SABBATH PREPARATION

"The Sabbath should be made so interesting to our families that its weekly return will be hailed with joy. In no better way can parents exalt and honor the Sabbath than by devising means to impart proper instruction to their families and interesting them in spiritual things, giving them correct views of the character of God and what He requires of us in order to perfect Christian characters and attain to eternal life." — Child Guidance, p. 536.2

For toddlers, abstract spiritual concepts are hard. We teach them the joy of the Sabbath through special sensory experiences. This guide revives the lost art of the 'Preparation Day,' giving you a practical way to settle your home and heart before sundown. Turn the Sabbath into a delight—a true sanctuary in time where your family can rest and rejoice together.

Sabbath Box

Create a special box of toys that only comes out on Sabbath.

  • Felts / Flannel graph

  • Bible story books

  • Nature puzzles (animals, flowers)

  • Noah's Ark play set

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

Don't just look at nature; read it. Use these prompts:

  • A Rock: "Jesus is our Rock. He never moves."

  • A Bird: "God feeds the birds, and He feeds us."

  • A Tree: "Roots hold the tree like faith holds us."

  • The Sun: "Jesus is the Light of the World."

Friday Preparation

Let them help welcome the day.

  • "Shine for Jesus" - Polishing shoes

  • Setting the table with "special" cloth

  • Baking Challah or special bread

  • Lighting a candle at sunset (with supervision)

Closing Sabbath

Mark the end of the day gently.

  • Watch the sunset together

  • Sing "Day is Dying in the West"

  • Talk about the "best thing(blessing)" from the day

  • Pray for the new week