(place a pile of children’s blocks or legos in the center of the circle) Go around the circle and share your name.  Add a block to the communal tower. (Everyone responds “Good Morning, ______ !”)

Written on a poster board so the kids can read (or sing) along.

I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.(Hymnal 1982 pg. 490)

(Ask for individual prayers of concern or thanksgiving/celebration)

We offer these prayers through Jesus, the light of the world. Amen

Today we are going to work together to build something— a story about Jesus!  We will each work on a different part or element of the story.  At the end of our time, we will gather to read the story and reflect on what it reveals to us about Jesus. Have children help decide which part of the story they will build.

1. Make Scrolls 

There are a lot of ways to “make scrolls.” The idea is to have a rolled up piece of parchment paper with Scripture written on it.  Pre-write or type out these passages from the Old Testament to use for the scroll:

Isaiah 61

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me
    because the Lord has anointed me

Psalm 95

O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalm 104

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Here are some ideas for creating the scrolls: 

http://bibleclasscreations.blogspot.com/2012/07/scrolls.html

Build the Temple

Have some of the children work together to create some a structure out of blocks or bricks to represent the Temple in Jerusalem.  As they build you can tell them what a special and holy place the Temple was for Jesus and his family.  It was the place they worshiped and learned more about God from the teachers and clergy there.  You can add two three chairs to be part of the temple— for two elders and Jesus to sit together.   *Extra activity: If one or two children want to work individually, or if there is extra time and energy, children may build a smaller temple out of smaller blocks or legos.

2. Create food for a picnic basket

Jesus’ family would have carried a basket of food for their journey to Jerusalem.  Have children create “food” for a picnic basket out of play dough.

Story:“Jesus Goes to Jerusalem with His Parents” pg. 66 Children of God Storybook Bible.  As you read the story, have children act out the roles of Jesus, the teachers and Mary and Joseph. They can use the props they created.

If time permits, here are some wondering questions:

• I wonder what Jesus was like when he was a boy?

• I wonder what Mary and Joseph learned about Jesus?

• I wonder what the teachers learned about God from Jesus’ teaching?

Sing “Go Now in Peace”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgBbklkrj98