Lesson Title: Celebrating Hope and Salvation: Jesus Role in Hanukkah
Objective: To help young children understand the significance of Hanukkah and how it relates to Jesus as the Savior.
Introduction:
Today, we are going to learn about a special holiday called Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a time when Jewish people celebrate the miracle that happened many years ago. But as Christians, we also see a special connection between Hanukkah and Jesus, who is our Savior.
Story:
Long ago, there was a group of Jewish people called the Maccabees who were being treated unfairly. They were not allowed to practice their faith and were forced to worship false gods. But one brave man named Judah Maccabee and his family decided to fight for their freedom. They trusted in God and were able to defeat their enemies. When they returned to their temple, they found that it had been defiled. They cleaned and rededicated it to God, and a miracle happened! They found enough oil to light the menorah for only one day, but it lasted for eight days! This is why Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights.
Connection:
In the Bible, Jesus is called the Light of the World. He came to bring hope, love, and salvation to everyone. Just like the miraculous oil in the Hanukkah story, Jesus brings light and hope that never runs out.
Craft Activity:
Let’s make our own menorah using colored paper and cardboard. As we make our menorah, let’s remember that Jesus is the ultimate light in our lives.
Worksheet:
Fill in the blanks: Just as the Maccabees fought for their freedom, Jesus fought for our _____________. (Salvation)
Closing:
Today, we learned that Hanukkah is a time of celebration and hope. Just like the Maccabees, we can trust in God to bring us through difficult times. And just like the miraculous oil, Jesus brings us everlasting hope and salvation. Let’s thank God for sending Jesus, the Light of the World, to bring hope and salvation to all of us. Amen.
