Preparation: Gathering the tools to learn about the name

The Work: Learning what God says about the name

Display: Imagining ways to apply what God says.

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Imagination Factory is a place where kids learn about Jesus by investigating His names. Inside the factory, there are four different “rooms” where kids will use their imagina-tion as they learn: The Lab, The Gallery, Building Zone and The Junkyard. This unit takes place in the Gallery, specifically Christmas Tree Lane.

In Christmas Tree Lane, kids will learn about the Names of Jesus surrounding His birth. They will explore not only the meaning of the name but also how that name makes a difference in their own life. Through fun art-type activities, goofy Christmas tree trivia, wacky Christmas tree investi-gations, Christmas Bible stories and creative ornaments based on His names, kids will walk away with a deeper understanding of Jesus’ birth and the true meaning of Christmas.

The Work:Christmas Bible Story Funky Christmas Tree Christmas Tree Art

Display: The Christmas Tree Studio Ornament CraftGameBible MemoryExpress Yourself SnackThe Gallery Cards Family Guide

This Lesson contains:

Preparation: O Christmas Tree TriviaFrancois and Frank What’s Under the Tree Unwrapping the Verse

introduction

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PreparationO Christmas Tree TriviaThis power point trivia game is a fun way to introduce the lesson. Both odd and ordinary trivia questions about Christmas trees will set up the lesson for the kids. This is a purely fun and optional part of the les-son.

Francois and Frank(If using girls change names to Francoise and Frank)

Francois is an internationally known Christmas Tree decorator whose skills have been used in famous locations. Frank is an expert tree farmer. The two could not be more opposite if they tried and truly do not understand each other. Their interaction will introduce the name of Jesus.

Francois has a flair for the dramatic and should dress accordingly. Bright colors, surprising combinations of patterns, and beret all add to his overall artistic appearance. If the actors do not know French, look online to get the correct pronunciation of the name.

Frank is down to earth, no nonsense type of guy. He wears overalls or work pants, work shirt and base-ball cap. He works hard and expects the same from everyone he encounters.

The set should include a Christmas tree that will be the focal point of their interaction.

what’s under the treeEach name of Jesus will have a simple symbol that will help kids remember the meaning of the name. What’s Under the Tree? is a power point game in which the symbol for the name will be introduced. The first slide is a Christmas tree with gifts wrapped underneath. One by one the gifts under the tree will be exchanged for the item inside the gift. Kids try to guess which unwrapped item is the symbol for the name. This can be done as a group, in teams or by choosing a few individuals.

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In addition, consider displaying an actual object for the symbol. (Example: symbol is earth so the object would be a globe.) Display these adding one each week to help kids remember not only the name but also the meaning of the name.

Option: If you do not have access to power point or as a different option, actually wrap the symbol and place under the tree along with other gifts. The kids take turns unwrapping a gift until the symbol is found.

unwrapping the verse The main Scripture verse where the name is found will be introduced along with actions to help re-member the verse. Encourage the children to find the verse in their Bible (or one you provide). The verse will also be on the power point slide.

Note: The verses are in ESV unless otherwise noted.

the workChristmas Bible StoryThe Christmas Bible Story is either a narrative or passage of Scripture that helps the kids understand the meaning of the name of Jesus.

PrayerThe prayer time has suggestions for specific things to pray about. This is a crucial part of the lesson. During this time children have the opportunity to reflect on the name of Jesus. It gives them a special time to talk to God and evaluate their lives. The goal of the curriculum is to not just learn facts about Jesus and His names but to lead the kids toward the One who can bring life transformation.

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DisplayChristmas Tree StudioKids will work as a group to decorate a tree using different art techniques. The tree may be on canvas board, posterboard or cardboard. This studio time will reinforce the main point of the lesson. Trees can be displayed either at a special Christmas art tree event with the church invited or displayed during the unit.

Ornament CraftAn ornament based on the name of Jesus studied in the lesson will be created. These can be kept at church as decoration for a tree or sent home each week as a reminder of the name learned.

GameA group game in which the name of Jesus will be applied to life.

Funky Christmas TreeFunky Christmas Tree provides an object lesson that springboards from the use of a different type of Christmas tree. This part of the lesson will help the kids understand how the name of Jesus makes a difference in their own lives. It is a bridge between knowledge of the name and application of the name.

