Children's fun lesson on coming to the light of Jesus Christ

Children's lesson - Come to the Light of Jesus Christ -

John 3: 21 “Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light…” Lent 4

Overview of the spontaneous drama: Ask the children if they have ever played “Hide and Seek”. Have the young children pretend to hide from God in a dark hidden place close by. (Do this up at the front of the Church or in your home. You could dim the lights to add to the effect.) Hold up a candle or other light and explain how this reminds us of Jesus who is the light of the world. Ask them to come out of hiding and walk towards the light (as you hold up the lit candle for all to see). Explain that the life and love of Jesus is like a light shining out into the world and that we need to come to that wonderful light.

Full drama: Good morning children! Have you ever played a game called “hide and seek”? It really is a fun game where you do your best to hide from the leader. However, you might not know that some people actually try to hide from God! They might not be living the way that God wants so they think it’s best to try to hide from God. Do you think a person can hide from God? No. You are right. It’s impossible to hide from God. Now, just for fun, I want you to pretend to hide from God just up front here in our church. I’ll count to 10 to give you time to hide – just close by in this area. (If possible dim the lights a bit to make the light stand out.) Ok, I hope you can still hear me as you are pretending to hide from God. Now in a few seconds I am going to light a candle. This candle reminds us of Jesus Christ who is the light of the world. This light reminds us of his life and love that is shining out into a dark world. Now I am going to hold up the candle. I want you now to peek out from where you are hiding and look at the light. When you see that light I want you to now come out and walk to this light. That’s right, come out from your hiding place and come to the light. (When the children are all together close to you and the candle ask the congregation to give a cheer!)

You did that very well children. (Ask them to be seated.) That little drama reminds us that we shouldn’t try to hide from God. We should come out from hiding and come to the light of Jesus Christ. His life and love is like a warm and bright light shining out into the world. We want to come close to the wonderful light and not try to hide from him. We can come close to the light of Jesus Christ by living the way he wants us to live. We can come close to Jesus by telling him (in prayer) that we want to follow him and know him more.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you that Jesus is like a wonderful light shining out into the world. When we are tempted to hide from you, help us to remember your life and love is shining out to us like a guiding light. And help us to come near to you so we can know you better each day. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

(Later at home you might want to discuss ways that we hide from God. You might also want to discuss ways that we can draw near to Jesus and welcome him in our lives and hearts.)

Children's object lesson - Let your light shine

Children's Sunday school Object Lesson for Matt 5: 13 – 20

You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine!

Children’s object lesson idea: Show the children two flashlights. Have one flashlight covered over with masking tape so it’s obvious that no light can get out. Have a fun discussion with the children about which flashlight would be best to use if guiding a group of people in the dark. Discuss how God wants us to let the light of Jesus shine out for others to see.

Object lesson items: Two flashlights. One of the flashlights should be covered over so that the light is hidden.

Children’s Sermon: Good Morning Children! How many of you have a flashlight at home? Great. This morning I brought in two flashlights. Have a look at them. Imagine if I had to find some people who were lost out in the dark of night. Which of these flashlights would you rather have? Why? I agree. This flashlight wouldn’t be much use at all. In fact, it’s covered over with so much tape you can’t even see any light. But look at this other light. (Turn it on.) Wow! That’s pretty bright. This would be the best flashlight to use to help people find their way in the dark.

These flashlights remind me about something Jesus said. In the gospel of Matthew (Chapter 5) we read that Jesus told his disciples to “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” When we live in the light and love of Jesus our lives are like a light that shines out for all to see. That reminds me of this flashlight here. On the other hand, if we don’t shine the light and love of Jesus to others and just think about ourselves then we are like this flashlight that’s covered with tape. Children, since we want to be like this flashlight lets ask God to help us live the way he wants us to live; then the love of Jesus will shine through us light a bright light!

Children’s Prayer: Dear God, by the power of your Holy Spirit help us to be like bright lights shining the love of Jesus for all to see. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

Copyright 2011 Sundaychildrensfocus.com Andrew Hewlett Feel free to use this on Sunday morning but please give credit to Sundaychildrensfocus and consider linking to this page. Thank you. A.H.

flashlight

Children's sermon on the Three Wise Men

Children's sermon on the Three Wise Men - Gifts for a King (Magi from the East following the star)

Sorry - still haven't finished this but you will get the basic idea!)

To introduce this massage reference a manger scene (Including the three wise men) if you have one on display.