Though thanksgiving should be the lifestyle of every believer, this month has been specially set aside to reflect on the goodness of God and thank Him for all the things He has done.
The English Dictionary defines thanksgiving as ‘the act of giving thanks, or expressing gratitude for favour or mercies.’ It is acknowledging God’s goodness, either in any remarkable deliverance from calamities or danger or in the ordinary dispensation of His bounties.
Introduction
David, in Psalm 69:30, said,’ I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving this month, you will thank God in songs as you learn about songs composed by Biblical heroes. Note to Teachers: The lessons of this month entail Thanksgiving.
So, be prepared to lead the children to give thanks despite what they may be going through. This you should do by being a model to them can involve the Children’s Choir(if you have one) or the Music Department of your church.
Songs of Moses and Mariam
Victory, victory, Alleluia!Alleluia!
Victory, victory, Alleluia!
Jesus conquered the devil patapata, He has given us victory; we will lift Him higher, Jehovah, We will lift Him higher. This is a song of victory. Moses and Miriam also led the Israelites to sing in appreciation of the victory God gave to them. What was the song? Open your Bibles to Exodus 15:1-21.
(Get a video clip of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, especially the crossing of the Red Sea, and allow children to watch it in class.)
A long time ago, the Israelites lived under slavery in the land of Egypt. When it was time for God to deliver them from the hands of the Egyptians, after four hundred and thirty (430) years,
Meditate
Pharaoh, the king, refused to let them go. God sent the Egyptians nine plagues, yet Pharaoh hardened his heart until God sent the tenth plague-the death of the firstborns of the Egyptians and their animals. Yet, as the Israelites left, Pharaoh and his army stubbornly followed them.
God made the Israelites pass through the Red Sea on dry land with a wall of water on their right and left, while Pharaoh and his entire army perished in the sea. What a mighty God!
When the Israelites saw the mighty hands of the Lord against the Egyptians, Moses and Miriam composed a song.
Meditate
In the song, they acknowledged God as their strength, defence, salvation, and warrior, so they praised and exalted Him. (Let a child read verses 1-5, then let the children sing any song(s) they are familiar with in the verses).
They admitted that although their enemy boasted, God gave them victory with his right hand and in the greatness of His power. God proved that there is no god like Him. (Let a child read verses 11-12, then let the children sing any song(s) they are familiar with in the verses).
God powerfully delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians, bringing about a song of victory. Has God also delivered you and your family members in any way?
What will you do in response to this great act? (Give children the opportunity to recall and respond to God of deliverance over their lives and their family members).
Songs of Hannah
Have you ever imagined how couples feel when they do not have children years after marriage? (Allow children to respond). This was the situation of Hannah, one of the wives of Elkanah. Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, while Hannah did not have any children.
Peninnah would therefore provoke Hannah until she cried. After the feast at Shiloh one year, Hannah, in bitterness, prayed and wept before the Lord. God answered her prayer and blessed her with a son, whom she called Samuel. So,
Cast
A girl plays the role of Hannah while the teacher acts as the narrator.
Narrator
Hannah is excited. God finally answered her prayer by giving her a bouncing baby boy, Samuel. Here, she comes with her prayer of thanksgiving.
Hannah: ‘ My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.’
There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. (She pauses, then sings)-There is none holy as the Lord; there is none besides Him, Neither is there any rock like our God, There is none holy as the Lord.
Meditate
Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him, deeds are weighed. The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
Those who were full hired themselves out for food, but those who were hungry were hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.
The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises. Hannah sang to thank the Lord, who answered her prayers. Open your Bibles to 1 Samuel 2:1.11 to know the song of Hannah.
Meditate
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and makes them inherit a throne of honour.’
For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; on them, he has set the world. He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.’
It is not by strength that one prevails; Those who oppose the LORD will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven;
Hannah sang in appreciation to God. who gave her the boy, Samuel. What will you do to appreciate God for all He has given you? Allow children to sing in appreciation to God for all He has given them.)
Songs of Mary
God sent Angel Gabriel to a virgin (an unmarried person who keeps himself from sex) in Nazareth, a town in Galilee.
The virgin was Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, a man from the family of David. God’s message to Mary was that she would give to the Son of God, whose kingdom would
Questions and Answers: Luke 1:46-55
Question 1
What do you know about Mary?
Response
Mary was from Nazareth in Galilee. She was engaged to a man called Joseph. The Bible does not give a record of her family, except that she had a relative named Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, the priest; both of them later became the parents of John the Baptist.
Question 2
What song did Mary sing to God?
Response
Mary sang a song of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Question 3
Can you highlight some important things in her song?
Response
Mary praised God with her soul and spirit. She did this because God had chosen her, not minding her status. God brought down rulers from their thrones but raised her in her humble state. And because of what God has done, people of all generations will call her blessed.
She also praised God because He always shows mercy to those who fear Him. God has never ended. Mary was afraid at first and wondered how that would happen. The angel told her God had highly favoured her.
So, she sang to appreciate God, who chose her among all others to be the mother of the Saviour of the whole world. also brought to fulfilment what He promised Abraham and his descendants, the Saviour who was to be born through Mary. Wow!
Question 4
How did Mary show excitement for her being chosen to carry the Saviour of the world?
Response
Mary showed excitement through her song. (How would you feel if you were in Mary’s shoes? Allow children to respond). I would also be excited if I were Mary, for God to have chosen me for such a great assignment.
God is looking for vessels like Mary to carry out His assignment in this end-time. Are you willing to be one? Will He find you worthy? (Lead children to confess any sin that will not make them worthy of God’s assignment. Then, lead them to commit themselves to be available for God’s work. Read more related posts on our music/event page of the site.
