(10 minutes)
Teacher Note: Additional activities for today’s lesson can be found on the Bible Study Manager page for this lesson. Look for the tab labeled “Extra Resources.”
Option #1
Supplies Needed: Small box wrapped in plain paper, small stickers
Teacher Note: Before class begins, wrap a small gift box with plain paper (no bow).
Have the children sit in a circle with their legs crisscrossed and place a sheet of small stickers in the middle of the circle. Pass the wrapped box around the circle and say, “Jesus is the greatest gift.” The child who is holding the package when the word “gift” is said will add a sticker to the present. Repeat this activity several times and encourage the children to help you chant, “Jesus is the greatest gift.” Eventually the package will be completely decorated with stickers.
Option #2
Supplies Needed: Gift-wrapped box, white name tag stickers, small stickers
Teacher Note: As you prepare for the lesson, wrap a shirt-sized box with plain wrapping paper.
Give each child a white name tag. Provide several sheets of small stickers with colorful hearts or flowers. Encourage the children to decorate their name tag with the small stickers.
Show the gift-wrapped box and explain that it is somewhat boring and that you need help to make it beautiful. Ask the children to affix their decorated name tags onto the gift box. As they help decorate the box, say, “Jesus is the greatest gift.” Encourage them to repeat this phrase with you. For a final touch, you may want to add a bow to the top of the gift when done.