Popular John
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: Bring a newspaper or news magazine.
Point out the various stories that are bad news: robberies,
thefts, cheating, and so forth. Be careful about being too
negative. Ask the children to see if this bad news from the
"newspaper" is what people need to hear -- or the good news from
Jesus?
Emphasize to them the importance of your local congregation as a place where people can hear the good news about God. Ask for examples of how Jesus is "good news" and how the church is a place where "good news" abounds. Ask for suggestions on making your church more of a place of "good news."
*Teach them the "Good News" song.
*Explain the term "Gospel" and seek to make the connection between the "Gospel Reading" and the good news of Jesus.
*Since John the Baptist is an important figure in the Advent season, read the story of John in a children's Bible.
*Light the second candle of the Advent wreath. -- Relate the candle to "Popular John" sharing the light of
Christ in his time
-- It could be the "Mary" candle (see last week's PLUS section)
-- Relate the lighting to a verse (today's reading to John's candle or Luke 1:28 to Mary's candle)
Emphasize to them the importance of your local congregation as a place where people can hear the good news about God. Ask for examples of how Jesus is "good news" and how the church is a place where "good news" abounds. Ask for suggestions on making your church more of a place of "good news."
*Teach them the "Good News" song.
*Explain the term "Gospel" and seek to make the connection between the "Gospel Reading" and the good news of Jesus.
*Since John the Baptist is an important figure in the Advent season, read the story of John in a children's Bible.
*Light the second candle of the Advent wreath. -- Relate the candle to "Popular John" sharing the light of
Christ in his time
-- It could be the "Mary" candle (see last week's PLUS section)
-- Relate the lighting to a verse (today's reading to John's candle or Luke 1:28 to Mary's candle)