The Sand Dollar Legend

The sand dollar is an ideal item for a Christian object lesson. Described in "The Legend of the Sand Dollar" below, it's design by God ,the Creator, tells the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

One of my favorite activities as a child was finding sea shells at the beach. Although, I didn't live near a beach, my oldest sister did. Those are some wonderful memories as we searched for these treasures in the sand.

Even now one of our family's favorite vacation spots is a beach on the Gulf Coast. At least once on each vacation all six of us go on a walk to look for sea shells. Oh, the treasures we find, and the fun we have together as a family!

The greatest treasure though was, and still is, to find a sand dollar! This is still the "ultimate find!"

Legend of the Sand Dollar

There's a pretty little legend
That I would like to tell
Of the birth and death of Jesus
Found in this lowly shell

If you examine closely,
You'll see that you find here
Four nail holes and a fifth one
Made by a Roman's Spear.

On one side the Easter Lily,
Its center is the star
That appeared unto the wisemen
And led them from afar.

The Christmas poinsettia
Etched on the other side
Reminds us of His birthday
Our Happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open
And here you will release
The five white doves awaiting
To spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me
To help us spread his Gospel
Through all eternity.
Anonymous

Scriptures:

John 19:34: "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water."

Matthew 2:2: and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:10: "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."

Matthew 1:23: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."

Matthew 3:16: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him."

Luke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Sand Dollar activities for children...