ROTATION.ORG WRITING TEAM

JESUS' BIRTH THROUGH THE EYES OF ISAIAH

ART WORKSHOP

PASSAGE

Story: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7a
Key/Memory Verse: Isaiah 9:6b

PURPOSE

Students will learn that names had significant meaning in biblical times. Specifically, they will explore some of the names given for Jesus and use them to make an Advent chain. They will discover that Jesus came to break the chains of slavery to sin and to bring new life as reflected in some of the names used for him.

PREPARATION

Review Bible Background.

Materials List

• Bibles
  
• Book of names
  
• Copier paper, 8 1/2" x 11", bright colors
  
• Copier
  
• Glue
  
• "Names of Jesus" list
  
• Paper cutter/Scissors
  
• Stapler and staples
  
• Transparent Tape
  

Advance Preparation Requirements

• Copy one set of the "Names for Jesus" list on different sheets of brightly colored paper for each participant.
  
• Cut the strips apart for the younger children.
  

PRESENTATION

Open - Introduction

Ask the kids to share what their names mean or perhaps what they know about them and why they were given their names. You might have a book of names and their meanings available for those who don't know about their names. Tell them that in Bible times a name had significant meaning, and sometimes a new name was given to indicate a change of character or a major event in one's life. As an example, look up the story of Abraham and Sarah, Genesis 17:1-8, in the Hebrew Scriptures, and the calling of Peter recorded in John 1:35-42 of the New Testament.

Dig - Main Content

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, one can find more than 100 names and titles for Jesus Christ. No other person in history has had so many names and titles. Why do you think this is? Isaiah was a prophet and told about the coming of Jesus. He gave clues to who Jesus was with the names he used for him in Isaiah 9:6. These include: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Today we will make an Advent chain using some of the names for Jesus. Each day during Advent, remove one of the links of the chain and do the suggested activity to learn the meaning behind some of these names.

Have pre-printed sets of the "Names of Jesus" prepared for each child so all they have to do is cut them apart and staple, or glue or tape, them into a paper chain ready to hang on their Christmas tree or wherever they might choose to put it.

Day 1: Alpha and Omega - Revelation 22:13
These words were spoken by Jesus about Himself. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They symbolize that Jesus is the beginning and ending. Practice making the Greek letters Alpha and Omega.

Day 2: Wonderful Counselor - Isaiah 9:6
What is a Counselor? Can you think of a time when you received wise -- or foolish -- counsel? What happened?

Day 3: The Mighty God - Isaiah 9:6
Look up "mighty." What does it mean, and how does it pertain to Jesus? Find pictures that show examples of "mighty" such as Redwood Trees, mountains, the bright sun, and so forth.

Day 4: The Everlasting Father - Isaiah 9:6
How does this name apply to Christ? What was before the world? What is eternity?
Make an evergreen wreath. The wreath is circular having no beginning and no end. Evergreens symbolize eternal life.

Day 5: The Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6
What are some symbols of peace? Draw pictures of them. Commit to sharing the gospel of peace with someone this week.

Day 6: The Firstborn of Every Creature - Colossians 1:15
Why is it important to see Christ as the first-born? What are the privileges of a first-born? What is your birth order in your family?

Day 7: Unspeakable Gift - 2 Corinthians 9:15
Look up the word "unspeakable" in different translations of the Bible. Think of a really special gift you have received. Describe how you felt.

Day 8: Lamb of God - John 1:29
Who made this statement? What is a prophecy? What was a sacrificial lamb? Make lambs out of cotton and cardboard. Set them out to remind yourself of the Lamb of God.

Day 9: Good Shepherd - John 10:11
Begin to set up a nativity scene. Put in Mary, Joseph, shepherds and lambs. Learn the song "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night."

Day 10: Star - Numbers 24:17 and Bright and Morning Star - Revelation 22:16
Make star cookies. What important star do we talk about at Christmas? Jesus is even brighter than that star.

Day 11: The Christ/Annointed One/Messiah - Mark 8:29
What does it mean to be "anointed"? What are some examples of "anointing" in the Bible? Read the prophecies of Daniel, especially Chapter 9.

