Do This
Prepare a small wrapped gift box or bag with a $5 inside. When you’re ready to begin, put it in the middle of the table. [NOTE: You will need the same gift for everyone at the table, but hidden away until the end.]
Ask This
What comes to mind when you see a wrapped gift? (Listen for: Who’s it for? What’s inside? Is it heavy? etc…) Who would rather give a gift than receive one? (If someone raises their hand, ask them to explain why.) What’s the best wrapped gift you’ve ever received?
Say This
The title of this Table Talk is, “The Gift of God.” God’s gift to us is what the story of Christmas is all about and how God sent Jesus to be a gift from Him to us. Let’s see how much you remember.
Do This
Begin reading the Christmas story (as written here) and stop to let them fill in the blanks. You may have to coach them through this. Jesus' earthly father, (Joseph) and mother, (Mary) had a son who was born in a (manger). While they were having a baby, there were (shepherds) nearby watching their (sheep) by night and suddenly (angels) appeared to tell them Jesus had been (born).
Do This
Watch the Linus character from Charlie Brown share the Christmas story. Tell them to pay attention…there will be a test.
Ask This
So, what gift did God give us? (His Son)
Do This
Ask someone to read John 3:16 / (Make the emphasis that God “loved” so He “gave.”)
Say This: Who would like to receive the gift on the table? (Wait to see who responds) There’s a small catch. You have to pay $10 before you can get the gift. (Wait for a response like, “It’s not a gift if we have to pay for it.”) That’s right.
Ask This
What makes a gift a gift? (Let me talk)
Say This
There are two things that make a gift a gift: 1) There’s no cost to you, 2) You have to receive it. If I give you this gift and you don’t take it with you, it just sits here on the table. So if Jesus is God’s gift to us, the question we have to answer is have we received God’s gift to us? (Pause for a moment)
Say/Do This
So…what about the gift on the table? I’m just going to say whoever wants it can have it. (Prepare for a little chaos and let it rest for a moment.) When ready say: There’s good news. (Reveal the other gifts) I have gifts for everyone. Just like God did for us, His gift of Jesus to us is for everyone.
Read This
John 1:12 - But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
Say This
If you need to talk about receiving the gift God gave us in Jesus, I would love to have that talk!
Pray This
Jesus, we are grateful that you are the gift from God! Thank you for coming to give us a life that is full and exciting. Help us to understand your love and how we can grow in You and learn more about you. Help us to celebrate you this Christmas and share your love with others.