down faster. Soon a great rain covered the land.

9. Prayer: "Thank you God, for the rain."

10. Game: Choose three or four children to be seeds. They will squat down on the floor. Another child will be the rain. He will pretend to rain. A third child will be the sun. He stands with his arms raised over his head in a circle. As the rain falls the seeds grow a little. Also, when the sun shines the seeds grow. Repeat until the seeds are standing up full grown.

11. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

12. Show picture No. 45 and talk about the rain and the maize.

Lesson 46

THE SUN

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God gives the sun for light and warmth.

Bible Verse to Learn: " 'Your Father who is in heaven ... makes his sun rise"' (Matthew 5:45).

Songs: "Happy Sunday Morning" "God's Beautiful World"

Picture to Use: Number 46

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Genesis 1: 14-19; Psalm 74:16; Psalm 104:19, 22-23.

All of these verses are about the sun. God has power over all his creation. He made the sun to divide the night from day. Man works while the sun shines. He sleeps at night time. This is all part of God's plan.

God in his wisdom created the sun and the moon. These enable man to tell time. There are about twelve hours of light and twelve of darkness. When the sun rises in the east, it is time for man to awake. When it sets in the west, man can rest.

God is all powerful. He created and controls all of nature. God is wise. He planned for men to work and to rest. Man plants the seeds. God sends rain and sun. The plants grow; food is produced.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome the children by saying, "I am glad today, I am glad today, Mary (name of child) has come to Sunday School."

2. Offerings: The children should put their offerings in the offering basket as soon as they come.

3. Sing: "Happy Sunday Morning"

4. Nature Walk: Form a line. If you have more than ten children make two lines. Walk outside. Name things that are growing. Notice the shadow of a tree. Is it long? Ask, "Do you feel hot or cold? What makes you feed warm? (The sun.) "Who made the sun?" (God,.) Return to your meeting place.

5. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

6. Bible Verse: Let the children choose a marker in the Bible. Say each verse. Use the five verses for this unit: Genesis 1:5, Jeremiah 5:24, Matthew 5:45, Psalm 104:15, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

7. Open Your Bible to Psalm 104 and tell the story:

THE SUN

God created everything. He made the earth. He made the sky. He made the animals. He made the moon and stars. God made the sun.

Everything God made he made for a special reason. The sun is big and bright. It shines so we can have light. Light helps us to see how to work. If there were no light, we would live in darkness. We could not see to work or play.

The sun helps seeds to grow. Seeds need soil, water and sunshine. We plant the seeds just before the rains start. Rain helps the seeds to grow. But they also must have sunshine.

The sun is warm. It warms the earth. It makes us feel warm, too. Think about a cold night. It is dark and you are cold. Then morning comes. The sun begins to shine. You get up from your sleeping mat and walk into the sunshine. As you stand in the sunshine you feel warmer. Soon you are no longer cold. We thank God for the warm sun he has made.

The sun does work we can see. The sun helps to dry the rain from the earth. If there were no sun, min would begin to lie upon the ground. The water would get deeper and deeper.

If there were no sun, wet clothes would not get dry. The heat of the sun dries clothes.

We are thankful that God created the sun. The sun helps us in many ways.

8. Prayer: Thank God for the sun.

9. Song Verse:

Teacher says, "Oh who can make the sun shine?"

Children say, "I can't make the sun shine."

Teacher says, "Oh, who can make the sun shine?"

Children say, "No one but God can make the sun shine."

10. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

11. Nature Walk: Walk outside again. Notice the shadow of the tree, Is it shorter now? Explain that this is a way of telling time. At noon there will be shade only under the tree. In the afternoon the shadow will grow longer. It will be on the opposite side of the tree.

12. Prayer: "Thank you, God, for everything beautiful you have made."

13. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

14. Show picture No. 46. Name the things in the picture which God created: sun, tree, grass, mountains, etc.

Lesson 47

GROWING THINGS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God planned for planting the harvesting.

Bible Verse to Learn: "God causes the grass to grow" (Psalm 104:14).

Songs: "Happy Sunday Morning" "God's Beautiful World" "We're Glad Today"

Picture to Use: Number 47

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Genesis 1:11-12, 29-30; Genesis 8:22; Psalm 104:14; Matthew 13:1-8.

