This weekend we continued helping the children discover ways they can love and honor Jesus.  How would you show love to Jesus, the one who showed God’s great love to us? This weekend we learned how Mary of Bethany honored Jesus for his great love with an extreme act of big love.

Our Bible story this weekend occurs one week before Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem and stopped in Bethany at the house of his friends, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. When Jesus arrived at their house the week before Passover, the siblings served a feast in Jesus’ honor. Martha served the food while Lazarus sat with Jesus. During the meal, Mary took a jar filled with perfume and poured it on Jesus’ feet. The smell of so much perfume must have been overwhelming in the small house.  The perfume, made from spikenard imported from India, was very expensive. Judas said it cost at least three hundred silver coins or denarii. A field worker earned one denarii for a day’s work, so the perfume cost almost a year’s salary. One denarii would buy a large dinner or twelve loaves of bread. Imagine how much 300 denarii bought. By today’s prices, that’s 10,000 to 15,000 dollars. Talk about
an elaborate display of love and affection!

While Judas objected to Mary’s act, Jesus welcomed it. Mary honored Jesus and showed her great love for him in ways that showed that Mary understood who Jesus was and what he had to do. First, she anointed Jesus the way a prophet anointed a chosen king. Second, she used perfume often used to prepare a body for burial. It was almost as if Mary understood that Jesus would soon die and wanted to help prepare and strengthen Jesus for what was to come.  Mary’s actions showed that she understood our B.I.G. Idea for the month: Jesus wants us to remember how much he loves us. Mary accepted God’s love for her. She responded to it by showing Jesus her great love for him. By Jesus’ response (John 12:7-8), we see that Mary helped prepare Jesus for the events to come. If we were given the chance Mary had to do one final thing for Jesus before he died, what would we do? Faithful discipleship is measured by how we embrace the love Jesus offers and by the acts of love that we offer in response. In this way, Mary was certainly a faithful disciple of Jesus. Will we be faithful disciples and respond to Jesus with the same deep devotion and love?

Jesus’ life and death proclaim that God loves us and show how much Jesus is willing to give for our sakes. Think about God’s great love for you as shown by Jesus. This week as you interact with your children, ask yourself: What are some ways I can be bold like Mary and show Jesus just how much he means to me? Share God’s love with your children as you encourage them to be bold like Mary and show their love for Jesus in big ways.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. John 3:16

This weekend we helped the children recognize the power of love over all things and that love is God’s greatest gift to us.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This quotation is an ideal one sentence summary of 1 Corinthians 13. This passage emphasizes how knowledge and intelligence, spiritual gifts, and faith are completely useless without love. According to Paul, it doesn’t matter how much you know even if you have all the knowledge and can solve all of the world’s mysteries such knowledge is empty and vain without love. What good is it if a person has such profound knowledge, but does not show care or concern for others?

Love is such an exhausted word in our society. It is used to describe our affections for people, objects, animals, places, and almost everything. In some ways, the power of the word love has lost its meaning. To say you love something or someone doesn’t quite have the impact that it used to. But love is an incredible thing. And God’s love is beyond comprehension.  According to Paul’s letter, some characteristics of love are being patient, kind, and rejoicing in truth. These are big words! To always be patient, to always be kind these are goals that we would all like to meet, but seldom do. Some descriptions that are not characteristic of love include being envious, boastful, arrogant, rude, irritable, and resentful. How many of these actions come so easily to us  much easier than kindness and patience!

The part of Paul’s letter found in 1 Corinthians 13, like the word love itself, is very common in our culture. We encounter it so often that we respond with a complacent affirmation to its truth if we even respond at all. But the message of this chapter is radical, life  changing, earth shattering no matter how hard it is, God’s call to us is to love and to love unconditionally. And it requires an active response.  As your children encounter Paul’s letter maybe again, maybe for the first time help them see how this letter is a personal calling for them individually. As you teach your children, point out ways they are showing characteristics of love.  When you give the children affirmations, point out that their action is what this weekend lesson was about.

Affirm yourself, also, as a parent. You can show your children  how to be kind and patient, not envious and boastful. Ask for God’s help. Allow God to use you as an example of what love truly is. Remember, the children don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God.” 1 John 4:7

This weekend we taught the kids how to be real true friends.  We did it with the help of the biblical account of the four friends who brought their paralytic friend to Jesus.

