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

• Isaiah 11:1-10
• Psalm 72:1-7
• Romans 15:4-13
• Matthew 3:1-12

Memorize

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

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

• “Prepare a Royal Highway” (Lutheran Service Book 343)
• “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People” (LSB 347)
• “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry” (LSB 344)

1. Peaceful Animals-Draw (or cut and paste) animals that are typically enemies together in peace. Talk about how Jesus brings peace.
2. Teach Us-Make a list of everything you can think of that the Bible teaches. (Note: this will obviously not be an exhaustive list) Read Romans 15:4. Then talk about why God gave us the gift of the Bible.
3. Straight Paths-Make a path for a toy car that is bumping with lots of twists and turns. Take turns driving the car on the path. Then make the way smooth and easy. Take turns driving the car on the path again. Talk about the work that John the Baptist did to ready the way for Jesus. He wanted to make the way smooth for Jesus the king.

Recitation: Confession [Luther’s Small Catechism, Blue p. 213, Maroon p. 217, Black-p. 306]

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 261-268 (Blue p. 210-211, Maroon p. 218-221)
• Luther’s Small Catechism, 2017 Questions 325-333 (p. 307-311)

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.