Comedy & Tragedy Masks 

Happiness Versus Joy, What's the Difference?

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In ancient times Greek and Roman actors would wear masks to portray the characters they were playing. They used "Comedy and Tragedy" masks to show when they were happy or sad.

Happiness is a wonderful emotion. It feels good to be happy! But the problem with happiness, is that it has a lot to do with what is HAPPENING in our lives. Not so with JOY; joy is a deeper and longer lasting emotion. Joy comes from knowing and following Jesus. It is possible to have JOY even in the midst of sadness or tragedies, because Jesus has promised that he will never leave us, we are not alone, he understands our problems (Hebrews 13:5). The Bible tells us that God is preparing a new Heaven and a new earth for us. When that day comes, God promises to wipe away all our tears. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). This is a JOYOUS thought and something wonderful to look forward to!

Jesus wants us to have his JOY. He tells us to stay with him, and follow him so that his JOY will be in us (John 15:9-11). Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" John 16:33. 

Prayer: "Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us, for dying for us, and promising to wipe away all our tears someday. Help us to follow you, so that your JOY will be in us. Help us to share your JOY with others. Amen." 

Today we will make "Comedy & Tragedy" masks to "act out" the things that make us happy and sad, as well as the things that make us joyful in Jesus!

You Will Need: Mask pattern, scissors, black poster board or construction paper, white paper, glue stick, stapler, wooden paint stick.

Directions: Before class design a mask pattern for each child. Children trace the mask pattern on black card stock paper or poster board. Cut two black masks. Cut out face pieces on white paper: eyes, nose, and mouth for both mask patterns, and tears for the sad face. Glue the happy face pieces on one mask, and the sad face pieces on the other mask. Staple the masks to either side of the paint stick.

Copyright 2003 Sarah A. Keith
SundaySchoolNetwork.Com

 

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