Did You Notice?
Items Needed:
- Sunglasses
- Scarf
- Hat
- Etc.
Play a little game to see if your children can pick out changes in appearance. Choose one person to be the “changer.” Ask your children to look carefully at the “changer.” Then have them close their eyes. While their eyes are closed, the “changer” will make a simple change. (It can be as simple as putting a strand of hair behind the ear or rolling up a sleeve. Accessories can also be used.) When they open their eyes, see if the children can tell what has been changed. Play a few rounds.
Discuss the activity, and ask: Was it easy or hard to see the changes?
Do you think someone could tell you are a follower of Christ by your behavior?
The Bible and the Holy Spirit help us know the right way to live. They bring changes and new life to us when we choose to follow Jesus. Let’s say yes to these changes!
Changes Are Coming!
Items Needed:
- Celery
- Glasses
- Food coloring
- Knife
Do a simple experiment to show change. Gather some celery (one stalk per child), a glass half-filled with water for each celery stalk, food coloring (red, blue, and green) and a knife.
Fill each glass about halfway up with water. Add food coloring to each glass, about 10-20 drops to make a vibrant color. More is better! Cut each stem at an angle and place it in the glass. Check the celery stalks every few hours to see if anything is happening. You might see some results in as little as two or three hours, but it may take up to a day to see full results.
What made the change in the color of the flower? (The food coloring we added to the water) The food coloring we added to the water made a change. How can we change? For us to change and do the right things, we need God’s help. When we choose to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives us new life and changes us. As we obey Him and His words in the Bible, we will be become more like Jesus–made new in Christ!
What Changed?
Item Needed: Meal
When you’re eating dinner, think of and talk about the changes in foods and drinks. Ask: What foods change when they are cooked or frozen? For example, noodles are hard before they are cooked, but when boiled in hot water, they become soft and yummy. (Other ideas: hot water to coffee grounds, water to ice, Kool-Aid to popsicles, most vegetables become soft when cooked; etc.)
We change too when we choose to follow Jesus. The Bible shows us how to live like He lived, and we are made new in Christ through the Holy Spirit. He helps us make good choices. We are made new in Christ through the Holy Spirit. We will look the same on the outside, but He changes us on the inside to be more like Jesus. Ask Him for help every day.