Text:
Song: "This Little Light of Mine"
Object: Candle and matches
Hello boys and girls. I'm glad you chose to come to church today. I'm holding in my hand something you may have at home. Can you tell me what it is? Yes, it is called a candle. Now, can someone tell me why we use candles? I hear you saying a candle is used for light, a scented candle smells good, and candles are placed on birthday cake. Do you add one more candle each year?
Now, watch as I strike a match and light the candle. Of course, boys and girls should never strike matches. That's a job for adults.
Before, it was pretty, but it didn't do what a candle is supposed to do. With the flame it burns bright. Which do you think is best? A candle, or one with a flame?
You know, our lives are like candles. If we don't show others that we love Jesus, we aren't doing what Jesus wants us to do. But if we love Jesus, pray, come to church, obey our parents and keep God's laws, our lives can burns as bright as this candle.
Will you do something for me? The next time you see a candle, will you think of ways your life can burn brightly for God? Then, will you tell me about how you love Jesus? I would like to hear what you are doing to love Him.
Jesus spoke of light in Luke 11:36. "Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you" (Lead children to do the hand motions and sing the familiar song, "This Little Light of Mine." Invite the congregation to sing along).
Carolyn R. Tomlin, Educator and Ministry Wife, Jackson, TN