As you have noticed all the lessons in this unit are about God's creation. This lesson declares the glory of God as he created plant life. Children are aware of how food grows. Help them to realize that it is God's plan for people.

On the third day of creation God made plants to cover the dry land. He made trees and smaller plants. Some trees produce fruits. Others do not. The soil, sunshine and rain help the plants to produce food. Read Genesis 1:11-12. God called his creation good.

God created plants to be used as food. The animals eat grass. There are different plants that grow at different times of the year. Some need much rain; others need only a little. God planned for man to grow his food.

Jesus told a story about planting. Read Matthew 13:1-8. He was teaching about the spreading of his Word. He used the example of plants because everyone knew about planting, cultivating and harvesting.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome each child. Near the door place a basket containing fruit and vegetables. As a child comes, say "I am happy to see you, _______. Do you see something you like to eat in the basket? Our lesson today will be about God making food." (The child does not eat the fruit. He only says which fruit he likes.)

2. Place a cob of maize or other produce in the offering basket. Show that this is a way to give an offering to God.

3. Sing: "Happy Sunday Morning"

4. Pray, thanking God for the food.

5. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

6. Ask, "As you came to church what did you see? I saw something white and fluffy. What was it?" (A cloud.)

Let the children take turns describing what they saw.

7. Bible Verse: "God ... causes the grass to grow" (Psalm 104:14). Explain that it is God who causes all things to grow. Repeat the verse with the children.

8. Activity: Show the children a piece of fruit or vegetable. Talk about how we eat it-cooked or raw. Cut the fruit and show the seeds inside. Explain that the seeds can be planted and more fruit will grow. Some of the best fruits to use are: papaya, mango, orange, maize, passion fruit. Do not use bananas for they do not produce seeds.

9. Prayer: Thank God for his plan for making food.

10. Open Your Bible to Matthew 13:1-8 and tell the story:

GROWING THINGS

Jesus told about a farmer who sowed many seeds. The farmer went out to his fields to sow grain. He began to plant the seeds.

Some of the seeds fell into the path. They did not go into the ground. The birds saw the seeds and began to eat all the seeds on the path.

Some of the seeds fell on the stony soil. The seeds began. to grow quickly. But their roots could not grow because of the stones. These plants died in the hot sun.

Some of the seeds fell into the ground where weeds grew. These seeds sprouted and began to grow. The weeds also grew. The weeds crowded the seeds.

Soon there was no more room for the plants. These plants died also.

Some of the seeds fell into good soil. God caused the rain to fall. He made the sun to shine. These seeds sprouted and grew. They yielded much grain.

The Bible tells how God planned for things to grow. When God created the earth, he made seeds to grow into plants. A Song was written in the Bible about plants growing. The words tell us:

"God made grass to grow.

God has caused plants to grow for man to cultivate.

Man gets food from the plants."

11. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

12. Show picture No. 47. Ask, "What makes the maize grow?" (Rain, sun, seeds.) "What makes you grow?" (Food, rest, exercise.)

13. Game: Sing or say: "My Head, My Shoulders, My Knees, My Toes." (See lesson 41 for words and instructions.)

14. Sing: "We're Glad Today"

15. Thank God for helping us to grow.

Lesson 48

THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: God planned and made a beautiful world.

Bible Verse to Learn: "He has made everything beautiful" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Songs: 'Happy Sunday Morning" "God's Beautiful World" "I Like to Go to Church"

Picture to Use: Number 48

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Genesis I and 2; 9:12-16.

This scripture explains the creation of the world. It shows God's power and his wisdom. Everything God made was planned. He said, "It is good."

From the beginning, God caused the light to separate from the darkness. He made the sky, the earth, the seas and all the plant life. God created the sun and the moon. He made fish to swim and birds to fly. He made all animals. Then God made man. And he established a day of rest.

When you observe nature, you realize that God created everything. The flowers that bloom are beautiful. The blue sky with white clouds is also beautiful. God planned his world to be beautiful.

God placed man on the earth to care for the beautiful things he has created. When we look at things of nature, we remember that God loves all men.

