CHRISTMAS Jesus Is Born “DEPENDABILITY” WHAT’S THE POINT? · In today’s lesson we will learn about God’s plan to take care of the sin and separation. When Adam and Eve sinned,

Jesus Is BornCHRISTMAS

“DEPENDABILITY”(page 1)

Worship Tip

Use traditional Christmas carols, such as “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger” as a way to teach the truths of Jesus’ birth to kids. Many unchurched kids might be unfamiliar with traditional Christmas carols, which are often not allowed to be taught in schools. Don’t assume kids know or understand the words. Take time to talk about the carols and explain what the songs mean.

10-15MINUTES

WHAT’S THE POINT?

During the first lesson at KBC this school year (Adam and Eve Sin), we learned how sin came into the world. In today’s lesson we will learn about God’s plan to take care of the sin and separation. When Adam and Eve sinned, God didn’t wait for hundreds of years and then come up with a plan to save the world. No, Jesus was always the plan to bring us back to Him. The prophet Isaiah tells us that a Messiah was coming. God kept that promise. We can depend upon God to keep His promises. We can depend upon God to forgive us, listen to our prayers, and love us.

For many of our Beach Club students, this level of dependability is a foreign concept. They have been let down by broken promises time after time. As leaders, we can not only teach about God’s dependability, but we can act in a way that our clubbers learn they can depend on us. When we are dependable, the clubbers will be more apt to listen and believe what we tell them about God.

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GET CONNECTED

Building relationships in Surf Teams; introducing today’s lesson

No supplies needed

Use the following conversation prompts to get to know the kids in your surf team and to introduce today’s lesson.

• Today we are going to talk about Jesus’ birth. What holiday is a celebration of Jesus’ birth? Write out the word Christmas for your surf team and circle “Christ.”

• The character word today is dependability. What does it mean to be dependable?

• What is something you can depend on to happen during the Christmas season?

• Who in your life can you depend on?

Guide clubbers to locate and mark today’s Bible connection and memory link in their Bibles so they can find the pages quickly as directed in the session.

BIBLE CONNECTION

Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 2:1-20 (pages 735-736; 1103-1104)

MEMORY LINK

Luke 2:11“For there is born to you this day

in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

(KBC Study Bible pg. 1103)

SUPPLIES NEEDED THIS WEEK

GET CONNECTED None

MEMORY LINK ACTIVITY Small candy canes

Option 1: Spoons, plastic ornaments

Option 2: Sticky notes, Memory Link poster

BIBLE CONNECTION None

SURF TEAM LEADER Memory Link cards, index

cards, pens, Hang 10 pages

MAKE-IT-STICK REVIEW GAME

Option 1: Cotton balls, cups, rulers

Option 2: Blindfolds, cones

CHARACTER WORD

Dependability – Trustworthy to do what I say I will do

TEACHING OBJECTIVE

I can know God is dependable to keep His promises.

MEMORY LINK

Teaching a Bible verse to clubbers; helping them memorize the verse

Small candy canes

Focus on the Bible Hold up your hand if you brought a Bible today. Hand out a small candy cane to each student that brought a Bible. Today we are going to talk about the birth of Jesus. In which part of the Bible can we read the story of Jesus’ birth? Yes, the New Testament. But did you know that Jesus’ birth was foretold in the Old Testament? We will read verses from the Old and the New Testaments today. The Bible tells us that the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of a promise God made hundreds of years before. God is dependable and always keeps His promises.

Focus on today’s Memory Link Guide kids to find Luke 2:11 in their Bibles (page 1103). Angels announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born. They were even told where — the city of David, which is Bethlehem. God had promised many years before that a king with an everlasting kingdom would be born in Bethlehem. God kept this promise, because God is ______________. (Pause and let the students fill in the word dependable.). When the first people heard this message they were excited and happy to hear it. Practice saying the verse with me using a happy voice.

Option 1 - ORNAMENT PASS

Spoons, plastic ornaments

Instruct teams to sit in a circle. Ask each student to place one arm behind him. Explain that they will use the hand in front to pass the spoon with the ornament balanced on it to the person next to them. As each child passes the spoon they must say the next word of the memory link. Clubbers will continue passing the spoon around the circle with the ornament on it until the entire verse including the reference has been said. If the ornament falls, the group must start over with the first word in the verse. The first group to complete the whole verse wins. Repeat, starting with a different student.

Option 2 - COVER IT UP

Sticky notes, Memory Link poster

Start by reading the verse together. Then instruct a student to use a sticky note to cover up one of the words on the memory link poster. Then the person to their right must read the verse, remembering the word that is covered. After reading the verse this student now adds a second sticky note and the third person must read the verse. Continue this pattern until the entire verse is covered and all the students are able to say the verse from memory.

