God's Christmas Gift

Every month The Friend magazine has great stories and ideas for talks, sharing time and singing time.  This month, on p. 21, there is a beautiful Christmas song, God's Christmas Gift.  It has two short verses and a chorus.  Below is an idea for teaching this song.

You will need a picture of:
First verse:

•  baby Jesus
• Bethlehem
• a gift/present
• Christ

Second verse

• a Wreath - optional: Christmastime written below the wreath
• Christmas tree with presents beneath
• a different picture of Christ
• a gift/present

Chorus

• Christ on a cross
• Children doing service
• a heart
• a gift/present
• Jesus with children

Use colored paper (red and green) or Christmas wrapping paper to cover each picture.  Arrange the pictures in order: 1st verse, chorus, 2nd verse then tape them to the board and cover them with the colored paper or wrapping paper.

Have the pianist play through the song while you recite the words.  Ask a child to uncover the first "gift".  Sing the phrase 2 or 3 times.  Do the same thing with the rest of the song uncovering the picture and singing the phrase a few times.  As you add a phrase, be sure to sing from the beginning until you come to the next new phrase.  This helps the children hear the continuity of the song and it's great repetition which is how children learn.

*Note: You can use this idea for any Christmas song.