BJU Press Blog

Crafting the Names of Christ

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A couple of years ago, my family got involved in a weekly children’s Bible club. We started helping because we wanted an opportunity to serve together as a family and to teach our children how to minister to other people. Since then, Bible club has become much more than a Saturday morning ministry opportunity. We have come to love the dozen or so children that hop on the bus to come every week. We bake them treats. We pray for them. We spend time trying to figure out how to teach them more effectively.

All of the children in our Bible club have been raised in poverty. Most of them don’t come from intact families. Few have ever attended a church service. Some of them come because they like seeing their friends. Others come because they sense the club leaders care for them. Some of them come because they like to play games and eat brownies. Whatever the reason, we’re glad whenever they show up.

Shortly after we started this ministry, we noticed that some of the girls who came rarely wanted to participate in the organized game time.  In order to better connect with them, we started having a craft time. They love doing crafts, and we’ve found that it’s a great time to teach basic Bible truths and reinforce some of the things my husband is teaching in our Bible lesson time.

This Christmas season, we’re decorating small Christmas trees with a dozen ornaments centered around one theme—the names of Christ. It is our hope that this craft will not only help them understand who Jesus Christ is but that they’ll be able to use it to tell their families about Christ.

You can use this craft in your own ministry setting or even with your own children. Make one ornament every day or make several at once—the pacing is really up to you. But before you make each ornament, take the time to read the associated Scripture passage and talk about the significance of the title. The goal is not just to have pretty ornaments; the goal is to better understand our Savior.

 

  1. Jesus is the Word

    John 1: 1–3
    WP-word-ornament-12-2015

  2. Materials needed: foam craft sheets (black, white, and green), red ribbon, hole punch, scissors, tacky glue

  1. Jesus is the Light of the World

    John 8:12
    WP-light-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: foam craft sheets (black, yellow, orange, red, white), glitter glue, scissors, hole punch, ribbon, tacky glue

  1. Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah

    Revelation 5:5
    WP-lion-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: foam craft sheets (yellow, orange), googly eyes, scissors, tacky glue, hole punch, ribbon

  2. Jesus is the Way

    John 14:6
    WP-way-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: foam craft sheets (blue, green, brown), gold glitter glue, cotton balls, scissors, tacky glue

  1. Jesus is the Good Shepherd

    John 10:11
    WP-shepherd-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: pipe cleaners, beads, ribbon

  2. Jesus is the Lamb of God

    John 1:29
    WP-lamb-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: assortment of white and black buttons, white card stock or craft foam, scissors, string or ribbon, tacky glue

  3. Jesus is the Vine

    John 15:1
    WP-vine-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: purple paper, green pipe cleaners, pencil (to curl paper around), scissors, hot glue gun, ribbon, tacky glue

  4. Jesus is the Bread of Life

    John 6:35
    WP-bread-ornament-12-2015
    Materials needed: salt, flour, lukewarm water, wax paper, plastic straw, knife, ribbon
    Directions:
    (1) In a medium bowl, mix ½ cup salt, 1 cup flour, and ½ lukewarm water.
    (2) Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes.
    (3) Form “French bread” shapes, using a knife to add detail.
    (4) Poke a hole in the top using a plastic straw.
    (5) Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper (or parchment paper).
    (6) Bake at 200 degrees for 2–5 hours, depending on thickness (or you can let them air dry for several days).

  5. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life

    John 11:25
    WP-life-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: salt, flour, lukewarm water, wax paper, plastic straw, ribbon
    Directions:
    (1) Make salt dough (see steps 1 and 2 under for ornament #8).
    (2) Shape dough into one large ball and another smaller one.
    (3) Place large ball on cookie sheet covered with wax paper, and use thumb to make a “cave” indent.
    (4) Place smaller ball off to the side of the “cave.”
    (5) Poke a hole in the top using a plastic straw.
    (6) Bake at 200 degrees for 2–5 hours, depending on thickness (or you can let them air dry for several days).

  6. Jesus is the King of Kings

    Revelation 19:16
    WP-crown-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: empty toilet paper or paper towel tube, scissors, sequins or jewels, tacky glue, ribbon

  7. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega

    Revelation 22:13
    WP-alpha-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: craft popsicle sticks, paint, paintbrushes, foam craft sheets (any color ), sticker letters, hot glue gun, ribbon

  8. Jesus is the Savior

    1 John 4:14; Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11
    WP-savior-ornament-12-2015Materials needed: applesauce, cinnamon (4 oz. container), plastic wrap, rolling pin, cross-shaped cookie cutter, wax paper, plastic straw,  ribbon
    Directions:
    (1) Mix 1/3 cup applesauce with container of cinnamon.
    (2) Roll out dough between 2 sheets of  plastic wrap until ¼ inch thick.
    (3) Remove top sheet of plastic wrap.
    (4) Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
    (5) Peel shapes away from bottom layer of plastic wrap and place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
    (6) Poke a hole in the top using a plastic straw.
    (7) Bake at 250 degrees for 1–3 hours, depending on thickness.

May you find comfort in all that Jesus is this Christmas!

Find other Christmas activities on the BJU Press blog.

TRUE

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True is a beautiful word—whether used as an adverb or adjective. It is altogether appropriate to use it to describe both the person and words of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source and sustenance of all that is true. Because He has been true to His Father, we know He is worthy of our constant trust.

cover image of Wonderful Words
“The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:9b). “Thy word is true from the beginning” (Psalm 119:160a). “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest . . . if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth” (I John 2:8). “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war” (Revelation 19:11). “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true” (Revelation 22:6a).

