John the Baptist • Repent

What is happening in this story?

The Gospel of Mark begins with “good news.” Kids get to find out how Jesus got started with his ministry (or work) while he was on earth. They may be more familiar with Jesus as Mary and Joseph’s son, born in a manger. There’s a memorable main character in this story, John the Baptist. He announces clearly, like the angels did in Bethlehem, that Jesus is very significant. John also preaches in firm, memorable ways about repentance—turning around from sin to live life anew.
 

Why does this story matter for kids?

Kids can grow into the idea that all Christian life begins with repentance. This was part of John’s message to those who would listen. They may already be familiar with faith-based terms like sin and forgiveness,
or heard from others that, when we sin, we can ask for and receive forgiveness from God—and from those we’ve sinned against. Repentance doesn’t mean feeling bad for what we are doing wrong. It means turning around and changing, walking away from bad choices and starting to make good choices.

What is the lectionary connection?

On this second Sunday of Advent, we hear messages about repentance in not only the gospel reading, but the First and Second Readings as well. Repentance matters. As we wait for Christmas, and the second coming of Christ, we can examine our hearts and repent from sin, turning instead to the forgiveness and new life in Christ.

 

WATCH

THE VIDEO

  • KIDS AGED 10 AND YOUNGER

Here’s a hint about today’s video. Make finger scissors and pretend to cut. Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • Why is Clara too nervous to perform her part in the Christmas pageant?

  • Can you tell about a time you felt like Clara—when you thought you had done something too bad for God to forgive?

  • What does Clara learn she can do if she messes up, even after she’s already asked God to forgive her?

  • How does it feel to know that God forgives us again and again?

 
 

  • KIDS AGED 11 AND OLDER

Everyone makes mistakes. Do you ever wish you could turn around and change something that happened? Let’s see who wishes they could change something in this video.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • Mimi told Gabe he needed to turn this around. That’s another way to say repent. Why did Gabe need to repent?

  • Who took the blame for Gabe?

  • Why is it important to repent—turn around—when you’ve done something wrong?

  • How does repenting help us get ready for Christmas?

 

read

the bible story

Mark 1:1-8

John the Baptist knew everyone does things they shouldn’t do. He doesn’t want us to only give and receive forgiveness when something happens. John tells us to walk in a new direction, commit to making a change. That’s called repentance. It can be hard to understand and it is very hard to do.

Ask these questions after you read the story:

  • How are we turning back to God’s path when we try to make things better?

  • Who is affected when we make bad choices? Who can help us try to make good choices?

  • Is saying you’re sorry the same as repenting? Why?

  • Is repenting easier for kids or for grown-ups? Why?

  • John’s work was to point to Jesus. How is this like the work of the season of Advent?

wrap up with

review + prayer

In Advent we watch. In Advent we wait. We look for new directions.

Pray together:

God, thank you for the gift of Christmas. It’s so hard to wait! Give us patience and help us look for new directions, turning around and steering toward you.

try one or two

Follow-up activities

This week’s theme is REPENT. John the Baptist called people to repent, or turn around from their sin and start new. Try these activities to learn more about John, repenting, and Advent.

  • A Buggy Snack

    John the Baptist ate locusts and honey! Pretend you’re eating some locusts. Spread peanut or soy butter on celery sticks, or try honey on graham sticks. Sprinkle with raisins or other dried fruit.

  • Dinnertime Announcement

    Make a megaphone from thick paper or thin cardboard. Decorate the side of it with the word PREPARE. This week at dinner time, use the megaphone to pray for the coming of the Messiah.

  • Family To-Do’s

    Write a family to-do list. Include things you need to do to get ready for Christmas. Remember that John the Baptist was telling people that they needed to repent in order to prepare for the Messiah. Could you put some repenting actions on your to-do list?

This week, our family is praying for:

Season of AdventSalt 'n Light Kids