2025-12-07 The Gifts We Give to Others
Introduction
In this lesson, we will learn that Christmas is not just about receiving presents—it’s about giving from the heart, just as God gave us the greatest gift: Jesus.
We will talk about how God blesses us so we can bless others and how generosity doesn’t depend on how much we have but on the attitude of our hearts. Children will learn that they can give meaningful gifts every day—kindness, help, friendship, and love—things that don’t cost money.
We will also be discussing how the Bible teaches us to treat everyone the same, whether they are rich or poor, popular or quiet. God wants us to show His love to all people, without favoritism.
Through activities and discussion, we hope the children will discover that being generous means thinking about others first, sharing what we have, and looking for ways to help those around us.
Our hope is that this lesson encourages your child to practice generosity at home, at school, and with family and friends—showing Jesus’ love through everyday actions.
Bible Verses: 2 Corinthians 9:11; James 2:1–4
Main Idea: The best gifts are given from the heart.
Praise and Worship with Teens (10 mins)
Parents: The parent and child scheduled for this week will lead us in singing on Sunday. Please take time to practice the songs together at home, helping your child feel confident and joyful as they prepare to lead.
How Great is Our God
Joy to the World
First Noel
Prayer and Offering (5 mins)
Parents: Please encourage your children to bring an offering to church. You may help your child prepare by setting aside a coin for them to bring on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to teach them about giving to God with a thankful heart and trusting Him to provide.
What is Offering?
Offering is when we give something to God to show our love and thankfulness. In church, we often give money as an offering, but we can also give our time, talents, and kindness to God and others.
Why Do We Make an Offering?
To Thank God – Everything we have comes from God! Giving back is a way to say, "Thank You, God!"
To Trust God – When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
To Help Others – Offerings help the church teach about Jesus, help people in need, and share God's love.The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7,
"God loves a cheerful giver!" That means God is happy when we give with a joyful heart!
Prayer for Offering
Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. We want to give back to You with joyful hearts. Please use our offering to help others and share Your love. Help us to always trust You. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Classroom Management Refresher (5–10 Minutes)
1. Welcome & Warm-Up (1 minute)
Teacher (T):
“Good morning, friends! Let’s look at our Fruit of the Spirit poster. Who remembers what this is called?”Kids (K):
“Fruit of the Spirit!”T:
“That’s right! Today we’re going to refresh our hearts and remember how we act in this classroom.”
2. Quick Verse Reminder (1–2 minutes)
(Point to the verse on the poster.)
T:
“The Bible says in Galatians 5:22–23:
‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’These are the beautiful things God grows in our hearts when we follow Him.”
T (simple version for little ones):
“God helps us be loving, kind, gentle, and full of self-control.”
3. F.R.U.I.T Review – Call & Response (3 minutes)
Point to each fruit letter on the poster as you go.
T:
“When I point to a letter, I want you to shout what it stands for. Ready?”
T: “F!” (point to orange)
K: “Forgive friends!”
(T can add: “Even when someone makes a mistake, we forgive.”)T: “R!” (point to strawberry)
K: “Respect everyone!”
(T: “We listen, take turns, and treat others with care.”)T: “U!” (point to pear)
K: “Use kind words!”
(T: “Our words should help, not hurt.”)T: “I!” (point to grapes)
K: “Include others!”
(T: “No one gets left out.”)T: “T!” (point to apple)
K: “Try your best!”
(T: “We don’t have to be perfect, but we do our best.”)Do the whole word once more, a bit faster:
T:
“Let’s say the whole word together!”All:
“F – Forgive friends!
R – Respect everyone!
U – Use kind words!
I – Include others!
T – Try your best!”
4. Little “What Would You Do?” Game (3–4 minutes)
T:
“Now we’re going to play a quick game called ‘What Would You Do?’ I’ll tell you a story, and you show me which Fruit of the Spirit rule fits best.”Hold up 5 fingers and assign each:
1 = F, 2 = R, 3 = U, 4 = I, 5 = TScenario 1:
“Your friend accidentally bumps you in line and says, ‘I’m sorry.’ What would you do?”
(Prompt kids to hold up 1 finger – Forgive friends.)Scenario 2:
“Someone is talking while the teacher is praying. What should they remember?”