Read Genesis 9:12-16. God gave the rainbow as a sign to man. He loves man and has made a promise not to destroy the world again by flood.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Arrive early so you can greet each child. As each one comes, give him flower or a green leaf. Say, "I'm glad you have come, ___________"

2. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

3. As the children march around the offering basket, sing "I Like to Go to Church."

4. Pray. "Thank you, God, for all your gifts. We give to you because we love you."

5. Call the name of each child and ask each one to name something God created. Mark in the record book.

6. Activity: Collect the flowers you gave the children. Arrange them in a jar at the front of the room.

7. Talk about the flowers. What colors are they? Do they have a smell? Who made them? Say, "Yes, God made them so the world would be beautiful."

8. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

9. Say, "We know God made the world beautiful because the Bible tells us." Read Ecclesiastes 3:11 . "He has made everything beautiful." Repeat it with the children.

10. Open Your Bible to Genesis 1 and tell the story:

THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD

God created the heaven and the earth. God made light and darkness. The light he called day. The dark he called night.

God made the land and waters. He made plants and trees to grow. God made the sun, the moon and stars. God made animals to walk on the land. He made fish to swim in the water and birds to fly in the sky. God made man.

God made the tall mountains. He made the green valleys. In the valleys he put tall, green trees and rivers of water.

God made dry, brown deserts with white sand. He made the sun bright and warm.

God made the big elephant with thick tough hide. He made the little rabbit with soft fur. God made the impala to run fast. He made the lion with a thick mane to cover his head. He made the leopard with spots.

God caused many pretty flowers to grow. There are red flowers and yellow flowers. There are white flowers and blue flowers.

God made the rain to come. The rain helps the flowers and trees to grow.

God made people to live in his beautiful world. People have arms and legs that move. They have eyes to see. They have voices to sing. People have hearts with which to love.

God created everything. He created everything different. God created everything beautiful.

11. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

12. Say: "God made everything beautiful, but human beings have not taken care of the world very well. Many beautiful trees are cut everyday. But people fail to plant a small tree to take the cut trees place. So many areas of our world have no trees where God put trees. Some of our grandmothers farmed badly and let the good soil run away into the rivers. Some factories put the waste they do not use in rivers. We am not taking good care of God's beautiful world. Can you think of something we can do together to add beauty to God's world?"

13. Plan with the children to plant a tree, plant some flowers, help terrace a field. Decide on a day and do the project this week.

14. Show picture No. 48. Let the children name beautiful things in the picture. Include girls and boys.

15. Pray, "Thank you, God, for making our world beautiful."

16. Sing: "God's Beautiful World"

Lesson 49

ANGELS VISIT MARY

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Mary heard good news.

Bible Verse to Learn: "'I will sing to the Lord'" (Exodus 15:1).

Songs: "God Loved Us and Sent His Son" "Jesus Loves Me" "I Like to Go to Church" "We're Glad Today"

Picture to Use: Number 49

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Luke 1:26-56.

The angel brought a message from God to Mary. Read verses 46-55. This is Mary's song of praise to God. Teach the children that Mary was happy when she heard the angel's message.

Mary was a young Jewish girl. She was not married, but she was engaged to Joseph. God's message to her was that she would bear the Son of God. She was told that his name would be Jesus.

Mary was willing to do whatever God wanted her to do. She told the angel that she wanted to obey God.

But Mary did have a question. Verse 34 says, "How can this be?" The angel's answer was that this would be done by the Holy Spirit.

Mary was very happy. She was thankful that God had chosen her for a very special work.

The Jews were expecting a Messiah. Mary would have believed that God would have sent the Messiah. She praised God for choosing her.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome each child. Arrive early.

2. Sing: "I Like to Go to Church" 3. Let two children pass the offering basket so that all may give their offerings.

4. Prayer: "Lord, since you give me everything, I now gladly bring a gift to You."

5. Call each name and mark in the record book.

6. Sing: "He Loved Us and Sent His Son"

7. Place marker in your Bible for Exodus 15:1. Let a child open the Bible at the place where a marker is. Read "I will sing to the Lord" to the children. Let them repeat it until they learn it.

8. Ask, "Are you happy today? What makes you happy?" Give the children time to answer.

9. Sing: "We're Glad Today"

10. Ask, "Do you like to hear about good things that are going to happen'? I know a Bible story about a young woman who heard about something good that was going to happen."