Christmas Tree ArtChristmas Tree Art is a demonstration of a type of art used in decorating trees. This will point kids toward applying the meaning of the name of Jesus to their own lives. Later in the Christmas Tree Stu-dio, the kids will be given an opportunity to decorate a tree as a group.

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Bible Memory ActivityKids will use a variety of methods to learn the memory verse.

Express YourselfKids participate in discussion with a small group.

SnackA snack in the form of the symbol that represents the name of Jesus will be created.

Gallery CardsGallery cards are similar to trading cards (baseball, etc). Two different kinds of trading cards are pro-vided: one in color and one that can be colored. The cards contain the name of Jesus studied, the symbols associated with the name, and the Bible verse that corresponds with the name.

Print the cards on heavy cardstock. Each week give out the card corresponding to the name. The kids can collect the cards as a reminder of the name of Jesus and the meaning of the name.

Consider laminating the cards to provide a lasting reminder.

family guideGet families involved spiritually during the week. This take home paper provides the outline for what was taught along with suggestions for discussion and activities that can be done at home. It is simple so parents can easily glance over the paper and understand what their child learned and implement some activities at home with ease.

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Planning AheadSuppliesAt the end of each lesson, you will find a supply list.

Special CharactersEnlist two adults or teens to play the parts of Francois and Frank (Francoise and Fran).

Decorating IdeasA colorful factory can be designed for the set. When a unit ends and another one begins, the main part of the stage can be changed to show this transition.

The Gallery is a place where art created in the factory is displayed. Often the art is also created in the Gallery.

Some simple ideas:

For the overall factory:-Use dryer hoses for smokestacks on the factory. -Make conveyer belts using poles (dowel rods, empty wrapping paper tubes, PVC pipes) and fabric, plastic or paper. -Make the factory colorful- choose 3 colors to use throughout the series. -Place “Do not enter” signs on fake doors. Put up fake doors to the other rooms with signs “The Lab, “ “Junkyard” and “Building Zone.”-Use cardboard boxes to make the front of the factory. Use the graphic on the front page of the lesson as a guide.

For the Gallery:-During the teaching of Christmas Tree Lane, make a display of Christmas trees in a line. Add decora-tions to the trees each week to correspond with the lesson taught. -Place paintings, sculptures and other works of art in the area. -Place easels, paintbrushes, pottery wheels, palettes, pottery tools and paint in a corner as if artists are at work.

Teaching TipsCharactersGive each character room to ad-lib and develop a personality. They should never read their scripts. Also, they should not memorize them word for word. Ad-libbing gives more authenticity to the charac-ters.

TeachingTeach from your heart and experience! Never read the lesson to the class. Always study ahead. Para-phrase the lesson in your own words. The “scripts” are meant to be a guide. Let the Holy Spirit work through you. The most important part of the curriculum is not the curriculum itself, but the teacher. Make sure you have prayed for the class before even thinking about beginning.

PowerpointPowerPoint is a tool to enhance your teaching. When you see a small graphic of a PP in the lesson that is your cue that there is a slide to complement a specific point. Be sure to practice teaching with the PowerPoint if you are not used to using it. Have an assistant follow the lesson and advance the screen as necessary. Another option is to purchase a PowerPoint remote control.

Memory VersesLesson One: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Luke 1:68-69

Lesson Two: She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Lesson Three: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means God with us.) Matthew 1:23

Lesson Four: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Lesson Five: Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:2

Lesson Symbol Bible Verse

Bible Story

Funky Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree Art

1. Horn of Salvation

Horn Luke 1:68-69

Zechariah and the Angel

Zebra Tree Words tree

2. Jesus Cross with

“Sins” sign

nailed to it

Matthew 1:21

Mary and Joseph

visited by angels

Upside Down Tree

Wood Tree

3. Imman-uel

Manger Matthew 1:23

Jesus is born

Christmas Tree Hair

Handprint Tree

4. Saviour Fish Sym-bol

Luke 2:11 Angels visit shepherds

Recycled Tree Book Tree

5. King of the Jews

Crown with star

Matthew 2:2 Wise men visit Jesus

Diamond Tree Gift of Worship Tree

christmas tree lane overview