Advent 3 Children's Message

​John 1:6-8, 19-28
Theme: John the Baptist’s Announcement
Materials: candy cane                   
 
What have you seen this week that tells you our celebration of Jesus’ birth is near?  (Nativity set, stars, angels, trees, lights)  In today’s Bible lesson John the Baptist tells all the people around him that someone very special is coming.  Who do you think John was talking about? (Jesus)
 
Many years ago a candy maker loved Jesus so much that he decided to do something that would tell others about Jesus too.   This is what he made.  What is it called?  (candy cane)  But how can a candy cane tell about Jesus? 
 
When a candy cane stands up, it looks like … a shepherd’s crook.  The shepherd uses it to bring the sheep back to the flock, so they will be safe.  It reminds us that Jesus is like a shepherd for us, watching over us and protecting us.
 
Now, if I turn the candy cane upside down, what does it look like?  What letter?  A “j”.  How can a “j” remind us of Jesus?  (That’s the first letter in Jesus’ name.) 
 
When you see a candy cane this week, may you be reminded that our celebration of Jesus’ birth is coming soon.
 
Prayer:  Dear Jesus, we want to honor you as we prepare for Christmas.  We thank you for being our shepherd, for gathering us into your fold, for protecting us, for loving us.  Amen.