God gave us the best present

Genesis 22

Something to say

Children never find it difficult to put together a long list of present requests at Christmas or on their birthday. If God asked you for a present what would you give him? One day God asked Abraham for a present. Now Abraham was use to giving God presents called sacrifices which showed God how important he was to Abraham. When God asked Abraham to give up his son, Abraham didn’t say no or even maybe he would have gone through it because that is how much God mattered to him. God never wanted Arbaham to kill his son, he wanted to know how much He mattered to Abraham, who showed Him that God mattered even more than his own son. What is even more amazing than this story is the story of another father who decided to show the whole world how much he loves them. This father sent his only son to die on the cross so that he could rescue each one of us. That is the best present and that Father is our God.

Something to show

Ask the children what are some of the best presents they have been given. Ask if they have any good ideas for a present they could give to God.

Wrap up a framed picture of someone very important to you. On the back of the frame loosely attach a piece of paper. Invite a child to unwrap the frame and then explain who the picture is and why they’re important to you. How hard would it be for you to give that person up? Turn the frame over and using the piece of paper make a paper tearing cross (http://www.maryricehopkins.com/pdf/Cross_Paper-Tearing_Instruction.pdf).As you’re making the cross talk to the children about The Father who gave up his son to rescue the world.

Something to pray

When we think about what God has done for us by sending his son Jesus we need to ask the question, what can we give Him? What God really wants is YOU and ME to give our life to follow Jesus. Invite the children to think about what God has given them and invite them to stand if they want to give their life to God

A verse to remember

‘He did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all.’ Romans 8v32