Week before 4 January 2026
Welcome (10 minutes)
Snack idea: ‘Star Cookies’ or ‘Snowflake Biscuits’ – Bake or buy star-shaped or snowflake-patterned biscuits to reflect the beauty and uniqueness of each person. Add a label: ‘You are wonderfully made – each one unique, created with care.’
One person reads this prayer aloud:
Gift-giving God,
your gift to us is that we know that we each are a child of God.
Special and wanted, loved and cared for, upheld and treasured.
Our hearts, dust and spirit, joined to yours, and your heart joined to ours eternally.
Amen.
Story sharing (10 minutes)
Invite people to say who they met in the previous week who needed care and gentleness.
Bible (10 minutes)
Read John 1:1–18 and this summary:
The majestic opening to John’s Gospel: Jesus is the eternal Word, through whom everything was made. He brings light into the world and gives us the gift of becoming children of God. This session celebrates the big idea that God made each of us with infinite care. The God who created galaxies also knows your name. Jesus came to bring light, love, and grace into the world and to offer us the incredible gift of being children of God.
This gift isn’t something we earn. It’s something we receive. When we say yes to Jesus, we are invited to live in that identity: deeply loved, accepted and empowered to live with joy and purpose.
Discussion (30 minutes)
1. Becoming a child of God
John tells us that God gives us the right to become children of God.
- How does it feel to be called a child of God?
- What difference might it make in your life if you believed this fully?
2. Grace upon grace
John says that from Jesus, we receive “grace upon grace”.
- What does that phrase mean to you?
- How can experiencing God’s generosity help us be more generous with others?
Craft activity (30 minutes)
Overflowing grace jars
You’ll need:
- Mason or jam jars (one per person)
- Water beads*, clear marbles or buttons
- Glitter (optional)
- Blue tissue or cellophane
- Small labels or tags
- Pens
Instructions:
- Fill the jar with beads and a sprinkle of glitter.
- Wrap loosely in blue tissue/cellophane to symbolise overflowing grace.
- Write a short scripture or prayer on the tag (eg “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”)
- Tie it on and take the jar home as a reminder of God’s gift.
Reflect: “God’s love is abundant, not limited. You are already loved – gracefully, fully.”
*Please note, water beads are not recommended for use with children under the age of five. Please plan your activities accordingly.
Group prayer (10 minutes)
Lead the group in a moment of quiet. Say:
“Breathe in deeply. As you exhale, imagine resting in God’s hands.”
Repeat together:
Inhale: Created with care
Exhale: Held in love
End with:
“You are known. You are loved. You are God’s masterpiece. Amen.”
Invite a minute of silent reflection. Say:
“God’s generous gift is for everyone – whether you already feel it or are just beginning to wonder.”
Group affirmation
Ask everyone to say quietly:
“God loves me deeply. I am invited to be God’s child, accepted just as I am.”
Repeat slowly, allowing space for it to settle.
For those not yet sure
Say: “If you would like to receive God’s gift and become a child of God, know that you are welcome. You can open your heart right now.”
Then offer this prayer:
“God, I want to be your child. Please come into my life and fill me with your love.”
Invitation to talk
Let people know they can speak to you privately if they want to ask more or talk about their own faith journey.