11. Open Your Bible to Luke 1 and tell the story:

THE ANGEL VISITS MARY

One day Mary was working at home. She heard a voice speak to her.

"You are blessed. God is with you," the angel said.

Mary was troubled when she heard the angel speaking. She did not know what he would tell her.

"Do not be afraid, Mary. I have good news to tell you. You are going to have a baby. You will name him Jesus. He will be great. He will be God's Son."

When the angel had finished speaking with Mary, he left. Mary was very happy when she thought about the news. She decided to visit Elizabeth, her cousin. She wanted to tell Elizabeth the good 'news. When Mary arrived at Elizabeth's house she greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary speak, she knew Mary's good news. "Mary, you are blessed by God," she said.

Mary and Elizabeth talked together. "I praise God," Mary said. "My heart rejoices. God will be able to use me. All people will call me blessed. God is mighty. He has done great things for me."

"His name is holy. God is merciful. He is strong. He will put down the proud people. Those who are humble will be lifted up."

"God promised he would deliver this people. He will deliver them through Jesus."

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months. One day she said, "I have enjoyed my visit. Now it is time for me to go back to my home."

12. Show picture No. 49. What was Mary's good news? Talk with the children about the angel and Mary.

13. Sing: "He Loved Us and Sent His Son"

14. Prayer: "Thank you, God, for happy times. Thank you for times we hear good news. Thank you for giving Mary good news that Jesus would be born."

15. Game: Say, "Stand up and reach as high as you can. Now touch your toes. Now follow me as I walk around the room." Name other actions for the children to do.

16. Activity: Sit in a circle. Say, "I have some news. I will tell _______." Name the child sitting by you. He will tell the one sitting next to him, etc. Continue until everyone in the circle has told the news to the person next to him. The news to tell is: "God loves you."

17. Sing: "Jesus Loves Me"

Lesson 50

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Jesus, the Son of God, was born.

Bible Verse to Learn: "God ... loved us and sent his Son" (I John 4: 10).

Songs:

"Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World" "He Loved Us and Sent His Son"

Picture to Use: Number 50

Bible Lawn For The Teacher To Study At Home: Luke 2:1-7.

Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. They had to sleep in a stable because there was no room vacant. While they were staying in the stable, Mary gave birth to Jesus. She understood that this child was the One God had promised to send.

Mary and Joseph travelled about 115 kilometers. They had to go to Bethlehem because that was where Joseph had been born. They went to sign the census book. Bethlehem is one of the oldest towns in Israel. The prophet Micah had predicted that the Messiah would be born there.

Do you remember the lesson about Ruth and Boaz? Revise lesson 41. Boaz's son was Obed. Obed's son was Jesse. And Jesse's son, David, was a relative of Joseph. God's plan for the birth of Jesus was working many years before Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem.

The people of Bethlehem were not aware that the Messiah had been born. Even Mary and Joseph did not fully understand. Yet they knew that they were part of God's plan.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Welcome: Say to each child, "I am happy today. I am happy today, ____________ has come to Sunday School."

2. Offerings: Say, "One way we can share our happiness is by bringing our gifts to God."

3. Sing: "We're Glad Today"

4. Call each child's name; have him stand as you call his name.

5.. Sing: "Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World"

6. Activity: Make a stable. Use sticks, clay and dry grass for the roof. It can look like the drawing to the right. Let the children help you make it.

7. Talk about the stable. Ask, "Who stays in a stable?" (Cows, donkeys, goats and other animals.) "What do you think is inside?" (Straw, grass and perhaps water.) Say, "Many years ago something very important happened in a stable. Listen to the story."

8. Open Your Bible to Luke 2 and tell the story:

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

"The king says every person must go to his own village. Each one must write his name in a book. We will have to go to Bethlehem," Joseph said.

Mary knew it would be a long journey. She also knew that God would take care of them.

She collected food and clothes. Joseph helped Mary upon the donkey. They started the long trip. Joseph led the donkey along the path.

Joseph knew Mary was tired. Many times they stopped and rested. They met many people along the way. Each was returning to his village as the king commanded.

"Joseph, is it much further?" Mary asked.

They came to the top of a hill. Just ahead Joseph could see the village. "Look, there is Bethlehem. We will soon be there."

Mary was happy when the donkey walked into the village. Joseph went to the inn.

