My Favorite Things…”Teaching Children the Reason for Christmas…Embracing Scripture”
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…Brown paper packages tied up with strings… These are a few of my favorite things…
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…Brown paper packages tied up with strings… These are a few of my favorite things…
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels…Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles…Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings… These are a few of my favorite things…
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes…Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes…Silver white winters that melt into springs…. These are a few of my favorite things…
When the dog bites…When the bee stings…When I'm feeling sad…I simply remember my favorite things… And then I don't feel so bad.”
“My Favorite Things” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
This popular song was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1959 for the Broadway musical, “The Sound of Music.” Later in 1965 this classic play was adapted and filmed for the big screen and after forty five years, “The Sound of Music” remains one of the most popular musicals ever produced. From the breath-taking scenery of the Austrian Alps…to the moving story line…this film has captured the hearts and minds of many and continues to reach into homes all over the world.
In the movie Julie Andrews plays the role of Maria, a nun living in a strict Salzburg Abbey. Her character takes her to the Trapp family, where she is hired by Baron Georg von Trapp, played by Christopher Plummer, as a governess to care for his seven rowdy children. As the governess, Maria is to care for, teach, and oversee these very mischievous youngsters. She finally begins to reach the children by teaching them to sing, thus gaining their attention and developing a relationship with them. Amazingly, all of the children enjoy this interaction and singing together.
One of my favorite songs in the musical is, “My Favorite Things.” The scene is set when the children are scared during a thunderstorm and run to Maria’s room. She then tries to comfort them by singing this fun filled song. She teaches the children that when one is frightened or even sad, thinking of favorite and fun things can help you not feel so bad.
According to Webster’s online Dictionary, the word favorite is defined as, “Something regarded with special favor or liking.” As Children’s leaders and parents, we must encourage children to think of the Bible as one of their most valued and favorite things. It is their guide, reference, and source of truth to truly help them not feel so bad. During the month of December encourage you’re children to memorize Bible Scripture. If children are to trust and know the true reason for the season we celebrate, then they must memorize God’s word.
The verses below are a few of my favorite ones that children can memorize during the month of December.
Matthew 1:23 Look! The virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”
John 3:16 For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Luke 2:30-33 For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” So the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.
Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:13-14 Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!”
The gift of God’s love, Jesus, is the reason for this season of celebration… and He is by far, my most favorite thing!
Lisa Goodyear
Lisa Goodyear holds a Master of Arts degree in Christian Education, with a focus in Children's Ministry, from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has over twenty-eight years of local children's ministry, as well as an extensive background in early childhood education and international ministry to children. Currently, she is serving with the family/children’s ministry in her local church in Shawnee, Kansas. Lisa's passion is to see children from every nation, tongue, and tribe trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and grow in their relationship with Him. She is married to Rolla and they have two grown children and three grandchildren and a little Yorkie, Romeo. Lisa lives in Olathe, Kansas.
