Watch the following video so that you can replicate the illustration for your students. You might want to practice ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the supplies and steps.

Length of video [2:30]:
Object Lesson on Sharing the Gospel

Most people have heard the Good News that Jesus was born, but how many people really understand what that means for them, personally? How can we be used by God to tell the Good News and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process?

Have your students gather around a small desk or table as you replicate the experiment shown in the video to tangibly demonstrate that it is the Holy Spirit who works through us to tell the Good News. After you have conducted this experiment, have a volunteer share today’s memory verse that explains this good news, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Have your students think about ways this Good News can change their lives and future as well as change the lives of their friends and family or neighbors who may not truly know that this Good News is for them.

Hand out paper and pens/pencils. Using the whiteboard and information on how to share the Gospel from your teacher’s guide, write out verses and key ideas your students would want to mention when sharing the Good News. Have students jot down these key points.

The good news of Jesus’ birth is life-changing and will change a person’s future destiny. Jesus came as our Savior so people can be saved forever and inherit eternal life. That is the Good News that some people don’t know. How can you change the fact this week that some have never heard this Good News? How might the Holy Spirit move through you to help share this message with all who need to hear?

Give your students a few minutes of quiet time where they can ask the Holy Spirit to help them make a concrete plan about sharing the good news of Jesus this week. Remind them to be open to ideas such as inviting a friend or family member to an event at your church; going caroling in the neighborhood and inviting a few friends who might not attend church events; having a seasonal party or bonfire and inviting the entire street over to socialize, etc.

• What are some obstacles that can get in the way of sharing about Jesus’ birth? (Students may say, “Everyone knows this already; why do I have to share it?” or “I don’t want to offend someone if they celebrate a different holiday,” etc.)

Encourage your students by saying, “If it is truly Good News, then it is for everyone. We often hear John 3:16 but John 3:17 finished the story. Have a volunteer read both verses. There is no condemnation for those who believe. That is truly the Good News!

Close in prayer encouraging your students to follow through, with the Holy Sprit’s guidance, to make good on their plans to reach out to a neighbor, classmate, or family member. Remind your students; “Everyone needs to hear it!”