Discussion
What is courage? Ask your child what they think courage means. Courage means being brave, strong and trusting in the Lord, even when you feel afraid.
Read Matthew 14: 22-33, the story of Jesus walking on the water. Ask your child:
- Why were the disciples afraid?
- What did Jesus say to the disciples?
- What happened to Peter when he stepped out onto the water with Jesus?
- Why did he start to sink?
The disciples were scared because they were stuck in a scary storm, but they were also scared because they saw someone walking on the water. They didn’t know Jesus could do this. They were afraid because they didn’t know who it was. Jesus told them to take courage! Jesus then asked Peter to walk on the water with Him, but as soon as Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. Ask your child why they think Peter began to sink. He was afraid.
Talk to your child about times when they felt afraid.
What can we do when we are scared? We can remember Joshua 1:9. For my toddler, we have shortened this verse and we say it together when he is afraid:
[Tweet “God’s with me. I will not be afraid. #elfontheshelfjesusstyle #biblicalvirtues #courage”]
Help your children memorize this verse so that they can use it when they are scared. Tell them that when they feel scared, they can remember this verse and pray to God to help them overcome their fear.
Scripture
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Activity
For this activity, you need:
- A dark room
- A flashlight
Go into a dark room and explain to your child that a life without Jesus is dark, just like the darkness in the room. It is scary because we can’t see. Thankfully, we have Jesus, and Jesus is the light of the world! Have your child turn on the flashlight and talk about how it lights up the room. Because there is light, we no longer have to fear the darkness. Discuss with your child how anytime we are scared, we can remember that God is with us, always, and we don’t have to be afraid!
Maybe its the amount of coffee I just drank, but I’m super excited for our elf on the self this Holiday, now that I’ve found your blog. Thank you for sharing this with us. I’ve been wanting to have our elf incorporate Jesus into our Christmas Holiday, and haven’t taken the time to come up with anything other than having our elf be found reading the bible, or leaving a quick mini bible verse…Its hard to find time with 5 little kids, and homeschool, and you’ve taken so much of the pressure off to be creative with having the printable. Thank you!!!
I really don’t like that our elf in the past has been all about “behave so you will get gifts”. It isn’t about GETTING gifts, but about Jesus and celebrating HIM!
Thank you again!!!
YAY!! I love your excitement!!!!