🍂 Object Lesson: “The Basket of Blessings” Unity
Title
“The Basket of Blessings”
Materials
A simple basket (or bowl) that is empty
Several small items to place inside (fruit, bread, toy "Puppets" "Doll", ribbon, note cards, a bible
Blank slips of paper and pencils
Lesson
Hold up the empty basket. Say: "This basket looks plain and empty. It doesn’t seem very special, does it? But watch what happens when we begin to fill it."
Place one item inside. "This apple reminds us of food. Every meal we eat is a gift from God. We say, ‘Thank You, Lord, for daily bread.’"
Place another item inside. "This ribbon reminds us of family and friends. God ties our hearts together with love. We say, ‘Thank You, Lord, for those who care for us.’" Unity as family.
Place another item inside. "These toys remind us of joy and laughter. God gives us moments that make us smile. We say, ‘Thank You, Lord, for happiness.’" What do you prefer: the joy of life or the grumpiness of grief? There are three or four different kinds of joy, There is an earthly joy, there is a Godly joy, there is a devilish joy, and there is a natural joy. Pleasure and joy are not the same. These toys bring us laughter. They can teach , they can preach, they can bring us joy.. A baby doll can bring a child joy and prepare them for the day they hold a real child. They indeed bring children joy.
Flowers are gifts from God. They help people say I love you. or i care about you.
Place a note card inside. "This card reminds us of prayer. Every time we talk to God, He listens. We say, ‘Thank You, Lord, for hearing us.’"
A Box of Folded Jokes -
Now show the basket full. "See how the basket is no longer empty? Thankfulness fills our lives the same way. When we notice blessings and say thank you, our hearts become full of joy. An unthankful heart feels empty, but a thankful heart overflows."
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV
So as you go home tonight, keep looking for blessings — big and small. Share them with your family, write them down, or even draw them. Because when we give thanks, we shine God’s light in the world.
A Thought
"Being thankful is more than saying words. It’s seeing God’s love in every gift, big or small. When we bow our heads and whisper ‘thank You,’ we are filling our basket with blessings that never run out."
This is what I did. I had a small treasure box 2"X 4". This is one of the things that goes into our blessing basket
Proverbs 15:13 (KJV): “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
Proverbs 17:22 (KJV): “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
🌿 Meaning & Teaching Connection
A merry heart = joy rooted in gratitude and trust in God.
It brings cheerfulness that shines outward, blessing others.
It acts like medicine, bringing healing and strength to the body and spirit.
In contrast, a broken spirit drains life and energy.
This ties beautifully into your Harvest Party theme — laughter, thankfulness, and joy are not just fun, they are spiritual gifts that heal and uplift.
🍂 Harvest Joke Blessing - These are For Your Object Lesson Next.
Instructions:
- Print the jokes below.
- Cut them into slips. Fold them up a few folds.
- Place slips in a closable box
- Each child draws one out of the box and reads it aloud.
Jokes for the Basket of Blessings
Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field!What’s a pumpkin’s favorite sport?
Squash!Why did the bread come to the Harvest Party?
Because it kneaded to be there!What did the corn say to the farmer?
“Aw, shucks!”Why don’t apples ever get lonely?
Because they hang out in bunches!What do you call a pie that disappears?
A “mystery filling”!Why did the cookie go to church?
Because it felt crumby and needed a prayer!What’s a scarecrow’s favorite fruit?
Straw‑berries!What do you call a dancing apple?
A twist‑and‑shout fruit!Why did the pumpkin sit on the porch?
It wanted to be a little gourd‑geous decoration.Perfect timing 🎃🍂 — Harvest Parties are all about joy, laughter, and lighthearted fun. Here’s a set of fresh, kid‑friendly jokes that should get giggles and smiles tonight:
🦃 Thanksgiving & Harvest Jokes
Why did the turkey join the band?
Because it had the drumsticks!What’s a pumpkin’s favorite sport?
Squash!Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field!What do you call a pie that disappears?
A “mystery filling”!Why don’t apples ever get lonely?
Because they hang out in bunches!
🌽 Corny Harvest Jokes (literally!)
What did the corn say to the farmer?
“Aw, shucks!”Why did the pumpkin sit on the porch?
It wanted to be a little gourd‑geous decoration.What’s a scarecrow’s favorite fruit?
Straw‑berries!Why did the bread go to the Harvest Party?
Because it kneaded to be there!
🍎 Cute & Sweet Jokes for Kids
What do you call a dancing apple?
A “twist‑and‑shout” fruit!Why did the cookie go to church?
Because it felt crumby and needed a prayer!What’s a pumpkin’s favorite song?
“Gourd Bless America!”
The phrase “unspeakable joy” in the King James Bible is found in 1 Peter 1:8:
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” — 1 Peter 1:8, KJV
🌿 Meaning & Connection
- Joy unspeakable = a deep, overwhelming gladness that words cannot fully express.
- It comes from faith in Christ, even though we have not seen Him with our eyes.
- This joy is spiritual, eternal, and glorious, rooted in salvation and hope.
✨ This verse pairs beautifully with your Harvest and Christmas themes — reminding children and families that true joy isn’t just laughter or fun, but the overflowing gladness of knowing Jesus.
Here’s a gentle, faith-filled Invitation to Know the Saviour you can use in your devotional, puppet show, or Harvest Party setting 🌟
✉️ Invitation to Know the Saviour
“Dear friends, tonight we’ve laughed, sung, and shared our blessings. But the greatest blessing of all is knowing Jesus Christ as our Saviour.
The Bible tells us:
‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ — Romans 6:23 (KJV)
Jesus came to give us joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding, and eternal life. He loves you so much that He gave His life on the cross, and He rose again to offer forgiveness and hope.
If you have never trusted Him, this is His invitation:
- Come with your thankful heart.
- Believe that He died and rose again for you.
- Receive His gift of salvation, freely offered in love.
As John 3:16 says:
‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’
Tonight, as we hang our blessing leaves and celebrate joy, let us remember the greatest blessing of all — the Saviour who gives us life, hope, and eternal love.”
Susan Barker Nikitenko 2025© PMRMKBPBMBGEOPASTRCO#13c
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