(2 fingers – Respect everyone.)Scenario 3:
“You see a child sitting alone during a game. What can you do?”
(4 fingers – Include others.)Scenario 4:
“You’re working on a craft that’s a little hard. What should you remember?”
(5 fingers – Try your best.)Scenario 5:
“Your brother or sister takes your crayon. What should you use?”
(3 fingers – Use kind words: ‘Can I have it back, please?’)You can add or swap scenarios as you like.
5. Classroom Promise & Chant (1–2 minutes)
T:
“Now, let’s say our classroom promise together. Repeat after me.”T (slowly, kids echo):
“In this classroom…
We grow God’s fruits in our hearts.
We help each other learn.
We make our classroom a loving place.”Now the chant:
All together:
“F–R–U–I–T,
We grow good fruit—
You and me!”(Clap on each letter if you want: F–R–U–I–T clap clap.)
6. Short Closing Prayer (30–45 seconds)
T:
“Let’s bow our heads and talk to God.”Prayer:
“Dear God,
Thank You for the Fruit of the Spirit.
Please help us forgive friends,
respect everyone,
use kind words,
include others,
and always try our best.
Help our classroom be full of Your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Bible Story (10 min)
Introduction (1 min)
Teacher Says:
“Good morning, everyone! Merry Christmas—well, almost! Christmas is a time when people give gifts, but today we’re learning something very special: the best gifts aren’t the ones wrapped in paper… the best gifts come from the heart.”
Ask (open-ended):
“What’s a gift you’ve given someone that made you really happy?”
“Why do you think giving feels good?”Teacher:
“Today we’re going to learn that God gives to us so we can give to others. And when we give with love, we show people what Jesus is like.”“The Bible tells us that giving is something God loves, and He blesses us so we can bless others.”
Story Telling (5 min)
Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:11; James 2:1–4
Bottom Line: The best gifts are given from the heart.
Part 1: God Gives So We Can Give (2 Corinthians 9:11)
Teacher:
“The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:11, ‘You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.’ That means God gives us good things — not just to keep — but to share.”Ask:
“What are some things God has given you that you could share with others?”
“Why do you think God wants us to share?”Part 2: Treating Everyone the Same (James 2:1–4)
Teacher:
“Imagine two people walk into church. One is wearing shiny, fancy clothes, and the other is wearing old, worn-out clothes. The Bible says we shouldn't treat the fancy one better. God wants us to show kindness to everyone.”Ask:
What are some examples that you have experience someone treating you kindly?
“How do you feel when someone treats you kindly?”
“How can we show kindness to someone who seems left out or different?”
Part 3: The Cookie Example (Interaction)
Teacher:
“I need one volunteer for a quick challenge!”(Choose a child. Give them a pretend cookie or draw two cookie pieces on a board.)
Teacher:
“Break this cookie into two pieces: one for you, one for me.”Let kids watch how the child chooses.
Ask the volunteer:
“Why did you choose that piece for yourself?”
“Would you ever give someone the bigger piece? Why or why not?”
Ask the group:
“If you could meet someone famous, would you give them your whole cookie? Why?”
“Who in your life would you share with first?”
Teacher:
“Being generous means thinking about others first — just like Jesus did.”ACTIVITY 2 — “HEART GIFTS CHALLENGE” (Interactive)
Teacher:
“I’m going to call out a type of heart-gift — something you can give without money — and you show me how you would give it!”Examples:
“Give a kind smile” → Kids smile at someone.
“Give helping hands” → Pretend to help carry something.
“Give encouraging words” → Say something kind to a partner.
“Give a moment of sharing” → Pretend to share a toy or cookie.
Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)
Teacher:
“God gave us the greatest gift — Jesus. And now we get to show His love by giving from the heart. Let’s ask God to help us be generous this week.”Prayer:
“God, thank You for giving us everything we need. Help us see ways to be generous, kind, and loving to others. Teach us to give from our hearts, just like You do. Amen.”
Closing Prayer for Bible Story
(Invite children to bow their heads and fold their hands.)
Leader:
“Let’s pray together.”Simple Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for loving us so much that You sent Jesus. Help us to remember Your love and share it with others. Amen.”
Verse of the day: Luke 2:11
2 Corinthians 9:11; James 2:1–4
2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
James 2:1–4
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?