“I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” These are the well-known words from the book, The Little Engine That Could. In this story, the Little Engine pulls a long train over a very high mountain. Throughout the journey, the Little Engine encourages himself by repeating, “I think I can.” This determination and confidence helps the Little Engine succeed. He does not give up.  The story of the four friends in Mark 2 could be aptly titled, “The Friends Who Would Not Give Up.” Seeing the crowd and realizing that there is no way to reach Jesus, the four friends could have said, “We tried our best to get to Jesus, but we couldn’t. So we might as well go home.” They do not. Instead, they find another way to enter the house “they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay” (Mark 2:4).

Why are the four friends so determined to reach Jesus? There is no dialogue between the friends and their ill friend, so we do not know what words they exchanged. Yet their determination is evident. Perhaps they exchanged words of faith, believing that somehow, Jesus will heal their friend. Since they are close friends, perhaps they are consumed with compassion for their sick friend and desperately want him well. They may have seen him suffer day and night, and now see Jesus as the only hope to an end to their friend’s pain. The four friends would not give up. Even more, perhaps the four friends feel they cannot give up. They feel they cannot give up because, if they did, they would be giving up hope for their friend. They are loving examples of true friends.

This weekend we helped the children identify what it means to be a friend. This week as you interact with your children, think about someone whom you consider to be a true friend. Why is this person your friend? What characteristics does this person have that qualifies him or her as a true friend? Do any of these words come to mind when you think of your friend: caring, trustworthy, helpful, considerate, fun, faithful? Once you answer the questions, help your children identify characteristics of a friend. Also, help your children to think about acts of kindness that they can do to show what kind of friend they truly are.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God. 1 John 4:7

This weekend we taught the children about the good Samaritan.  We also helped the children recognize what a neighbor is and what it means to love others and to love God.

An elementary-school counselor was standing outside her school one day as one of her students, a third-grade girl, and her mother approached. The little girl greeted the counselor with a hug and cheerfully told her mother while pointing to the counselor, “She’s the one who makes us happy.” What a wonderful compliment for the counselor to be characterized as someone who consoles others, especially young children!

In this weekend’s lesson, the children heard the biblical story of someone in the Bible, the good Samaritan, who consoled another person. The good Samaritan was like a counselor to the man who was attacked and robbed. First, the good Samaritan was filled with compassion: “he was moved with pity” (Luke 10:33). Second, the good Samaritan placed bandages on the man’s wounds (Luke 10:34). Third, the good Samaritan became the injured man’s caretaker: “Then [the good Samaritan] put [the man] on [the good Samaritan’s] own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him” (Luke 10:34). Fourth, the good Samaritan solicited the aid of others to help care for the man: “The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said ‘Take care of him’” (Luke 10:35a). Last and most importantly, the good Samaritan made preparations for a follow-up visit to check on the status of the man: “When I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend” (Luke 10:35b).

As a parent, you are also a good Samaritan/ counselor to your children. You show the children compassion, and in ways you may not be aware, you provide healing—physical and spiritual—for their young hearts. You are also a caretaker for your children.   As a parent you must pray for God’s guidance, and wisdom as you care for your children.  This week as you interact with your children, help them recognize what it means to love others and to love God, know that you are indeed also a good Samaritan!

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God”. 1 John 4:7

This weekend we introduced the children to Ruth.  We also taught the children what it means to be a family of faith and show love to others.

“Don’t ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and that is where I will be buried. May the LORD’s worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but death separate me from you!” (Ruth 1:16-17, GNT).  Ruth’s words to Naomi are potent. They are immortalized as the epitome of commitment because they demonstrate loyalty and loving concern in relationships. Ruth does not only request, “Let me go with you,” but she goes a step further to describe the extent of her commitment in going with Naomi. The Good News Translation uses one word that encompasses Ruth’s sincerity, and that word is wherever. Wherever means in any place and in any situation. So in going with Naomi, Ruth is saying this: “Naomi, I am with you in the good times and the bad. I am with you among your relatives. I am with you wherever you worship. I am with you even to death.” Ruth is assuring Naomi that she is not merely taking a temporary journey beside Naomi, then departing at a later date. (It would have been normal, and in fact expected, for Ruth to return to her own family since she was a widow.) Ruth’s “with you” means support for a lifetime. In going with Naomi, Ruth demonstrates what it means to be a part of a family, even a chosen family, and how family members should be committed to one another.