GOLDEN THOUGHT: The true Light now shines.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (December 9 reading).]

Starting History Close to Home

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photograph of Tonedale Mills in Somerset

Several years ago my wife and I bought our first home. It’s in the older part of town, and right outside the back door are the remains of a textile mill. A hundred years ago, when our house was built, the mill stood in the middle of a bustling village. Most of the inhabitants worked at the mill. There were a grocery store, several schools, some churches, and a mill-owned bowling alley. But today, the textile mill is out of business.

Since we moved into our home, I’ve had various opportunities to talk to the older residents in my neighborhood. Many of them worked in the mill back when it was producing textiles. They tell the history of their town with a mixture of pride and sadness—pride in what they enjoyed in their earlier lives, but sadness about the languishing state of their community. Their histories help me understand my community.

A Preschooler’s First Questions

As we drive across town, my oldest daughter asks questions about our community. “Where do we live?” “Why is that big building (textile mill) there?” These are natural questions for anyone to ask about their surroundings. It’s also natural to begin teaching history here, where our family lives. Knowing the history of our community helps me answer the questions my daughters ask, like “Why has our neighbor lived there so long, but the other house has a new family in it every few months?” The histories I learn help answer her natural questions.

One Sunday evening we were looking at the globe at church when she asked another natural question. “Where do we live?” We found our state, and then I explained that we live in a country called the United States of America. It is quite normal for anyone to ask questions about places and events closest to them. That tendency is natural and good. It helps people gather the information they need.

Family, Community, Nation, World

Our children should learn about their families, their communities, and then their nation before learning about the broader world. When you approach history in this fashion, it’s called expanding horizons. Children learn about their own families first, and a good curriculum teaches them a biblical perspective on families. It then explains the features of their community.

At this point, it’s appropriate to teach children about their nation’s history. They need to know their own heritage so they understand their own country, its symbols, its past, and most important, its people. Once they master a basic understanding of their country, they’re ready to begin learning about the rest of the world.

Knowledge of the Past to Serve in the Present

Providentially, my family is in America. We’re grateful for the place and time God has placed us in. And as citizens of His kingdom, we need to act in His interest. To do so skillfully, we need to understand our own nation here on earth. That’s why my wife and I want our children to have a thoroughly biblical worldview of America’s history. When our children understand the origins of our laws, institutions, conflicts, and people, they will be prepared for wise stewardship of their American citizenship for God’s glory.

Are your children receiving a firm American history foundation before learning other nations’ histories? Provide them this foundation with BJU Press Heritage Studies.

Stories for Christmas

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Like most homeschool families, you’re probably taking off a large chunk of time during the month of December. That’s great since it gives everyone time for focusing on family and celebrating Christmas, but even on vacation, you’re looking for places to sneak in a bit of learning without your kids realizing it.

On those cold December nights when everyone’s inside, consider having a family story night. It’s a great way to get everyone together and can also be a huge benefit to a novice reader. The whole family can take turns reading part of the story. Here are some great Christian novel suggestions from our JourneyForth collection. There’s something for all ages, and the best part is all JourneyForth books are 40% off through December 16 (just use the promo code BOOKS40).

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Mice of the Herring Bone (Ages 6–7)

Two ordinary mice find themselves in an extraordinary adventure, including pirate sea dogs, a ship full of cats, and a sunken treasure. (If you’ve already read this one, check out the other titles in the same series.)

 

 

 

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Christmas Crossroads (Ages 7–9)

Just published this fall, Christmas Crossroads is a “choose your own journey” adventure. It puts you in control of the story as three children set out to visit Jesus on the first Christmas. The trip is perilous, and your decisions shape the outcome. Join your favorite Christmas story characters on an adventure to the City of David. When one journey ends, a new one awaits.

 

 

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Medallion (Ages 9–12)

A willful prince must learn the hard way that being a leader means being first a servant. Prince Trave encounters many dangers—such as an earthquake, monstrous skreels, and treachery from those he thought were his friends—before he faces the biggest challenge of all—proving he is indeed worthy to rule his country. (Medallion has a prequel called Shield.)

 

 

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Capturing Jasmina (Ages 12+)

Jasmina, a young girl in India, and her brother, Samir are sold by their father to a man promising them an education and good jobs. But, as Jasmina and Samir soon discover, the man is providing an education, not in a school, but as slaves in his sweatshop garment factory. While Samir quickly submits to his new life of misery, Jasmina never stops planning an escape. The story continues in Buying Samir and Seeking Mother.

 

Grab your hot chocolate, and curl up on the sofa for an evening of family fun! From all of us at BJU Press, have a Merry Christmas.

THOUGHT

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Because of our limited powers of perception, the Bible says we know a person by his “fruits.” But the God of heaven knows and judges even a person’s thoughts and intentions. In the flesh we cannot please Him. Rather, we must rely on the control of His Spirit and the influence of His Holy Word for our thoughts to be directed toward that which is holy.

cover image of Wonderful Words

“The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity” (Psalm 94:11). “I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love” (Psalm 119:113). “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). Jesus warned, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). “The weapons of our warfare are . . . mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds . . . bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:4b–5b). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, . . . and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Golden thought: The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts of the heart.

[Excerpt adapted from Wonderful Words by Stewart Custer (December 2 reading).]