Note to parent or teacher: This 20-minute lesson plan highlights the following lesson objective: “Learn that the joy Jesus gives can also be one’s strength that helps one not to be swayed by external circumstances or situations.” (Christian Life and Faith: A Personal Connection with Jesus: Joyfulness-2a)

Read “Power-Up Devotional #5: Spirit Fruit: Joy.” 

Discuss how joy springs from knowledge of who Jesus is and all that He has done for us. (See “Crazily Cool Card Set: The Character of Jesus” and “Crazily Cool Card Set: The Nature of God.”)

Talk about how when we aren’t feeling joyful, if we spend time thinking of all the ways that Jesus cares for us and all the things He does for us, soon our joy will return.

Choose a favorite promise from Jesus in the Bible with your child. If it’s one from the Crazily Cool Card Set, print it out for your child to color. If another Bible promise, print it out for them on cardstock or have your children illustrate the promise. Add a title to the card or poster: “My reason for joy.”

Read “Joy Equals Strength.”

Read “Taste the Joy.”

End with a prayer of thanksgiving for all that Jesus brings into the children’s lives.

Additional material:

• Story: The Gift of Joy