When Jesus comes back
Children's sermon
Object:
An airline, bus, or Amtrak ticket stub
Good morning! We just had Thanksgiving ten days ago. They say
that more people travel at Thanksgiving time than at any other
time. Did some of you travel? (Let them answer.) Where did you
go? (Let them answer.) Did any of you fly or take the bus or
train? (Let them answer.) If you did, you probably had tickets
like these. These tickets tell me when I leave and when I shall
return. The day and time are right here. (Show the children.)
I thought of these tickets when I thought of how Jesus left the earth. He promised that he would return again -- but he didn't say when it would be. We know he's coming back, but we don't know exactly when. It's like having a ticket with no "Return" date listed. The return will be a surprise.
That sounds pretty exciting to me. I like surprises. When Jesus returns, it will be a wonderful surprise and the best Christmas gift ever!
It might be like having your grandma or grandpa or aunts, uncles, cousins or favorite friends come to your house -- only more exciting! It would be a surprise if they came unannounced. But if they would come as a surprise, you would want to be ready, wouldn't you? (Let them answer.) You might not know just when they will come, but you want to be prepared. In the same way we want to prepare for Jesus when he comes to us.
The word "Advent" means coming. Jesus is coming -- we just don't know when. Isn't Advent exciting and fun?
Dear Jesus: Come and surprise us. We love you and look for you to come. Amen.
(Looking ahead: Should you choose the James 5:7 text in two weeks, you can better illustrate it by planting a bean seed today.)
I thought of these tickets when I thought of how Jesus left the earth. He promised that he would return again -- but he didn't say when it would be. We know he's coming back, but we don't know exactly when. It's like having a ticket with no "Return" date listed. The return will be a surprise.
That sounds pretty exciting to me. I like surprises. When Jesus returns, it will be a wonderful surprise and the best Christmas gift ever!
It might be like having your grandma or grandpa or aunts, uncles, cousins or favorite friends come to your house -- only more exciting! It would be a surprise if they came unannounced. But if they would come as a surprise, you would want to be ready, wouldn't you? (Let them answer.) You might not know just when they will come, but you want to be prepared. In the same way we want to prepare for Jesus when he comes to us.
The word "Advent" means coming. Jesus is coming -- we just don't know when. Isn't Advent exciting and fun?
Dear Jesus: Come and surprise us. We love you and look for you to come. Amen.
(Looking ahead: Should you choose the James 5:7 text in two weeks, you can better illustrate it by planting a bean seed today.)