"Sir, we need a place to sleep tonight. We have travelled far and are very tired," Joseph said.

"I am sorry, but I have no mom room. Many people have come into town. I have no more room," said the man.

The man could see that Mary was very tired. He said, "You may sleep where we keep the cattle. I will get fresh, clean straw for you. I am sorry, but it is all I have."

Joseph looked at Mary. Mary said, "Yes, Joseph we must rest."

That night Baby Jesus was born. Mary wrapped him in warm, soft clothes. She laid him in a manger.

9. Say, "I want to thank God for sending Jesus." Ask, "Would any of you like to pray?"

10. Sing: "He Loved Us and Sent His Son"

11. Say, "We have Christmas because God loved us and sent his son." Let the children complete the verse. Then turn to I John 4:10. Show the children the verse. Ask them to say with you, "God ... loved us and sent his Son" (I John 4:10).

12. Show picture No. 50. Talk about Mary and the baby. Explain that a stable has walls and a roof. The manger was the place where the straw for the cattle was put. It was clean and dry.

13. Talk about the animals that might have been in the stable. Let the children name them. Ask, 'What do you think the cow did for Jesus?" (Gave his manger for a bed for Jesus.) "What did the donkey do?" (Carried Mary to Bethlehem.) "What did the sheep do?' (Gave wool for a blanket.)

14. Sing: "He Loved Us and Sent His Son"

Lesson 51

THE SHEPHERDS AND ANGELS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: The angel sang of Jesus' birth.

Bible Vent to Learn: "I will praise ... God with a song" (Psalm 69:30).

Songs: "He Loved Us and Sent His Son" "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" "Happy Sunday Morning" "Praise Him"

Picture to Use: Number 51

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Luke 2:8-20.

Shepherds were tending their sheep. An angel of the Lord told them of the birth of the Saviour. Then other angels sang a song praising Jesus' birth.

The shepherds were told first of the birth of Christ. God knew they would believe what the angel told them.

When the angel appeared, they were afraid. Read inverse 10 what the angel told them. The angel had good news. He said, "Christ the Saviour is born."

Immediately other angels joined to sing praises to God. They sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men" (Luke 2:14).

The shepherds went quickly to Bethlehem. They found Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the stable. They told everyone they met about the angel's message.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. Sing: "Happy Sunday Morning" as the children come.

2. Say, "We give Jesus our praise by singing. What other ways can we give him praise and share our love? By giving our offerings." Allow the children to put their offerings in the plate.

3. Thank God for the gifts.

4. Sing: "He Loved Us and Sent His Son"

5. Read Psalm 69:30. "1 will praise God with a song." Repeat it with the children. Ask, "How does the verse say we will praise God?"

6. Sing: "Praise Him" and "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks."

7. Ask, "Why do we have Christmas?" Give the children time to answer. If they do not say, "God loved us and sent his Son", say the verse for them. Say, "I have a marker in my Bible. The marker is at a place that has a story about the shepherds who saw Jesus." Let one of the children open the Bible at the place where the marker is.

8. Keep the Bible Open at Luke 2 and tell the story:

THE SHEPHERDS AND ANGELS

The night was very quiet. The stars were shining in the sky. The sheep lay huddled close together. The shepherds sat in a circle around the fire. They talked quietly among themselves. The night was dark and very still.

Suddenly a great light shone on the shepherds. They were surprised. They were frightened. The light was so bright they could not look up. They covered their faces.

An angel said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news. This good news will make you happy. All people will hear of this good news."

"Jesus has been born in Bethlehem. He will be the Saviour of the world. You will find him lying in a manger."

Suddenly there were many angels in the sky. They sang a song of praise. They sang: "Glory to God in the highest. May there be peace on earth among men."

The shepherds looked at each other. One said, "Let us go to Bethlehem. Let us see the baby the angel told us about."

Quickly the shepherds put out their fire. They gathered their walking sticks. They walked quickly into town. Perhaps they talked as they travelled.

"Will we be able to find the baby?"

"Just think! The angels brought us the good news!"

They found the place where Mary and Joseph were staying. They saw Baby Jesus. He was lying in a manger just as the angel had said. The shepherds praised God for sending Jesus. They told everyone they saw about the good news.

