December 1, 2024
Good morning, girls and boys! If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed that when you leave the checkout counter in almost every store, the cashier says, “Have a nice day.” And you know what? That’s a kind thing to say, wishing others a nice day. We should all hope that every day is a nice day! But the truth is, we all—young or old—have bad days. Days when nothing seems to go right. But you know what? Things always have a way of getting better. Things often look brighter when a new day comes.
Jesus has some advice that’s helpful on those “not-so-good” days. He said, “Come to Me” and “Learn from Me.” He promised that if we do, He will help lighten the load of troubles we carry. He will help you get through those times when you don’t feel like you’re having a nice day. Jesus, the King of Kings, has promised that if we follow His guidance as we try to get closer to God, we can turn those not-so-good days into not-so-bad days—or even better, into super-good days!
As we leave this morning, I want to wish each of you a very nice day!
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 8, 2024
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, I think we all need to remind ourselves what this special celebration really means to us. Every day – between now and Christmas — I want you to think about everything the “King of Kings” has asked of us. And we do this 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 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, call, or write to them. Let’s remember all the people who don’t have enough to eat. Instead of thinking about what you might get this Christmas, think 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 15, 2024
Good morning, boys and girls! There are only ten days until Christmas! And with the coming of Christmas, now, more than ever, we should be thinking about Jesus and the excellent 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 kind, caring, compassionate, peaceful, patient, generous, and loving. In other words, Jesus put others before Himself. Jesus is known as the “Man for Others.”
We have described boys and girls someone who 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 gentlest, most 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! 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 yet loving Person who ever lived! Jesus Christ — so powerful, yet so gentle!
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 22, 2024
Good morning, boys and girls! I know you are very excited today, and I am, too. 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 prepare for Wednesday’s celebration of the birth of Christ.
How do we get ready, boys and girls? Most of the gifts you will give others 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 Wednesday’s material celebration is over. What I’m talking about is preparing for Wednesday’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 loves us. I’m talking about celebrating the birth of Jesus, who taught us through his wonderful examples how we can do God’s good work here on earth.
The Bible teaches that Jesus is the “true light that enlightens all men.” And next Wednesday, we celebrate the day the true light first lit up our lives. Wednesday 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 need 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 of us. Remember why we celebrate Christmas day and then thank God for making Jesus Christ the Light of our lives!
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 25, 2024
Good morning, boys and girls! I want to wish each one of you a very merry and blessed Christmas.
I know many of you found some nice things under the Christmas tree this morning, and you are thankful for all the gifts you have received and 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, 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.
But do you know what? Being a good Christian is not enough 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!
Christmas will be over at the end of this day. But our job is to help keep the spirit of Christmas going day by day, even until next Christmas!
Children’s Sunday Sermon
December 29, 2024
Good morning, boys and girls. With the New Year just a few days away, I 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 it was long ago. And I can tell you a secret, boys and girls. The older you get, the faster the days, weeks, months, and years seem to go by. So, let’s make the best of this coming New Year before it’s gone!
This time last year, boys and girls, we all thought about what changes we would make during 2024. We made our New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you resolved to work harder at school or to keep your room clean! Well, maybe not those. But I know that we all resolved to practice our Christian faith last New Year’s Day and every day.
As you look back on 2024, can you say that you practiced your Christian faith every day of the year? In a few days, it will be 2025 – the year to help those who need you most.
When I try to remember something, I 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…
2025 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 hearts.
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!”
