Once upon a time, long ago, God’s people lived in a beautiful land. They worked hard planting seeds in the warm soil. They waited patiently as the sun shone down and the rain watered the fields. Slowly, the plants grew tall and strong, with bright fruits and golden grains.
When the time came, the people gathered all the food from the fields. They picked the ripe fruits, cut the tall wheat, and collected the fresh vegetables. Their baskets were full and heavy, shining with colors like a rainbow of food. The air smelled sweet and fresh, like a garden full of flowers.
The people were very happy. They knew this food was a special gift from God. It was God who made the sun shine, the rain fall, and the seeds grow. So, they decided to have a big party called the Harvest Festival. It was a joyful time to say, “Thank you, God!”
At the festival, everyone brought some of their food to share. There were big bowls of grain, baskets of fruit, and fresh bread. The children laughed and danced, and the grown-ups sang songs. The tents were full of happy faces and thankful hearts.
One little girl named Sarah looked up at the sky and asked, “How does God help our food grow?”
Her mother smiled and said, “God gives us sunshine and rain. He helps the earth make the plants grow strong. We thank Him because He loves us and takes care of us.”
Sarah felt warm inside, like a cozy blanket. She wanted to say thank you to God too. She put her hands together and whispered, “Thank you, God, for all the good food.”
The people remembered that a long time ago, God told His people to celebrate a harvest festival called the Feast of Weeks. It was a special time to thank God for the food He gave them. God said, “Celebrate the harvest with joy and give thanks to Me.”
The festival showed how much God cared for His people. Even when the fields looked empty, God promised to provide. He was like a loving Father who always gave good gifts. The people felt safe and happy because God was with them.
As the sun set and the stars twinkled like tiny lights in the sky, the people prayed together. They thanked God for the food, the rain, the sun, and for loving them every day. Their hearts were full of joy, and their smiles shone bright like the moon.
And so, the Harvest Festival became a special time every year. It reminded God’s people to always be thankful. They knew that God’s love and provision were the best gifts of all.
Questions to think about
- What do we thank God for at the Harvest Festival?
- How does God help the plants grow?
- Why do people share their food at the festival?
- How do you feel when you say thank you to God?
- What makes God’s gifts special?
Message of the story
God loves us and takes care of us by giving us everything we need. We can always thank Him with happy hearts for His good gifts.
Bible passage
Deuteronomy 16:9-12
Deuteronomy 16:9-12 (ICB)
9 You must count seven weeks from the time you begin to cut the grain.
10 Then you must celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God. You will have joy at the time you bring your grain offering to the Lord.
11 You and your family will celebrate the festival together. You will celebrate because the Lord your God has blessed you with good things.
12 You must remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and you must obey the Lord your God. That is why you celebrate this festival.