9. Say, "I want to thank' God for sending his Son, Jesus. Would you like to thank God?" Let any who wants to pray do so.

10. Drama: Let the children act out the Christmas story. You will choose children to be: an angel (who spoke to Mary), Mary, Joseph, the innkeeper, another angel, several angels. (Do not include, the wise men until next week.)

11. Sing: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"

12. Show picture No. 51. Ask, "What did the angels tell the shepherds?"

13. Sing: "He Loved Us and Sent His Son"

Lesson 52

GIFTS FOR JESUS

PREPARING THE LESSON AT HOME:

Lesson Emphasis: Jesus received gifts.

Bible Verse to Learn: "Give thanks to the Lord" (Psalm 136:1).

Songs: "We're Glad Today" "The Happy Way" "He Loved Us and Sent His Son" "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" "Praise Him"

Picture to Use: Number 52

Bible Lesson For The Teacher To Study At Home: Matthew 2:1-12.

The wise men travelled to Bethlehem looking for the king of the Jews. They were looking for Jesus. They brought gifts to him because they loved him.

The wise men were men who studied the stars. A new star meant that a king had been born. They had been expecting a new ruler. The ruler would bring peace to that part of the world.

They took gifts as they travelled towards the new star. They had to travel many days. They probably rode camels to Bethlehem.

King Herod was upset when the wise men came to Jerusalem asking about a new king. God knew the heart of Herod. He warned the wise men not to go back to Herod. They travelled home another way.

The star which the wise men saw in their land appeared as they left Jerusalem. This star led to Bethlehem where Jesus was.

When the wise men saw Jesus, they bowed down. They worshipped him. They gave gifts and praised God.

TEACHING THE LESSON:

1. As you greet the children, sing "We're Glad Today," Ask them to tell what they are glad for today.

2. Say, "The wise men brought gifts to Jesus. We can bring our gifts, too." Let each child come and put his offering in the basket.

3. Call each name. Make a circle as you name each child.

4. Game: The children are to do what you do. Say, "I thank God for my feet. (Move feed up and down, but stay in the same place.)

I thank God for my hands. (Shake hands with someone.)

I thank God for my ears. (Put hands on cars.)

I thank God for my eyes. (Put hands on eyes.)

I thank God for my mouth. (Put hands on lips.)

Ask, "How can we use these things to please God?"

5. Sing: "Praise Him"

6. Ask, "When your baby brother or sister was born, did anyone come to visit? How did they know you had a new baby? The friends who came were happy, weren't they? Some visitors came to see Jesus, too."

7. Open Your Bible to Matthew 2 and tell the story:

GIFTS FOR JESUS

Come and look! There is a new star," a wise man said. What does it mean?"

"I believe it means a new king has been born. Let us follow the star. Let us see the king. We will take him gifts," another said.

The wise men were very wise. They studied the stars. They knew this was a special star in the sky.

The men began to get ready for their trip. They loaded their camels with their supplies and gifts. Each took a very special gift for the new king. One took gold. Another took sweet smelling frankincense. The other took a very expensive spice called myrrh.

The men travelled a long time before they came to Jerusalem. They went to see King Herod. They asked him about the new king. King Herod was troubled to hear this news. He did not know of another king. Herod asked his wise teachers about this.

"The prophets say that he will be born in Bethlehem. He will rule the people of Israel," said one of the teachers.

King Herod did not want a new king. "Go and find this child. When you find him tell me. I want to worship him also."

Herod was a wicked man. He did not want to worship Jesus. He wanted to kill him.

The wise men left. They followed the star to Bethlehem. They found Jesus with his mother. They fell down and worshipped him. They gave him their gifts. They praised God for sending the new king.

That night an angel came to the wise men. The angel warned them not to tell Herod. They went home a different way.

8. Show picture No. 52. Talk about the wise men and why they came to see Jesus.

9. Pray, thanking God for sending Jesus.

10. Sing: "He Loved Us and Sent His Son"

11. Lead the children to learn, "Give thanks to the Lord" (Psalm 136: 1).

12. Prayer:

Teacher: "For Jesus who was once a child."

Children: "We thank you, God."

Teacher: "For homes and love around us."

Children: "We thank you, God."

Teacher: "For friends and love in all the world."

Children: "We thank you God."