Read the Bible texts using different translations or age-appropriate children’s Bibles, act it out, use puppets or visual aids.

• Isaiah 6:1-4, 8-11
• Psalm 126:1-6
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
• John 1:6-8, 19-28

Memorize

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Listen to and sing the songs that will be a part of this week's worship service.

• “Hark the Glad Sound” (Lutheran Service Book 349)
• “Lift Up Your Heads Ye Mighty Gates” (LSB 341)
• “Prepare the Royal Highway” (LSB 343)

1. Send Me!-Choose each person for a “special job” (collect your Bible, collect a treat to share, etc.). After all have returned from their tasks, read Isaiah 6:8. Talk about what it means to answer God’s call and serve Him with a willing heart.
2. Spirit’s Fire-Light a candle (or use the fireplace if you’d like a bigger fire). Fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (remember Pentecost?) who entered you at Baptism. What does the Holy Spirit in you do? (gives faith, makes holy, guides you in God’s ways) Read 1 Thessalonians 5:19. Why would Paul give this advice? What would be missing in you/your life if the Spirit’s fire weren’t present? (Put out your fire and note the differences to it being lit.)
3. A Witness to the Light-How does the moon get its light? Have a little science lesson and explain as much as is helpful regarding the moon not being a light, but merely a reflection of the light of the Sun. Read John 1:8. Talk about how John the Baptist (and you) can be a witness to the light of the Son of God, Jesus.

Recitation: The Tenth Commandment & Meaning [Luther’s Small Catechism, Blue p. 89, Maroon p. 91, Black-p. 115]

Q & A: Assign one person to be the catechizer to ask questions and allow others to answer. (Guide them/provide unknown answers.)

• Luther’s Small Catechism, 2008 Questions 66-68 (Blue p. 89-90, Maroon p. 91-92)
• Luther’s Small Catechism, 2017 Questions 90-92 (p. 117-118)

 Need a catechism? Let us know!

1. Share highs and lows of the day.
2. How have you seen God at work lately?
3. What does the Scripture reading teach about God?
4. What does it teach about people?
5. What is the key theme of the Scripture reading?
6. What do you learn about the key theme? How can you apply it to your daily walk with the Lord? (Yourself, your relationship with God or your relationships with others?)
7. Any cautions to heed? Any promises to anticipate?

• Adoration (Wow, God!): Proclaim at least three things that amaze you about God today.
• Confession (Sorry, God!): Confess, repent, and ask for forgiveness.
• Thanksgiving (Thanks, God!): Thank God for blessings, lessons, gifts, etc.
• Supplication (Please, God!): Ask God to intervene where you know of needs.