The Christmas Pageant Lesson 1

The Christmas Pageant Lesson #1 Zechariah & Elizabeth GOD CAN USE US THE THEME Over the next few weeks we will get a behind the scenes look at the making of "The Christmas Pageant." This wacky production crew has some crazy ideas about how the Christmas story actually played out. Not to worry, the Stage Manager has it all under control and will make sure that we get the "Real Backstage Scoop" on who the characters were and why God chose them for their important jobs. THIS WEEK This week we meet Zechariah & Elizabeth. These two senior citizens were unable to have children, but in their old age, God delivered them a miracle. Our age, position or past can often leave us feeling that we have nothing to offer God. But God knows us inside and out. He has created each one of us for a special purpose and has a plan for our lives. We can get started on following His plan at any age and at any time. And don't worry, God will help us when we aren’t sure what to do or how to do it. THE VERSE Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you. Jeremiah 1:7 THE VIDEO MESSAGE (Don't forget to watch the video) It's true that Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in the eyes of God but they were old. That was the whole point of this miracle baby. These senior citizens had been unable to have children and now they are visited by an angel and told that they are going to have a little one. And not just anyone, John The Baptist, the very person who would set the stage for Jesus to preach his message of Good News. They were blown away! Sometimes we may think that because of our age or our past, that God can't use us or that the Good News doesn't apply to us. Nothing could be further from the truth. No matter who you are or where you've been, Jesus is good news of great joy for everyone.

THE LESSON Just like Zechariah and Elizabeth felt as though they were too old to be used by God, young people can feel like they have to wait until they are grown to figure out their purpose. The story of Jeremiah reminds us that God can use anyone at any age. And not only will God use us, He knows us and will guide our words and give us strength. In the Bible, God came to someone named Jeremiah, and told him that he was going to be a prophet. That means God was giving Him a special job announcing to people the words that God was saying. It was much like the job that God would give John the Baptist to make a path for Jesus to share His message of Good News. And just like John the Baptist, Jeremiah was chosen by God before he was even born! Did you know God had a job for you picked out before you were born? He knows what your life will be like before anyone else knows! Don't take our word for it. Check out what the Bible says. Take a look in the book of Jeremiah. You can find it in the Old Testament. This is an example of God using unlikely people before Jesus was even born!

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

Jeremiah was nervous hearing these words from God. Wouldn't you be? He didn't know where to go or what to say but God told him not to be afraid.

Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you. Jeremiah 1:7

God will be with us too. Have you ever been nervous or wondered how to do something? Most of us probably have!” God is promising to be with Jeremiah. He is not going to give him a job and leave him to figure it out on his own. In our lives, we might not always hear a big booming voice from God with specific words but when we read our Bibles, pray, and pay attention to those around us, we can get an idea of what God wants and how He might want us to serve. Maybe it means sitting next to the new kid at lunchtime, or sharing a special word or smile with a friend. Maybe it’s putting some allowance in the offering plate or donating to an organization. The key to remember is that no matter what we are doing, if we are doing it for God, He is with us. We know that God loves us, made us, and has a purpose for us. He will guide us every day in every way.

THE CRAFT In a few days you should be receiving an envelope filled with some special activites to do along with our weekly lessons. This week you will be using markers or paint (whatever you have at home) to create a snowflake ornament. We have chosen snowflakes for a special reason. Did you know that no two snowflakes are alike. They are a reminder of how God created us. We are each unique. We look different, act different and have different gifts and talents. God knew exactly what He was doing when He made each one of us and He has a special job for each one of us to do. Save the rest of the activities for the following 3 lessons. We will make new things together each week.