Day 12: Immanuel - Matthew 1:23 and Isaiah 7:14
Immanuel means God With Us. What do you think that means? How do we know God is with us? Draw or paint a picture of God With Us.

Day 13: Holy One - Mark 1:24
Read Mark 1:21-28 to better understand this name. Who is naming Jesus the "Holy One" in this verse? What does it mean to be holy? Can we be holy? Look up the hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy" or "O, Holy Night" and read or sing the words.

Day 14: Light of the World - John 8:12
Memorize this verse. It's a short one! Take some Wintergreen lifesavers into a dark closet and bite them with your mouth open. What happens? Light a candle at the dinner table during Advent as a reminder that Jesus is the Light of the World.

Day 15: Dayspring - Luke 1:78
Read Luke 1:67-80 for Zechariah's prophecy. Look for all the other names for Jesus in this passage. What does "dayspring" mean? How could we translate it today?

Day 16: The Word - Revelation 19:13 and John 1:1
Make a collage using words that have Christmas as a theme. How is God's Word both written and spoken? How is Jesus, "The Word"?

Day 17: Servant - Matthew 12:18
What is a servant? Can you think of examples of Jesus being a servant? How can we be a servant?

Day 18: King - Zechariah 9:9
Who is the King in this story? Is this prophecy? How can Jesus be both servant and king?
Make crowns using cardboard and old buttons, glitter, yarn, or any scraps around the house.

Day 19: Rose of Sharon - Song of Solomon 2:1
What does a Rose of Sharon look like? It was probably a common, abundant plant like a crocus or narcissus. It has a delicate beauty and gentle fragrance. It speaks to us of the beauty and fragrance Jesus brings to those who know and love him.

Day 20: Lily of the Valley
What was/is Lily of the Valley? Some think it was a white amaryllis. Discuss the color "white." What does it symbolize?

Day 21: Friend - Matthew 11:19
Think of a good friend. Why is he/she your friend? What qualities does he/she have that makes him/her a good friend. Make and send a Christmas card to a friend.

Day 22: Savior - John 4:42
Why is Jesus our Savior? Why do we need a savior? Make an Easter (yes, Easter) banner showing the Cross.

Day 23: Shiloh - Genesis 49:10
Read and discuss this passage. It is part of the prophecy/blessing of Jacob to his son, Judah. What does Shiloh mean? Shiloh means to rest. Read Matthew 11:28. Why is this a good name for Jesus?

Day 24: I Am - John 8:58
Where else in the Bible have we heard someone say "I Am?" Look up the story of Moses and the Burning Bush in Exodus 3:14,15. Put the baby Jesus in the nativity scene.

Reflect - Closure

As we reflect on the many names for Jesus, may we grow in our understanding of who Jesus is.
Use one of the following prayers in closing:

O Jesus Christ,
Emmanuel, come and dwell with us.
Desire of all nations;
Gift to every generation,
Come, make your home with us.

All nations, everybody,
Are waiting for you,
Indians and Eskimos
Are waiting for you,
People in New York are waiting for you.
People in Beijing
Are waiting for you.
Jesus, come to us. Amen.

O Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace
Come and save your people.
Joy of every heart,
Strength of those who are
Come quickly to help us.

Prince of Peace,
teach the lion and the little lamb
teach the cat and the mouse
teach the hawk and the tiny bird
teach everyone who doesn't get along
to live in peace.

SOURCES

http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/adv.html
http://members.aol.com/MomCaroe/Names.html

CONTRIBUTOR: Cindy Merten

We modified this session by giving each child a sheet of white card stock with the title in an attractive font: "Children's Advent Calendar 2004." The sheet was in landscape orientation. There was a large white area below the title, then near the bottom, "Thoughts about the Names of Jesus". In the large white area, we let each child decorate her Advent calendar with a colored pencil drawing of the Nativity. We reminded them that this would be on display in their homes throughout the month, and encouraged their very best efforts. When they completed the drawing, they made the paper chain as suggested, with this modification: the chain was made in 5 shorter chains, which were attached across the bottom of the card stock. We had marked 5 areas where they should be attached: Days 1-5, 6-10, etc. The one thing I wish we had done differently would be omitting the day numbers on the slips for the chains. Keeping them in order was a challenge, and the order really doesn't matter!