Sharing the Gift of Peace

To recognize that through his Resurrection Jesus gave us the gift of peace

The children will be able to understand that Jesus gave us the gift of peace through his Resurrection.

• Colored paper
• Markers
• Bibles
• Chalkboard

• Invite the children to spend some time sharing the ways they celebrate Easter. Encourage them to mention why Easter is such an important day for Christians.
• When the children are ready, ask them to turn to Luke 24:36-43 in their Bibles.
• Allow the children to follow along silently as you read the story aloud.
• Spend some time discussing the ways Jesus shared the gift of peace with the people who saw him after his Resurrection.
• Invite the children to brainstorm a list of ways they can share Jesus' gift of peace with others. Write their responses on the board.
• Ask the children to choose one idea from the list that they would like to do (for instance, helping a friend who may need comforting).
• As the children think, pass out colored paper and drawing materials.
• Ask the children to fold their papers in half to create a crease down the middle. Ask them to open the paper and write across the top Peace Be with You.
• Instruct the children to illustrate a scene from Luke on the left side of the paper and an illustration of themselves sharing the gift of peace on the right side of the paper.
• The illustration of themselves should be of the idea they've chosen to do.
• When the illustrations are complete, invite the children to share their drawings with the group.
• Display their illustrations around the room to serve as reminders of the peace that Jesus gives us.
• Say: Easter is a very important day, since it's the time we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and the peace and healing it brings us.

Art/Space Smart, People Smart, Self Smart