(15 minutes or until all your students have arrived)
Supplies Needed: Streamers, balloons, ribbons, paper for signs, tape, markers, scissors
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.”
Teacher Note: For this activity, students will decorate the room for a birthday party for Jesus. You may want to use this time to prepare any food you will serve at the party, which will take place during the My Mission Activity.
In today’s Treasure Story, students will explore the story of the wise men who sought the King of the Jews. They will celebrate the unfolding of God’s great rescue plan for mankind. To introduce the lesson and to encourage your students to celebrate Jesus’ amazing birth, they will decorate the classroom and prepare a birthday party for Jesus.
Remind your students that they have spent a long time exploring the Old Testament promises God made to the Israelites. He promised to one day send a Rescuer, Redeemer, and Messiah. At the beginning of the New Testament, the great news came that the Promised One had been born—God’s rescue plan was unfolding.
Ask your students to describe some of their favorite birthday parties they have attended. Discuss what makes a birthday party fun. Tell your students that they are going to throw a birthday party for Jesus today. They have been learning for months and months about Jesus and how He would one day come to rescue people from their sin. In today’s Treasure Story, He has finally come!
Provide streamers, balloons, ribbon, paper, tape, markers, and any other available materials for the students to use as party decorations. Ask your class to form groups of three to five students and assign different jobs to each group. The groups can make signs, create party games, and decorate different areas of the room including the door of the classroom. The group in charge of games may plan such activities as “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” “Simon Says,” or a three-legged race. Instruct the group in charge of decorating the door to do so in a way that symbolizes Jesus knocking on the door of our hearts. Jesus wants to forgive us of our sins and to be our King.
Allow your students to use the time allotted for the Early Arrival Activity to get ready for Jesus’ birthday party. Explain that they will have the party during the My Mission Activity.