God's word on Joy

 1. Lesson

•  Song: Introduce a song on “Joy” (suggestions below)
• I’ve got Joy and it’s down in my heart
• I’ve got a joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
• This joy that I have
• Rejoice in the Lord always
• 
  
• Next month we celebrate Christmas. Does anyone know any Christmas songs?
• <open for suggestions of carols … answer to highlight:  “Joy to the World!”>
•  Why do we sing “Joy to the World”? Because when Jesus came, He brought His joy!
• 
  
• What is joy? <Some kids will say “happiness”>
• <Get kids to share>What was your happiest moment? What was your saddest?

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

Lesson: Let us trust in Jesus

1. Story:

• Tell the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler, based on Luke 18:18-27.
• This young man asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” — He thought he could earn eternal life by what he does

Jesus welcomes the Children

Lesson: Let us come to Jesus

1. Tell the story of Jesus and the children from Luke 18:15-17. 

• As Jesus was busy teaching one day, some people wanted to bring their children and babies to see Jesus. They wanted Jesus to touch their babies and bless them. But as they tried to come near, some of the disciples saw them and stopped them. Maybe they thought that Jesus wouldn’t want to be interrupted by a drooling baby or a grubby kid. What if they started crying and disturbed everyone else?
• But Jesus saw them and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these." 
• Isn’t that wonderful? Jesus wasn’t too busy for the children. He wasn’t too important for little toddlers. He said that the Kingdom of God belonged to them, so they should be allowed to come whenever they wanted.

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Lesson: Let us boast in Jesus

1. Story: Tell the Parable of the "Pharisee and the Tax Collector" based on Luke 18:9-13.