​Mark 1:1-8, Luke 3:1-3
Theme: Naughty and Nice (Sinner and Saint)
Materials: candy cane                   
 
Today’s Bible lesson tells us how John the Baptist went throughout the countryside telling people about God.  What he told the people reminds me of some words of a song you might know.  “He’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.”  Who’s making the list?  (Santa) Who’s naughty? What do we do that is naughty?  What do we do that is nice?
 
John the Baptist told the people, “turn away from being naughty.”  A special person is coming who will erase your “naughty”.  Who do you think that is? (Jesus)
 
When I hold this candy cane upside down, what letter does it make? (J) Yes, and it is the first letter in whose name? (Jesus)  The candy cane has 2 colors.  What are they?  (red, white)
The red reminds us of Jesus’ blood and how he died on the cross to take away our “naughty”.  The white is the color that reminds us of being clean and pure, like being “nice”.
 
So, because of Jesus, who is on the “nice” list?  (all of us) Isn’t that cool?  Here is a candy cane for each of you to help you remember that you are on the “nice” list.
 
Prayer:  Dear Jesus, we are sorry for our naughty behaviors. We are so thankful that you forgive us and make us clean.  May we celebrate that because of Jesus we are on the “nice” list.  Praise God! Amen. 

​Mark 13:24-37, Matthew 24:36-44
Theme: Be Ready
 
Have you run in a race?  Or watched a runner?  What have you seen them do to get ready to run?  Runners have a special way to start so that they are ready for the race.
When the official starts, they say:
Get ready—get your feet and hands in position
Get set—get the rest of your body in position
Go—take off.
 
Today’s Gospel lesson is about being ready.  This is the time of the year we want to be ready to celebrate a birthday.  Whose birthday?  (Jesus) What do you do so you are ready for Jesus’ birthday? (Make or buy presents, put up decorations, light Advent candles)
This year as you do all those things, try whispering, “Happy Birthday, Jesus.”
Let’s do that now. Whisper:  Happy Birthday, Jesus.
 
Prayer: Dear Jesus, we want to be ready for celebrating your birthday.  Prepare our hearts and our minds so all that we do to prepare for Christmas glorifies you.  Amen.
 
Created by Georgia Girvan