Welcome!
What good news makes you so happy that you want to tell everyone?
Sunday school · Ages 7–9
Joy: John points to the light
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11; Psalm 126; John 1:6–8, 19–28
Mainline Christian
Welcome each child by name. Ask the question and let two or three children answer. Say: Today we will meet a man who had the best news of all.
The candle of joy
Today many churches light the pink candle. It is the candle of joy.
God sent a man named John.
John lived in the wilderness. He baptized people in the Jordan River.
“Who are you?”
Leaders in Jerusalem sent helpers to ask John who he was.
No, no, no!
“Are you Elijah?” “Are you the prophet?” John said, “No.”
A voice in the wilderness
John said, “Make straight the way of the Lord!”
Someone is coming!
Someone greater was already among them. John was not worthy to untie his sandals.
John pointed to the light.
“He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.”
John 1:8
John was full of joy!
John was glad to point to Jesus. Jesus brings God’s love to everyone.
We are glad!
“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.”
Psalm 126:3
I wonder…
I wonder why John was so happy to point to someone else.
I wonder…
I wonder how you could point someone to God’s light this week.
Question 1 of 7
Where did John baptize people?
John lived in the wilderness and baptized people in the Jordan River.
Question 2 of 7
What did the helpers from Jerusalem ask John?
They wanted to know who John was and why he baptized people.
Question 3 of 7
Was John the light?
God sent John to tell everyone about the light.
Question 4 of 7
Who is the light that John pointed to?
John pointed to Jesus, who brings God’s light and love to everyone.
Question 5 of 7
What did John say about the one coming after him?
John knew that Jesus was greater than he was, and that made him glad.
Question 6 of 7
Why do many churches light a pink candle today?
The third Sunday of Advent is a Sunday of joy, because Christmas is getting close.
Question 7 of 7
Who is God’s good news for?
John came so that all people could hear about the light.
Great job!
You finished all 7 questions.
Our memory verse
“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad.”
Psalm 126:3
Make a joy lantern
- Decorate one side of your paper.
- Fold it in half the long way, colored side out.
- Cut slits from the fold to the line.
- Unfold, roll it into a tube, and tape it.
- Tape on a paper handle.
Shine the light
- Shine the flashlight on a star.
- Everyone points and says, “Get ready!”
- Pass the flashlight to the next friend.
- Find the Jesus star? Shout, “Jesus is the light!”
Let’s pray
Dear God, thank you for John, who pointed to the light. Fill us with joy, and help us share it. Amen.
Speaker notes