A "Jesus Box" is just a reverse of a magician's common "disappearing box,' in that you make items appear. You can use this box for a "Loaves and Fishes" Moment (See the Children's Moment LOAVES AND FISHES AND THE JESUS BOX) or when comparing "This is how much I/Your Family/Jesus loves you." If you find other uses, please share them at Jim@MustBeGuida.com and I will post them here, with full credit to you.
Materials Needed: Two Cardboard Boxes with flaps to close the top - larger is better than smaller but not too large. I recommend no larger than a "Xerox box" size. One box is for the box and the other is for the additional cardboard. Black Paint Other Colors of Paint
1) Paint the inside of the box black, including the inside flaps.
2) Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the inside of the box plus have a flap to tuck against the wall. This will be the false bottom. Cut it as close as possible to the dimensions of the inside with actually touching the wall. This will prevent any noise when you lift the false bottom. Cut it so the part you lift is closest to you and can be lifted and placed against the wall farthest from you. This will hide the false bottom from the Children when the false bottom is open. The "flap," which is positioned so it is away from you will help stabilize the false bottom.
3) Since you cut it too much off the sides - well, I did, at least - also cut "shelves" that fit on the side of the box, on the bottom. (Note: anyone competent can skip this step).
4) To help lift the false bottom discretely, put a tiny piece of wire or string through a small hole (use a nail) and glue or tape it on the bottom.
5) Paint both sides of the false bottom (and the shelves) black.
6) When everything is dry, insert the shelves and the false bottom. Practice storing items under the false bottom so they are invisible. Also practice lifting the false bottom so your actions are indescernable. Practice some more. Keep practicing, because these kids will be watching.
7) Paint the outside of the box, the wilder the better. This will distract the Children from looking too closely inside the box. If you are spray-painting, remove the false bottom and put the box face down with the flaps open. Three different colors "spotted" all over the box works well.