10-15MINUTES

CHRISTMAS“DEPENDABILITY”

(page 2)

Luke 2:11“For there is born to you this day


(KBC Study Bible pg. 1103)


Teaching Tip

As you plan your snack for this meeting, you may want to choose something special to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. It could be birthday cupcakes (Happy Birthday, Jesus!) or something else that feels festive for Christmas. Let the kids see your excitement about sharing the reason for Christmas.

BIBLE CONNECTION

Teaching today’s character word through gospel-centered Bible story

No supplies needed

Introduce the Story What did Adam and Eve do that caused separation from God? They made a choice to disobey Him. They sinned. Sin caused separation from God. God knew we needed a way to be rescued from the problem of sin so He promised to send His Son, Jesus. Jesus would be our Savior. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas. God kept His promise when Jesus was born.

Isaiah 9:6-7 Now turn to the marked spot in your KBC Study Bible, Isaiah 9:6-7 on page 735-736. Isaiah was a prophet that God spoke through about things to come. In Isaiah we find the promise of a Messiah, Jesus. Follow along with me as I read from Isaiah. Listen to the names given to Jesus that describe His character. Read Isaiah 9:6-7 aloud.

Talk About It What are some ways Isaiah described Jesus? (Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) Jesus would be God in the flesh. He would bring peace to the trouble between us and God due to our sin. In the New Testament book of Luke we find a story about how an angel came and told Mary that she would have a baby and His name will be Jesus. The angel said that Jesus will be a king with a never ending kingdom. Today our story picks up when God’s promise is being fulfilled. Now, I’ve told you this was a special baby. Where do you think a special baby would be born? The angel said He was a king. Where are kings born? Let’s see how it all happened.

Luke 2:1-7 A law had been passed that made everyone go back to the town where their family had started and pay a tax to the government. So Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem. Many people were traveling at that time so Mary and Joseph couldn’t find a place to stay the night. Finally, they found an innkeeper who allowed them to stay in a barn (with the animals). And wouldn’t you know it - the baby came while they were staying in the barn. They wrapped Him in cloth and put Him in a manger. That is the place where they put the food for the animals to eat. This was not a fancy hospital, there were no fancy clothes or food, and in fact it was probably pretty smelly.

Luke 2:8-14 and Memory Link So far this situation doesn’t seem to be special like we would imagine it should be, but wait - the story isn’t over. Away from the city, out in the country there were some shepherds keeping watch over their sheep. And suddenly an angel of the Lord stood right there. The Bible tells us the shepherds were afraid. They had never seen an angel of the Lord before. The angel told them our memory link. Say it with me. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Then the angel told them they will know the baby because He will be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there were several other angels praising God.


(page 3)

Teaching Tip

Involve the surf team leaders in the Bible connection from time to time. They could read a passage or teach part of the lesson. They could even be the actors. By involving them, the kids will get to know them more and it may further the leader’s ability to have influence during the surf team time as they discuss the Bible story.

10-15MINUTES


Use the Bible Look on page 1103 at verse 14. Let’s see what the angels said. Read it along with me. “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:15-20 When the angels left, the shepherds decided to go and see this baby. How do you think they went? Slow or fast? Happy or sad? Do you think they felt excited? The Bible says they found the baby just as they had been told. I’m not surprised – are you? They could depend upon the angel to tell them the truth. The shepherds saw the baby and then told others what happened. And they praised God for all they had seen and heard. Hooray! God’s Son, Jesus, is born!!

Gospel Connection Today’s story tells us of the best gift ever. God sent His Son Jesus to be born as a man, to live a perfect life and to die for our sins. Sin that came into our world when Adam and Eve sinned is now forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Who did today’s memory link say Jesus is? A Savior. He is the only one who is able to save us from our sins, which separates us from God. This forgiveness is a free gift from God and available to everyone. But it is not automatic. You must ADMIT that you are a sinner. Then BELIEVE that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for your sin. He will forgive you for your sins when you ask. Then you can CHOOSE TO FOLLOW Jesus by obeying Him and making Him Lord of your life. When you choose to place your faith in Jesus, you can depend on God to keep his promise to save you from your sins.

Invite children wanting to know more about becoming a Christian to move to the designated area to meet with a leader one on one.

Application/Transition Can we depend upon God to keep a promise made so long ago? Yes, God always keeps His promises. Jesus was born just like the Old Testament foretold. This Christmas, as you give and receive gifts, will you remember this story of the best gift ever given and thank God for loving us so very much?


