=====================================================================
Title: Primary Sabbath School Program, July 17, 1999

From: NAD Children's Ministries (author: Lisa Seeders)

Date: June 15, 1999

Abstract: Activities to use in place of program helps to teach the lesson, HEAVEN'S
CHOIR VISITS EARTH
=====================================================================
Lesson Aim: God loves to hear me thank Him for sending Jesus.

Memory Verse: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his
favor rests."  Luke 2:14, NIV


GETTING THEIR ATTENTION - CHOIRS OF PRAISE

Materials needed:
Cheap instruments such as harmonicas, Kazoo's, cymbals, triangles etc.
Poster board
Permanent marker
Tape recorder
Cassette tape

WHAT THE TEACHER DOES: (To prepare ahead)
Print the words to the song, "Angels We Have Heard On High" on the posterboard with
the permanent marker.  Print only the first verse.  Secure a piano player or use a
cassette with that song on it.

WHAT THE STUDENTS DO:
Have the children practice the song, first accompanying the music with instruments
followed by joining in with singing.  After practicing several times, record it and
play it back for their enjoyment.  (You may have to provide a second recorder and
cassette if you are not using a pianist.)

In our Bible story today, a group of beings provided beautiful music to praise God
for the birth of Jesus.  Another group listened to the beautiful music as they
praised God for the birth of Jesus. Which did you enjoy most?  Making the beautiful
music or listening to it?  GO STRAIGHT INTO THE BIBLE STORY.


GETTING INTO SCRIPTURE - MEMORY VERSE ANGELS

Materials needed:
Glow-in-the-dark vinyl stickers (Choose something like the planets that have large
surface area)
Pens
Bibles

WHAT THE TEACHER DOES: (To prepare ahead)
Draw or trace angels onto the glow-in-the-dark vinyl stickers.  Make them big
enough for the memory verse to fit on.  (Use the KJV version of the Bible for this
memory verse.  It is shorter and more familiar) Cut the angels out.

WHAT THE STUDENTS DO:
Have the children look up the memory verse in their Bibles.  Give them each an
angel and have them print the verse on it.  (Optional - The angel can be mounted on
a piece of black construction paper and extra glow-in-the-dark stickers added) If
it is possible to sufficiently darken the room, sing the song from the previous
activity and watch the angels glow.


ACTING ON SCRIPTURE - A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS

Materials needed:
Party plates and napkins
Balloons (helium if available)
A cake
Cake decorating icing
Juice
Cups
Marker
Scotch tape
Ribbon

WHAT THE TEACHER DOES: (To prepare ahead)
Have all supplies easily accessible.

WHAT THE STUDENTS DO:
One way we can thank God for Jesus is to have a celebration in His honor.  That's
why many people celebrate Christmas.  Celebrating the birth of Jesus can take place
at other times besides at Christmas.  Tell the children with help at home, they
could plan a birthday party for Jesus at any time of the year. Have the children
help set out the plates, napkins and cups.  Have them help blow up the balloons,
attach string and scotch tape them around the party area.  Some children may help
decorate the cake, making sure to stick to the theme of celebrating Jesus.  Sing
a happy birthday song to Jesus and share in the refreshments together.


ACTING ON SCRIPTURE - 

Materials needed:
Thank-you note cards
Squiggle pens (or any other fancy writing mediums)

WHAT THE TEACHER DOES: (To prepare ahead)
There are no advance preparations necessary

WHAT THE STUDENTS DO:
Ask the children why people send thank-you notes.  To show appreciation for a gift
they have received or a nice time they have had.  Does God like to hear our
appreciation for His best gift, Jesus?

Have children create a nice heartfelt thank-you to God for Jesus.  What would they
say, if they could thank Him face-to-face?  Even though we cannot deliver them to
God personally He sees what they have written and knows what is in each of their
hearts.