Welcome!
What does your family do to get ready when a special guest is coming?
Sunday school · Ages 7–9
Peace: John the Baptist prepares the way
Isaiah 40:1–11; Mark 1:1–8
Mainline Christian
Welcome each child by name. Let two or three children answer. Say: Today we meet a man named John. His job was to help people get ready for Jesus.
Two candles today
Last week we lit the candle of hope. Today we light the candle of peace.
God’s people were far from home.
They were tired and sad. They missed Jerusalem.
Comfort, comfort!
““Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.”
Isaiah 40:1
Get the road ready!
Fill in the valleys. Make the mountains low. Smooth out the bumpy places.
God comes like a shepherd.
God gathers the little lambs and carries them close.
John lived in the wilderness.
He wore camel’s hair. He ate locusts and wild honey!
People came to the river.
They told God they were sorry. John baptized them in the Jordan River.
Someone greater is coming!
John said, “After me comes he who is mightier than I.”
Make ready the way!
“Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!”
Mark 1:3
A smooth road for peace
When we say sorry and forgive, we make the road smooth for peace.
I wonder…
I wonder what it was like to meet John by the river.
I wonder…
I wonder how you could bring peace to someone this week.
Question 1 of 7
Where did John preach?
John lived and preached in the wilderness, a wild, dry place.
Question 2 of 7
What did John eat?
Locusts are big grasshoppers. The honey made them sweet!
Question 3 of 7
Where did John baptize people?
People came from all around to be baptized by John in the Jordan River.
Question 4 of 7
Who did John say was coming after him?
John said someone mightier was coming. He was talking about Jesus.
Question 5 of 7
How does God carry the little lambs?
Isaiah said, “He will gather the lambs in his arm.”
Question 6 of 7
What do many churches call the second Advent candle?
Many churches light the candle of peace on the second Sunday of Advent.
Question 7 of 7
How can we make the road smooth for peace?
Saying sorry and forgiving each other helps peace grow.
Great job!
You finished all 7 questions.
Our memory verse
“Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!”
Mark 1:3
Make a John the Baptist vest
- Crumple your paper bag vest, then smooth it out.
- Draw lots of hairy lines.
- Cut fringe along the bottom.
- Write on the back: Prepare the way!
- Put it on and tie on a belt.
John says
- Fill the valley! (Crouch, then pop up.)
- Make the mountain low! (Reach high, then touch your toes.)
- Make the path straight! (Arms straight out.)
- Turn around!
- Share the peace! (Wave and say, “Peace be with you!”)
Let’s pray
Dear God, help us make a smooth road for peace. Hold us close like a shepherd holds the lambs. Amen.
Speaker notes