“In the Beginning”

From Genesis 1–3

Habit Focus

• Attention – the mind set steadily upon one thing at a time
  
  

• Reverence – a fitting quietness toward holy things
  
  

First Little Talk

Before there were people, places, or anything we know, there was God.

The Bible opens by telling us how the world began, how light and land and living things were made, and how the first man and woman came to be.

Today we listen to the beginning of this great story.

Scripture Reading

For older children:

Genesis 1:1–2:25 and 3:1–24

Option for younger or sensitive listeners:

Genesis 1:1–2:3 and Genesis 3:1–13

(skipping the longer genealogical and descriptive portions while keeping the narrative thread)

Parent reads the chosen portion aloud, slowly and simply.

Narration

“Tell back, beginning with the words: ‘In the beginning, God…’”

Allow the child to give a full, unhurried telling.

No prompting unless a key detail has been misplaced.

Second Little Talk

Choose one or all based on your child’s readiness

1. In this beginning story, what makes you think about waiting for something or someone?

2. What part of this story feels full of hope, even though something hard has happened?

3. What do you notice about God’s nearness or distance in this story, and how does that make you think about Advent?

Closing

Sit quietly for a moment of stillness.