Cross and Candle

The Apostles' Creed. -  First Article. -  Part 1

All you need for this lesson is some paper, a pencil or crayons, scissors, and a piece of string or yarn.

1. Gather with your children at the kitchen table or coffee table.

2. Set up your cross and light your candle and say to the children:  The Bible says that Jesus is the Light of the world.

3. Recite this litany with children echoing the words:

• Light takes away darkness.
• Jesus is the Light
• Because He takes away
• The darkness of sin.

4. Everyone examine the palm of your hand.  Do you see lines?  Are there any scars?  Does your palm look like anyone else's palm in your family?

5. Trace around your hand (with fingers closed) on your own piece of paper and cut it out.

6. Talk about your hand and what it can do.  Name some good things it can do and some not so good things.

7. Write or draw a picture of some of those things on one side of your paper hand print.

8. Did you know that we often picture God's good gifts to us as coming fro His hand of blessing.  Of course, the only things God gives are good things.  In the Apostles' Creed we say, I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.  Let's say that together.

9. God is the Creator of everything but He still keeps creating and caring for all that He made by sending us many blessings from His good hand.

10. Make a list on the other side of your hand print of some of the good blessings and gifts God's hand has provided for you.

11. Punch a hole in the wrist portion of you paper hand, put your string or yarn through it, tie a knot and hang your hand from a dresser drawer or door knob or lamp so you can look at it this week and think about God's hand of blessing and remind yourself of how you can use your hand to bless others.

Sing together:  "Someone Special"

1. Someone Special, I know who;

    Thank Someone, my God is You!

    Who could make a world like this

    And a heaven full of bliss,

    Someone special I must be,

    Since You made it all for me!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all the many gifts and blessings you provide for me from your loving Hand and wonderful creation.  Help me use my hands to bless others.  Amen.