What’s the first thing you think of when you think of February? Valentine’s Day, of course! Much of what is associated with Valentine’s Day is about romance. However, that isn’t the whole story. In fact there’s a whole lot more to the story. And what is the greatest love story of them all? That Christ gave his life for us. Isn’t that the most wonderful thing ever! Our memory verses focus on this.
The first verse that we are memorizing is probably the best known of all verses in the Bible, John 3:16. This verse along with Genesis 1:1 form a capsule of all the rest of the Bible. Memorizing and thinking about these verses is fundamental to all the rest of our verses!
Little Ones
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Help your little ones to understand that God wasn’t giving away his son and you won’t ever give your little one away. You might liken it to Mom or Dad going away on a business trip. For military families this might be compared to a parent going on tour. Please make it clear that this was planned and that the person (Jesus) was part of the decision and this was done out of love for us. Please also make sure they understand that “the earth” means the sphere we live on versus “the world” which refers to people–past, present, and future, including them. This might be a good time to invest in a globe, pointing out where you live. Little ones love to sing and one of the most beloved songs is “Jesus Loves Me”. Here is an adorable version by Listener Kids (with a very adorable carrot flute player).
141) “Jesus Loves Me” With Lyrics – YouTube
Group 1 (Elementary)
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Learning about how letters are made into words and then reading these words is very important to this age group. Just think about it…the alphabet is just a bunch of symbols until you put various combinations together to create words. A word has meaning, but letters do not (though there are a couple of words that consist of only one letter such as “I” or “a”). Also again using a globe, help them find where they are. Then spin the globe and randomly point to other places and ask them if God loves people who live in each of these places. Absolutely! This might be a good time to talk about diversity.
Here’s another version of “Jesus Loves Me” for this age group (and extra credit for finding the typo!) and something to color.
Group 2 (Seniors)
In addition to the above verses add
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Couldn’t help adding one more adult version of “Jesus Loves Me” , especially if you like bluegrass!
joey and rory jesus loves me youtube
Listen to this for a totally different riff on “Jesus Loves the Little Children” but please pay special attention to the back-up vocals and the drummer!
Jesus Loves the Little Children | Wilson Family
Especially for teens here is a great song to remind you that God really loves you…
Group 3 (Advanced)
To the previous verses add
John 15: 9-13 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Now for couples…two very different videos, but both with great messages.
For the story of St. Valentine here is a good video, but, please use parental guidance as this is not intended for children.
The History Behind St. Valentine – YouTube
And now for dessert on this smorgasbord…
(139) A Funny Valentine | Joyce Meyer – YouTube
Hope you have a very loving February!
Lamp for my feet 
Nice work, Alice!
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