I Hope…
Ask your children to complete the sentence: I hope __________.
What is hope? (confident expectation)
What are the chances that our hopes will come true? (It depends on the person we are hoping in; it depends on what we are hoping for; etc.)
The hope that you get a new game for your birthday depends on the people who know you and might give you a new game.
What does it mean when we say that Jesus is our hope? (believing He will do what He says He will; believing He will do what is best; belief and certainty in who Jesus is, etc.)
Jesus is our hope. We can trust Him completely and know that if He has promised it, He will do it.
Copycat
Play Copycat to talk about following an example. Pick one person to be the model and all the others will be copycats. The model will perform simple actions (lift an arm, raise a leg, pat stomach, touch toes, etc.) and the copycats must see how quickly and correctly they can follow the model’s example. Take turns choosing a new model until everyone has had a turn.
Was it easy or hard to follow the model’s example?
Jesus is our model on how to live, and He modeled serving others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, loved the unlovable, washed His disciples’ feet, and came as a baby to be the Savior of the world. Jesus did not think He was too important to do any of those things. Jesus was humble and willing to serve others. Let’s be humble and willing too!
Unscramble the Messages!
Items Needed:
- Index cards
- Brown lunch bags
Write each word from the following phrases on an index card. Put the cards of a complete phrase in a bag. (You will have three separate bags and phrases.) Shake the bags and allow your child to pull the cards out and place them face up on the table. Work together to unscramble the phrases.
When the phrases have been unscrambled, discuss them together. We can trust Jesus to do what He says He will do. He is our hope and gives us hope. We should tell others about Jesus and His life and sacrifice. We should serve others because Jesus served others, and following His example is always a good choice.
Suggested phrases:
- Jesus is our hope.
- Share the good news.
- Jesus served others.