The Importance Of Giving Thanks
Children's sermon
Open My Eyes
More Children's Object Lessons
Object:
A batch of homemade cookies (or some other homemade treat) to share.
Purpose: To help children to remember that part of being human means giving thanks.
Material: A batch of homemade cookies (or some other homemade treat) to share.
Lesson: Do any of you have a dog at home? ... Do you do anything special when you feed your dog? ... In our house, we have the dog do a trick, like sitting up, before she is fed. And you know what she does when we put the food down? She eats it right away. And you know what else? She never says, ''Thank you.''
Now, of course, I don't expect her to say thank you, because she is a dog. But I do expect people, like you, who can talk to say thank you when someone gives you something or does something nice for you. When you say thank you to someone you are showing them that you like what they have done for you, that you are happy to have received their special gift. And when you are happy with what has been done for you, then the person doing it shares your happiness; and that is good. Showing appreciation is a very special way of sharing with one another.
Yesterday I made some cookies and I'd like to share them with you this morning. You may take one as you return to
your seats. (If they all say, ''Thank You,'' you can comment on the fact that they are quick learners.)
Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home:
• When your child fails to show appreciation for what others do for him or her.
• When you want to explain to your child why you say grace at meals.
• When you want to encourage your child to say grace.
Scriptural Background: ''Rejoice always, pray constantly, giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'' (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Material: A batch of homemade cookies (or some other homemade treat) to share.
Lesson: Do any of you have a dog at home? ... Do you do anything special when you feed your dog? ... In our house, we have the dog do a trick, like sitting up, before she is fed. And you know what she does when we put the food down? She eats it right away. And you know what else? She never says, ''Thank you.''
Now, of course, I don't expect her to say thank you, because she is a dog. But I do expect people, like you, who can talk to say thank you when someone gives you something or does something nice for you. When you say thank you to someone you are showing them that you like what they have done for you, that you are happy to have received their special gift. And when you are happy with what has been done for you, then the person doing it shares your happiness; and that is good. Showing appreciation is a very special way of sharing with one another.
Yesterday I made some cookies and I'd like to share them with you this morning. You may take one as you return to
your seats. (If they all say, ''Thank You,'' you can comment on the fact that they are quick learners.)
Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home:
• When your child fails to show appreciation for what others do for him or her.
• When you want to explain to your child why you say grace at meals.
• When you want to encourage your child to say grace.
Scriptural Background: ''Rejoice always, pray constantly, giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'' (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
