These crafts coincide with the story of Simeon and Anna in the temple at the dedication of Jesus. They waited long, and God did not disappoint. Christ was worth the wait! We recognize from this story that God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and that we can wait on Him, too. These two crafts touch on the element of waiting as well as trust in God. A decorative “clock” reminds us to wait patiently, and a “box of goals” recognizes that the future is in God’s hands.
“God Does Not Disappoint!”
Bible Craft Ideas from Simeon and Anna at the Temple in Luke 2:22-40
The end of the Christmas season often brings feelings of melancholy or disappointment. This could be even more prevalent in the year 2020, when so many things have already been modified or changed in less than ideal ways. The important focus of this lesson is that God will never disappoint us or let us down. In the story of Simeon and Anna, we recognize that Jesus is worth waiting for, and we rejoice that He has come to make us new!
These crafts incorporate elements of the Gospel story with New Year’s themes and decorative reminders to wait upon the Lord.
Bible Verses or Craft Captions to Consider…
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.” -Luke 2:29-32
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31
And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. –Luke 2:38
Wait for Jesus…He’s worth it!
God does not disappoint!
Waiting for Him…God Keeps His Promises!
Goals for next year…Hope in Christ
God holds the future! Hopes and plans…
More Teaching Ideas on Simeon and Anna at the Temple
- Watch our video demonstration of this children’s sermon on YouTube
- Don’t miss the related craft ideas and full Sunday School Lesson on Luke 2:22-40
- Compare another Bible lesson on Jesus being presented at the Temple
- Compare the rfour.org children’s sermon on Luke 2:22-40
Craft one: New Year Goal Box
You will need:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Box or container (empty)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- String or pipe cleaners
- Crayons or markers
- Stickers or other decorations
Procedure:
- Decorate an empty used box or container, wrapping it in construction paper, tissue, or cardstock.
- Add decorations such as stickers or pictures, as well as captions and verses.
- Cut a slit in the top of the box or container for inserting goals.
- Cut small strips or pieces of paper. Write goals, hopes, and dreams for the next year, and place them in the box. Re-visit regularly to check in on goals for the year, and review at the end of the year to see how things went.
Craft Two: Waiting Clock
You will need:
- Paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Ribbon or Pipe Cleaner
- Tape, glue, or staples
- Crayons or markers
- Paper plates
Procedure (use one of these ideas or adapt and do others):
1. Decide how you prefer to decorate your “clock plate.” Add cut paper “hands” and other embellishments as desired.
2. Add labels, captions, and decorations with markers or crayons.
3. As best suits your needs, add on stickers, eyes, or other décor to create a clock feel. Emphasize the point that the clock decoration reminds us to wait for Jesus.
4. If you wish to hang up the clock, add a string or pipe cleaner to the back side of the plate.