And so this weekend we taught the children the biblical story of Ruth. We taught them what it means to be a family of faith and to show love to others. As you interact with your children this week, talk about ways they can help and care for family members, friends, and others, but don’t stop there, express your care and concern for them, when you do, you are demonstrating that you are with them; you support them. They can count on you for support and compassion. And teach them to give thanks to God who supports you and them and is always with you.

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God”. 1 John 4:7

This weekend we taught the children the biblical story of Jesus in the synagogue.  We encouraged the children to live as Jesus taught by caring for all God’s people.

A kindergarten teacher tells this story about a little boy in her class with a kind and sensitive heart. During story time, the teacher would gather the children in a circle to listen to a story. While reading, if something bad would happen to one of the characters, the little boy would raise his hand. When the teacher would acknowledge the little boy’s hand, with all the sincerity and concern he could muster he would say, “Well, I’ll pray for them.” It did not matter if the character was good or bad. Every time misfortune would befall a character, the little boy never failed to offer prayer. This little kindergartner is a perfect example of Jesus’ care.

This weekend we helped the children connect with the biblical story of Jesus in the synagogue. While in the synagogue, Jesus proclaims that his purpose is to bring good news, heal the sick, and set the captives free. In other words, this day in the synagogue Jesus declares that because of the work that God has called him to do, life for others will never be the same. Their lives will only be better because of Jesus’ love and concern for everyone.

What is troubling about this story is that the people of Jesus’ hometown those to whom he was speaking got angry at the Old Testament stories that Jesus referenced. Why? The two stories Jesus referenced were about prophets whose ministries were not accepted in their own homes. Jesus was telling his family and friends that they would not understand him or accept him. Jesus himself was beginning to see the path laid before him, as he narrowly escaped being thrown off a cliff by his neighbors. But Jesus’ message was clear: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news” (Luke 4:18).

During the lesson, we helped the children identify ways to live as Jesus lived and calls us to live. We are to bring good news to the world, the good news that Jesus is love. The activities we did helped teach the children ways they can show love and concern for others. As you interact with your children this week, think about ways you care for others. Also, think about ways that others have shown care and concern for you. Was care shown to you through a visit, a telephone call, an inspirational or humorous greeting card? Or perhaps it was prayer that others offered on your behalf? Let the children know that among their acts of care and kindness, they can always pray for others.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor”. Luke 2:52

This weekend we taught the children the biblical story of Jesus in the desert.  We helped the children children recognize that Jesus faced choices about whether or not to obey God.  And we taught the children to ask for God’s help when faced with important choices.

In today’s society children face bullies, guns, and the pressure to have sex and take drugs. No school systems are immune. These problems happen in public and private schools, inner city and suburban or rural schools, and in Christian and secular schools. And children of increasingly younger ages are experiencing these pressures. Children, just as adults, have to make choices between good and evil.

In this weekend’s lessons, we taught the children the biblical story of Jesus in the wilderness. We told them that Jesus faced choices about whether or not to obey God. This lesson is a very important one in teaching children that they, like Jesus, can ask for God’s help when faced with difficult choices.  Children want to make good choices because they want to please their parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Even older children, whose focus is often on impressing and pleasing their peers, still desire and need the affirmation of their parents and other adults.
Think about a time when you made a poor choice, either when you were younger or as an adult. What led you to make the poor decision? Was it not having sufficient information, peer pressure, lack of confidence or low self-esteem, eagerness to please others, to avoid conflict, or perhaps another reason? As you consider your reason, more likely than not your children have made poor decisions because of similar reasons. Now think about any mercy shown from God and others in the midst of your poor choice. God is always gracious and willing to forgive. God forgives, and you have to forgive yourself as well. Sometimes we have a difficult time forgiving ourselves. Now think about the times when you made good choices. What helped you to make the right choice?
This week as you interact with your children provide opportunities to encourage and affirm them. Let the children know God will give them the strength to do what is right. Also, let them know that God offers forgiveness when they make poor choices. Help the children learn that God is a source of unending love, as well as a source of guidance and strength.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor”. Luke 2:52

This weekend we helped the children learn the biblical account of the boy Jesus in the Temple.  We also helped them learn about God and grow in their faith too.

