Fire!
Children's sermon
Object:
A candle in a special box and a match
“Jesus said, ‘I came to bring fire to the earth,’...” (v. 49a)
Good morning girls and boys,
It is a good morning, isn’t it? It’s good because you and your family are here at worship. It’s good because I get to talk with you. It’s good because God is here. How awesome is that? Can you think of other reasons why today is a good morning? (children may respond)
What secret do you think I have in this special box? (children guess)
(presenter removes and shows a candle on a candlestick)
What makes this candle useful? (children guess) Yes, one has to light it with a match. (lights candle) The flame on this candle does some wonderful things.
The fire creates heat. Feel the warmth. The flame gives off light. See the brightness. Fire also purifies by burning away bad stuff and impurities.
Jesus once said, “I came to bring fire to the earth.” What on earth did Jesus mean?
One thing Jesus meant was that he would bring warmth and light and purity to people.
But Jesus also warned that his fire would burn some. Many people would be attracted to him, but others would stay far, far away. Even in families, Jesus said, some would be close and love and follow him and some others in the same family would run or drift far away. Jesus, like a fire, would cause division.
Now look at this flame. Feel its warmth. See it’s light. Let its color and life remind you of Jesus’ goodness and grace. Do you see any other candles burning in our worship space today? (children respond)
Why do you think burning candles and flames remind us of the presence of God?
(children respond)
Remember the song “this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine?” Are there ways you and I can be flames providing warmth and light to others? (children respond)
Prayer: Jesus, you are our light and salvation. Burn within us always. Amen.
Good morning girls and boys,
It is a good morning, isn’t it? It’s good because you and your family are here at worship. It’s good because I get to talk with you. It’s good because God is here. How awesome is that? Can you think of other reasons why today is a good morning? (children may respond)
What secret do you think I have in this special box? (children guess)
(presenter removes and shows a candle on a candlestick)
What makes this candle useful? (children guess) Yes, one has to light it with a match. (lights candle) The flame on this candle does some wonderful things.
The fire creates heat. Feel the warmth. The flame gives off light. See the brightness. Fire also purifies by burning away bad stuff and impurities.
Jesus once said, “I came to bring fire to the earth.” What on earth did Jesus mean?
One thing Jesus meant was that he would bring warmth and light and purity to people.
But Jesus also warned that his fire would burn some. Many people would be attracted to him, but others would stay far, far away. Even in families, Jesus said, some would be close and love and follow him and some others in the same family would run or drift far away. Jesus, like a fire, would cause division.
Now look at this flame. Feel its warmth. See it’s light. Let its color and life remind you of Jesus’ goodness and grace. Do you see any other candles burning in our worship space today? (children respond)
Why do you think burning candles and flames remind us of the presence of God?
(children respond)
Remember the song “this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine?” Are there ways you and I can be flames providing warmth and light to others? (children respond)
Prayer: Jesus, you are our light and salvation. Burn within us always. Amen.