(page 4)

Gospel Tip

Christmas is a wonderful season to help children understand why Jesus came to Earth and became a human. Help them see that the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of a promise God made hundreds of years before. God can be depended upon to always keep His promises. Jesus’ birth was just the beginning. He lived a perfect life of dependence upon God. He willingly died on the cross, taking the punishment we deserve. Then He triumphantly rose from the dead and is on the throne of Heaven today. Jesus’ humble sacrifice is the reason we celebrate Christmas.


SURF TEAM TIME Connecting with kids in small groups; applying today’s Bible Connection and Character Word

Memory Link cards, Hang 10 pages, index cards, pens

Gospel Connection Before you begin, ask if there are any clubbers who would like to talk with the Bible connection leader about praying to ask Jesus to become their forever friend. If so, let them go to the designated area.

Today’s Lesson

• What questions do you have about today’s story?

• Where in this story did you see dependability?

• What can you do this Christmas to remember the gift of Jesus?

• Remind students that this is the last meeting until after the winter break. Invite them to church or other special events.

Pray Father God, thank You for this special gift. Help us to share the love You showed us with others. Keep these students safe during the time we don’t have Beach Club. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Use the Bible Invite the kids to share prayer requests with the group. Remind kids that God is dependable. He always hears our prayers. Collect prayer requests on index cards and remember to pray for kids this week.

Give each child a memory link card. Review today’s memory link and character word. Guide kids to use cards to mark today’s story in their KBC Study Bibles. Lead them to highlight today’s memory link.

Hang 10 Pages Give each child a Hang 10 page. Challenge kids to hang out with God 10 minutes each day by praying and reading the Bible, using the Hang 10 page as a guide. Encourage kids to bring back their Hang 10 pages next week.

The Hang 10 for Day 1 says to read part of today’s story and then think about what is the most valuable gift you ever received? (Allow for responses) God loved us so much that He gave us His only Son, Jesus. That is a valuable gift!


(page 5)

Teaching Tip

This is the last week of club before winter break, so make every effort to invite kids and their families to your church. Send home information about your church service times. Send home a flyer with your Beach Club start date for the spring semester. Also be sure that you celebrate Christmas with the kids by making Jesus the focus!

5-10MINUTES


Teaching Tip

All children love Christmas! If the children in your group are mostly unchurched, they may only associate Christmas with Santa, Frosty and Rudolph. It is not our place to straighten out their views about those characters, but it is our responsibility to point them to Jesus as the reason for the Christmas season.

MAKE IT STICK - REVIEW GAME

Playing a game to review today’s Bible Connection and Character Word

Option 1 - SHEEP ROUND UP

Cotton balls, cups, rulers

Divide the group into teams. Place a cup (sheep pen) on its side about 10 feet from starting point in front of each team. On “Go!” the first clubber on each team will “herd” one sheep (cotton ball) using the ruler to the sheep pen. The first clubber to pen his sheep gets to answer a question. Continue until all clubbers have had a chance to play and all questions have been answered.

Option 2 - YOU CAN DEPEND ON ME

Blindfolds, cones

Set up several minor obstacles using cones for students to guide each other around. Ask the first kid a question. If they answer correctly they may choose another kid to guide them through the obstacle course, as they wear a blindfold. When they are about half way through the course ask another student a question and allow them to choose someone to depend on who will guide them through the obstacles while they wear a blindfold. Discuss the importance of being dependable as the game is played.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. From what book of the Bible are both the memory link and lesson? (Luke)

2. What city did Joseph and Mary travel to? (Bethlehem)

3. Why did Mary and Joseph have to leave their home and journey to Bethlehem? (Because of the census, each had to return to their city)

4. Why were they staying in a stable? (There was no room at the inn)

5. Who was the baby born that we celebrate at Christmas? (Jesus)

5. What did they use for a baby bed? (Manger)

6. Who came to tell the shepherds of this amazing event? (An angel of the Lord)

7. Where were the shepherds when they heard this news? (In the field, keeping watch)

8. True or False. The shepherds didn’t tell anyone what they had seen, because they were afraid people wouldn’t believe them. (False)

9. What is this week’s character word? (Dependability)

10. What does today’s lesson teach about dependability? (God is dependable)

5-10MINUTES


(page 6)


Teaching Tip

If you discern that a Beach Club family may need help with gifts or food this Christmas, be sure to first coordinate with the school counselor to find out whether that family may already be receiving assistance at Christmas. The counselor can give you insight and suggestions on how your church can best help the family in need.

“For there is born to you this day


Luke 2:11KBC Study Bible page 1103

Documents

CHRISTMAS Jesus Is Born “DEPENDABILITY” WHAT’S THE POINT? · In today’s lesson we will learn about God’s plan to take care of the sin and separation. When Adam and Eve sinned,