Through the Eyes of a Child

By Jan Ellis

This book is designed to provide a years worth of unique, child-centered lessons. Each month has a variety of presentation styles and hands-on materials. While each lesson is designed to stand alone, essential concepts are revisited throughout the year in an effort to encourage the children to embrace these truths. To aid in ease of preparation, a consistent lesson format is used which sets out the scripture, suggested materials, lesson, and a sample closing prayer. These lessons are appropriate for church settings, home devotions, or as part of a homeschool program.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Oct 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781489707567

Jan Ellis

Former historian and publisher, Jan Ellis began writing fiction by accident, and now has five books to her name.

Book preview

JANUARY WK 1

THEME

Following Jesus into the New Year

SCRIPTURE

John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me…my Father will honor the one who serves me.

PREPARATION

wrapped gift containing the Baby Jesus (from a crèche)

index cards with scripture and a sticker of Jesus (adult or baby) or a wrapped gift

STORYTIME

One of the most exciting things about Christmas is the gifts under the tree. In some homes, children are allowed to open gifts on Christmas Eve, and in other families, they open them on Christmas morning. Did you leave any unopened gifts under your tree? Many families leave an unopened gift under their tree every year. It may not be wrapped like this, but it contains the same gift. (Open the gift.) God sent His son Jesus to us at Christmas to show us how much He loves us, and how much He wants to be part of our lives. Many people act like this is an old gift that can’t be used anymore, but in this new year, we are going to unwrap this gift and get to know Jesus in a brand new way.

CLOSING

Children, let us leave today knowing that Jesus wants to be part of our exciting new year.

Hand out index cards.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for loving us and promising to be with us in this new year.

Amen

January WK 2

THEME

Following Jesus into the New Year.

SCRIPTURE

John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me…my Father will honor the one who serves me.

PREPARATION

index card with scripture and a sticker representing the New Year

STORYTIME

Ask the children if they are taking down their Christmas decorations at home. What about in the stores or on the streets? Ask where their family stores their tree and the decorations after they come down. When will they usually see them again? Is there anything you will not put away? Lead them to the idea that Jesus and the wonder (love) of Christmas can be present all year long, if we work at keeping it alive.

CLOSING

Stress that all of us will be part of keeping the love of Jesus alive in the New Year.

Hand out the index cards.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the love and joy we find at Christmas. Help me show that love to others through this new year.

Amen

January WK 3

THEME

Following Jesus in the new year

SCRIPTURE

John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me….my Father will honor the one who serves me.

PREPARATION

a piece of aluminum foil with the numbers of the new year printed on it

index card with scripture and the numbers of the new year

STORYTIME

Show the children the piece of foil. Explain that the foil represents this brand new year. Remind them this is the year we are going to try and keep the love and joy of Christmas present in our lives. Can you think of anything you did this week that you are sorry for? As they begin to name the things they are sorry for, begin to crinkle up the foil. When the foil ends up in a wad, ask them if they remembered to apologize. Commend them, and start to straighten out the foil. When the foil is undone, help the children see, even with apologies, the creases are still there. Help them understand we must try to do what Jesus wants us to do in this new year because even after we apologize, the hurt and disappointment may still be there.

CLOSING

Review the scripture and hand out index cards.

PRAYER

Dear Father,

Please help me make this a good year and help me do what you want me to do.

Amen

January WK 4

THEME

Following