A tale of two lamps
Children's sermon
Object:
Two oil lamps, one with oil and one without oil
Good morning. I brought with me this morning a couple of old lamps. These are oil lamps and are the kind that our great-grandparents used in their houses. Take a close look and tell me if you see anything different between the two. (let them answer) They look a lot alike, but there is a difference, isn't there? One has something in it and one does not. What is missing in this one? (let them answer) Right, one has oil and one does not. What does the oil do? (let them answer) Very good, the one with oil should make a bright light, while the one without any oil will not burn. Let's try to light both of them and see if that is true. (light both) You're right; only one of them burns. If it gets dark, only one will be any good.
Jesus told a story about people who were waiting for God to come and make them part of his kingdom. All of the people wore the same kind of clothes, ate the same kind of food, worked at the same kind of jobs, and were pretty much the same kind of people. But there was a difference that was very noticeable.
Some of them kept in touch with God and others did not. Some of them attended church, read their Bibles, prayed regularly, shared with the poor, and cared for people who needed care and loved God.
Other people did not prepare for God. They knew about God but they did not think that God was important right then. They had their own things to do. They did not go to church or read their Bibles. They were always going to pray but just never got around to thanking God or asking him to be part of their lives. They were just too busy. One day God came and they did not recognize him. When others told them that God was there, they rushed to find him but they were not prepared. It was too late.
That is why it is important for us to share our lives with God every day. Stay close to God and you will be ready when God asks you to join him. You will recognize God and God will be with you.
One lamp is ready to give light and one is not. Which one would you like to have with you tonight if you had no other light? (let them answer) That's right; the one that is filled with oil. Which person will be ready for God when he comes to meet us? The one who worships him and knows his teachings or the one who only has time for him or her self? (let them answer) That's right; the person who loves God and shares with him.
Prayer: Help us always to be ready for you, O God. Amen.
