Spiritual Treasure Boxes
Preschool Activity to Connect Scriptures to Concepts About God
Aug 14, 2009
Children love treasure boxes because they can hold them, open the lid, peek inside, and fill them with items that jog positive memories. Just as a threadbare teddy bear is a treasured possession that brings a child enjoyment, security, and comfort, so too, a treasure box of mementos can help a child feel safe, loved, and valued by God.
Decorate a Box or Container
Buy or decorate a box to be a spiritual memory holder. It can be a small shoebox or a bigger, plastic container. Glue on sparkling sequins or beads as reminders of treasure. Add the child's name with a gold marker. Adhere a mirror or mirrored paper inside the lid. The child's reflection will be a reminder that God made and treasures him or her.
Treasures to Create
Creating memories is fun, especially when the artwork becomes a teachable story lesson. Make little pieces of art to place in the box. Create a cross with cinnamon sticks and tie it with a red ribbon to symbolize Christ’s blood shed for us. Explain, “Jesus died because He treasures each person.” When the cross is placed in the box, encourage the child to make room for Jesus in the best place of all – in his of her heart.
Make fingerprints on small pieces of paper, and talk about how God made each person unique. Then read Psalm 139:14. When God answers a prayer about hurt feelings, place an adhesive bandage in the box, because God heals us both inside and outside. Write the answered prayer on the bandage to remember later. Take photos of friends and family as reminders that God gives a family and people who love us.
Keepsakes don't all have to be made. Some can be found or little prized possessions can be added to the box.
Found Items to Treasure
Help children think of treasures to place inside including the box, including slips of paper containing Bible verses. A lock hair from a first haircut can be a reminder of how God helps people grow and that God values everyone so much he numbered every hair (Matthew 10:30).
Special rocks, seashells, and other items of nature can be saved, too. These natural collectibles reflect all God made and some, like little rocks, connect to Scriptures. God is called a rock and shells can be used to talk about Jesus enjoying a picnic on the beach with his disciples, in John 21.A feather can symbolize how God cares for the birds and also cares for us (Matthew 6:26).make spiritual truths concrete,
A few found pennies can be stored inside. Use the coins for teaching. Read and discuss the words on the coins about trusting God. Chat about a poor woman who gave just a few coins (Luke 21:2-3) and how good it is to give money to the needy.
A tiny eraser is a reminder that God forgives sins and erases all memory of our sins. A postage stamp helps kids visualize that prayer is a way of sending messages to God.
There's no limit to items to collect and connect with Bible stories. Each child will find different items that hold special meaning to him or her.
Use the Treasure Chest
Use the treasure box to talk about God and share the Christian faith. Encourage children to show and tell other children about the special box. It's a great witnessing tool as a child shares why each item is a treasure. Use it at bedtime to take out different items to thank God for each lesson learned.
When a child has trouble sleeping, use the treasure box to provide comfort. Place a tiny lamb or furry white pompom inside the box as a reminder that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, takes care of us.
A treasure box helps children visualize how God works in their lives. It’s a fun way to make spiritual truths more concrete, which helps children grasp God’s truth to make it personal.
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