Joystory - Week 5
At Christmas, gifts are all around us, but we know the holiday isn't about the toys—it's about the joy of Jesus' birth. We might experience joy from opening up gifts, but God gives us even greater joy through Jesus. In this series, our families will learn all about the joy Jesus brought into the world. They'll learn that Jesus is the savior God promised, how God sent Jesus at the perfect time, that Jesus brings joy to the world, and what it means to say Jesus is God's greatest gift.
BIG IDEA: Everyone is invited to worship Jesus.
BIBLE: The Magi Visit Jesus: Matthew 2:1–12; Psalm 148
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:46-47 (NIV)
Toddler Twist: I (point to self) will give God (point up) glory (wave hands back and forth). Luke 1:46-47
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: Celebrate & Happy Birthday Jesus
DISCIPLE:
In today's Joy Story, the Magi traveled hundreds of miles to see and worship Jesus.
Today, we don't have to travel around the world to talk to Jesus. He is always with us. We can talk to him anytime about anything! We can praise and worship him whenever we want, wherever we want. But Jesus isn't just for you and me. He is for every single person on earth.
Everyone is invited to worship Jesus. Do you know anyone you could invite?
What would happen if everyone who knew Jesus would invite just one other person to know Jesus?
What keeps you from inviting others to know Jesus?
The star pointed the way for the Magi. We can be like that star for others when we shine our light bright and let people see how much we love Jesus. When we welcome people like that, we remind the world that everyone is invited to worship Jesus.
Pray: God, your love is so great that everyone in the world can be part of it. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us, wherever we are. Help us remember that there are people all around the world who still don't know you yet. Help us to invite people we know to come and know Jesus, too. Amen.