Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 2, 2012
Good morning girls and boys! If you are like me, I’m sure you have noticed that in practically every store, when you leave the checkout counter the cashier says “have a nice day.” And you know what boys and girls, that’s a very nice thing, to wish others a nice day. We should all wish that every day is a nice day. But the truth is, every one of us, young and old, have bad days – days when nothing seems to be going right. But things always have a way of getting better, don’t they? Things always seem better in the light of “tomorrow!”
Jesus has some advice for us that comes in handy on those “not so good days.” He said, “Come to Me” and “learn from Me.” And He’s promised that if we do so He will help to lighten the load of troubles we carry around with us. He’ll help you get through those times when you don’t especially feel like “having a nice day.” Jesus, the King of Kings, has promised each of us that if we follow His roadmap on our way to getting closer to God, then we can turn those not so good days into into not so bad days – or, even better, into super good days!
So boys and girls, as we leave here this morning I want to wish that every one of you, “have a very nice day!”
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 9, 2012
Good morning boys and girls. I know I don’t have to tell you that it’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas!
I’m sure all of you have gone over your Christmas wish-list of presents many times and have imagined what surprises Christmas Day may bring. Besides the presents, there are visits from friends and relatives, and maybe a nice Christmas dinner. But I don’t think I need to remind you of all that! No, instead, what I think we all need to remind ourselves of is what this very special day of celebration really means to us. Everyday – between now and Christmas day — I want each one of you to think about all of the things that the “King of Kings” has asked of us. And the way we do this is not by talking about what is being asked of us, but by living it. We need to be living signs of God’s deep love for each one of us, especially now as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!
So now let’s think about Christmas again boys and girls. Instead of the wish-list of presents, let’s think of a list of things we can do for others. Let’s think about friends or relatives who may be sick or lonely and let’s try to visit, or call or write to them. Let’s remember all of the people who don’t have enough to eat. Instead of thinking about what you might get this Christmas, start thinking about what you can give. And if you do that starting today, I can promise you the most joyful Christmas ever!
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 16, 2012
Good morning boys and girls! Only nine days until Christmas! And with the coming of Christmas, now, more than ever, we should be thinking about Jesus and the wonderful example He set for us.
Let’s think about Jesus now! Let’s come up with some words to describe Jesus. Can you think of some words boys and girls? Kind – very good! Jesus certainly was kind. Caring, yes! He certainly was. Peaceful – that’s another good one. Compassionate, yes indeed! How about a few more, like patient . . . generous . . . and loving. Now let’s put them all together. Jesus was a kind, caring, compassionate, peaceful, patient, generous and loving man. In other words Jesus put others before Himself. In fact Jesus is know as the “Man For Others.”
We have described, boys and girls, what sounds like a very mild and gentle person. Isn’t it amazing boys and girls that the most powerful Person to ever walk the earth was also the most gentle and kind and loving? What do we mean by powerful when we talk about Jesus? Well, He could perform miracles. He walked on water. He could heal the sick. He raised a man from death. Now that’s what I call powerful! And, to this day, Jesus is the most powerful light that shines in the lives of each member of our Christian community. And the power of Jesus is always there for us – even when we are having a terrible, not so good day!
We read in the Bible that John the Baptist said, “Someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” That Someone is Jesus! Christmas is coming, boys and girls. So let’s get ready to celebrate the birth of the most powerful, and yet the most loving Person who ever lived! Jesus Christ — so powerful, yet so gentle!
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 23, 2012
Good morning boys and girls! I know all of you are very excited today and so am I. It’s almost Christmas and you’re all thinking about the wonderful things that Christmas Day may bring. And I know that is important to you. But even more important is that you get well prepared for Tuesday’s celebration of the birth of Christ.
How do we get ready boys and girls? Well I know that just about all of the Christmas gifts have been purchased and all the decorating and grocery shopping is over. Maybe there are still a few presents to wrap, but the preparation for Tuesday’s material celebration is over. What I’m talking about is preparing for Tuesday’s spiritual celebration. I’m talking about preparing ourselves to celebrate the birth of the King of Kings who came to earth to show us how much God really loves us. I’m talking about celebrating the birth of Jesus who taught us by his wonderful examples how we can do the good work of God here on earth.
We learn in the Bible that Jesus is the “true light that enlightens all men.” And Tuesday we celebrate the day the true light first came to light up our lives. Tuesday morning boys and girls it might be hard to think of the spiritual meaning of Christmas as you open your gifts and spend time with your family and friends. But all you have to do is look up at the light of your Christmas tree, or the shining star up on top and remember the one who came here to shine His light on each one of us. Remember the reason we celebrate Christmas day, and then say thank you to God for making Jesus Christ, the Light of our lives!
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 25, 2012
Good morning boys and girls! I want to wish each and every one of you a very merry and a very blessed Christmas.
I know many of you found a lot of nice things under the Christmas tree this morning and I know that you are thankful for all of the gifts you have received, and for your wonderful family and friends.
You may have noticed that each year at this time there are stories on the evening news about people who volunteer their time to help others. They serve meals and visit homeless shelters and nursing homes, and other places where people are in need. It’s very nice boys and girls to see people trying to help others, especially on Christmas day, isn’t it?
But do you know what? It’s not enough to be a good Christian just on Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day. No, boys and girls, Jesus has taught us that we need to be kind and compassionate to our brothers and sisters every day of the year. This year I hope you will think about that. Being a good Christian is a 24-hour a-day, 7 day-a-week, 52 week-per-year job!
At the end of this day, Christmas will be over. But our job is to help make the spirit of Christmas go on, day-by-day, even until next Christmas!
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 30, 2012
Good morning boys and girls. With the New year just a few days away I want to wish each of you a very Happy New Year!
It’s hard to believe that another year has gone by. I’m sure many of you remember this time last year and in a way, it doesn’t seem like that long ago. And I can tell you a secret boys and girls. The older you get, the faster the days, and the weeks, and the months, and the years seem to go by. So let’s all make sure we make the best of this coming New Year before it goes by too!
This time last year boys and girls, we all thought about what changes we would make during 2012. We made our New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you made a resolution to work harder at school, or to keep your room clean! Well maybe not those. But I know that all of us resolved that we would practice our Christian faith, last New Year’s Day, and every day.
As you look back on the year 2012, can you really say that you practiced your Christian faith every day of the year? In a few days it will be the year 2013 – the year to help those who need you most.. Boys and girls, I want you to remember: “All through the year I will help who is near.
When I try to remember something I try to figure out a rhyme so I won’t forget. So let’s all say it together so we don’t forget!: All through the year I will help who is near. And those nearest to you boys and girls include your friends and neighbors, mother and father, brothers and sisters, teachers and coaches. So let’s all get ready for the new year saying…
2013 is the year . . .
to help our friends and neighbors;
to help those who are less fortunate
than we are;
to help people who are sick, or who
are lonely;
to help by listening to others with our heart;
Boys and girls, we are just a few sunsets away from the first day of a new year. Let’s make this the best year ever, as we follow the example that our King of Kings has set for us. Let’s not look back a year from now sorry that we didn’t live up to our resolution. Let’s instead look back a year from now and say:
“All through the year I helped all who were near!”