An Irish proverb says, “You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.” This proverb sounds comical, but there is much truth to it. If we apply this saying to our spiritual lives, then we have to take the initiative and responsibility to learn about God and to grow. Yes, corporate gatherings such as worship, Sunday school, and fellowship are vital because we need one another. Yet we play a major part in nurturing our spiritual growth as well. One part is simply having the desire to learn and to grow in our relationship with God.  In this weekend’s lesson, the children connected with this biblical account of the boy Jesus in the Temple.

As a parent, you are instrumental to the spiritual growth of your children. The children not only listen to what you say, but watch and see how you respond and act. As you nurture the faith of your children, make sure to take the time to nurture your own faith. Set aside quiet time to talk and listen to God. You might want to use a book of devotions and the Bible. Also, solicit the prayers of others for you and your children. If you are a new parent, seek the guidance and wisdom from “veteran” parents.  As the family of God, we are members of the body of Christ, so we can help one another. At the same time, we need time apart from worship settings to have our own personal sabbaths. Growing in Christ and the knowledge of God is a lifelong process.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor”. Luke 2:52

This weekend we continued teaching the kids about the awesome account of Jesus’ birth and the events that took place around it.  We specifically taught them how the wise men honored Jesus with their gifts.  We also showed them the various traditions that people around the world use to honor Jesus.  In Poland, the people honor the star of Bethlehem, and they do not begin the meal (the “Wigilia”) until the first star is spotted. In Bethlehem, Christian homes honor Jesus by painting a cross over their door and by placing a star on a pole in the village square. These are just a few ways people around the world honor Jesus at Christmas.

This weekend we taught the children how the wise men honored Jesus with their gifts. Many of us are very familiar with the wise men’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We talk about these three gifts of honor and, indeed, we should. Besides, these gifts allow us to focus on the Christ Child. The gifts are for him. Yet there is a fourth gift the wise men gave to honor God that we may not recognize as a gift. That fourth gift is the gift of listening to God: “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road” (Matthew 2:12). Their adherence to the dream’s warning was a gift as well. God used this dream to warn the wise men. By being attentive to this dream, they listened to God.

This week as you interact with your children remember that like the wise men, you also offer the children the powerful gift of listening, listening to their laughter, their responses, and their concerns. This week take the opportunity to be attuned to the presence of your children by listening to and celebrating with them how people honor Jesus around the world.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor”. Luke 2:52

This weekend we taught the children the biblical account of Jesus’ birth and how the shepherds responded to the good news. In Jesus’ time, shepherds were considered the lower class citizens. The Scriptures tell us that shepherds were living in the fields (Luke 2:8). Their job was a dangerous one because they were exposed to nature that included wild beasts and thieves. The shepherds who tended their own sheep were often the youngest or the oldest of the family those who could not perform much labor on the homestead. Some shepherds tended the flocks of others, working as wage earners. These shepherds were usually the sons of peasants who did not inherit land or possessions. Shepherds were often nomadic, living off the land with their sheep. Yet God chose to reveal the birth of Jesus to lowly shepherds. God could have chosen kings or persons with clout and authority. Instead, he chose shepherds. It was obviously a good choice. These shepherds were among the first missionaries of their day, for they did not keep the good news of Jesus’ birth to themselves. After finding Joseph and Mary and seeing the Savior for themselves, the shepherds told others, and others were amazed at what they heard (Luke 2:17-18).

This weekend’s lesson will help the children connect with this biblical account of Jesus’ birth and how the shepherds responded to the good news. As you interact with your children this week, encourage them in responding with joy to the good news of Jesus’ birth.  Also, listen to any concerns your children may have. While Christmas is exciting for some, for others it brings along with it pressures: financial concerns, holiday family strife, perhaps even being alone at Christmas. Some children may have picked up on some of the stress of Christmas from you their parents or other adults, so they may express these concerns as well. Pray with and for the children. Use all the activities you will be doing this week to point them to ways to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11