There are many things you can do and say that would make your parents happy and let them know you love them, but you should also know that your parents love you just the way you are. You don't have to do things to earn their love. You are their son or daughter and they love you just because you are you!
There are eight Beatitudes – eight different groups that are blessed by God – in today’s lesson. Will you listen carefully and see if you can count each of the groups that Jesus mentions?
Has anyone ever told you, "You have a nice smile." Or, "You did a good job of setting the table." Or, "You are a fast runner." We all like to receive compliments and compliments from our parents are particularly nice. Compliments give us a good feeling and make us feel as is our efforts are appreciated.
Did you know that Jesus had a cousin? Well, we're not exactly sure how they were related. The Bible just says they were "kin". That means "relatives". Most people just call them cousins. Does anyone here have a cousin? Let's see your hands.
Can you imagine a time when there were no airplanes? One hundred years ago most people had never seen anything fly other than a bird or an insect, but people have always dreamed of flying.
Can you think of other explorers who go where no one has gone before and discover new things? Explorers or trailblazers often take risks and face dangerous situations to make an easier journey for those who follow later. The Bible tells us about a "trail blazer," John the Baptist, who prepared people to meet and worship Jesus.
In the Bible there is an example of a good parent who does whatever is necessary to protect the child, Jesus. Joseph was told by an angel of the Lord in a dream that Herod, the king had heard about the birth of Jesus and that Herod wanted to harm the child. The angel told Joseph to "take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you …." to return. Joseph wanted to protect Jesus so he did exactly what the angel of the Lord told him to do.
Why is it important for you to follow your parents’ directions and do what they ask you to do? Yes, they have more experience and want what is best for you. Do you think a baby knows about electricity and what would happen if they stuck something in an electrical outlet? Babies don’t have the experience to know those things. They need to be protected by their parents.
The Wise Men had their special light, but you and I can be light, too. Wow! We can show people who God is! Here is a big star for you to wear to help us remember that we are the light of the world. (Use the masking tape to tape a star to each child’s clothing.)
One interesting thing about this story is that a star, which gives off light from the inside, led the wise men to Jesus who was born to offer God's love to the world and that love lights us from the inside. It gives us energy and allows others to see God's love which shines from the inside of who we are.