Children's Moment: Too tired for a Christmas tree!

Yesterday after I had gotten done working all day, I came home, showered up and got ready to put up the Christmas tree.  Normally every year this is my favorite part of Christmas, the erection of the Christmas tree.  I usually have Mr. Ladd drag our huge Christmas tree out of storage and listen to him murmur under his breath, then out loud about how ridiculous it is that he has to bring up this huge tree. Once he gets it upstairs I never can figure out the lights so he has to figure out how all the lights plug in together and I again get to listen to him talk under his breath about how silly it is to have a tree I can’t even figure out.  He especially was talking out loud the year that our dog had chewed a little hole in the cord and Ladd grabbed it when it got plugged in.  Can we say “zzzzzzzzzzzzzzt?” 

After Ladd does his work, the kids and I usually set about decorating the tree and dragging out every Rubbermaid container and emptying it of its contents.  We will usually have something Christmas on every single wall, table and countertop in our house.  It’s like a Christmas wonderland.  When we get finished, Mr. Ladd really appreciates the beauty of all the decorations and admits, the long trip up the stairs and all the light fixing is worth it.

Well, this year, I just didn’t feel like decorating or putting up the tree.  I was tired from working and Mr. Ladd was helping a friend work on their house, so I didn’t have him as my go-to for setting-up the tree.  I started wondering, why do we even put up a tree?  Isn’t it just more work?  And Christmas isn’t about a tree right?  We all know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, God’s only son.  This is the meaning of our celebration, so why don’t we just put up a big Jesus in our living room right?

So, I did a little research.  The reason behind a Christmas tree originated a long long long time ago, but here are some of the meanings behind the Christmas tree today.  The lights on the tree used to be candles which celebrated the birth of Jesus, kind of like the candles on the cake.  Now they represent Jesus’ birth and the light he brought into the world.  The tree itself reminds us of the wooden cross Jesus endured to give us life.  We also use evergreen trees which stay green all year round, reminding us of the hope and everlasting life we have in Jesus.  The cutting down of the tree reminds us of Jesus death and the raising of the tree reminds us of Jesus’ resurrection.  The narrow point of the tree points upward, which reminds us to turn our thoughts upward toward heaven.

Well, after reading up a bit on the Christmas tree, it made me excited to put up this symbol of Jesus birth.  We got one of our little trees, placed some of our favorite ornaments on it and a strand of lights.  Nothing fancy, just a reminder of Jesus’ light and love for us.  You know what the best part of it was?  Mr. Ladd didn’t have to set-up the tree!

Isaiah 9:6 says “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

As you get ready for the Christmas season, remember, HE, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Let’s pray.  Dear God, thank you for sending your son Jesus into this world. for giving us a reason to celebrate.  Thank you for your saving grace.  I pray that you bless each one of these children, go with them, protect them, love them as only you can.  Be with their families.  We love you, praise you and honor you in all we do, in Jesus name.  Amen

Children's Moment: Back to School with Jesus

Good morning!  Did everyone head back to school this week?  Was it lots of fun?  Anybody have a hard time getting up in the mornings?

 

Well today we are going to talk about Showing God's Love to Others!

Going back to school is tough, but what I remembered being tougher than anything else when I went back to school was loving others, even when I didn’t want to.  That’s right . . . the boy who pulled on my pigtails, or the girl who talked ugly to me, or the teacher who didn’t understand the things I was going through.  It was tough.

 

Because GOD IS LOVE, I know He loves me no matter what, and He helps me to love others as I love myself.

Do you remember what Jesus said are the two greatest Commandments? What are they? (1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 2. Love your neighbor as yourself)

How do we show God's love to others?

First Corinthians 13:4-7 says:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Discover God Bible, (NLT).

According to these verses, what is love?

          Patient

          Kind

          Not envious [wish you had something others may have]

          Is not boastful [doesn't brag]

          Is not proud [thinking more highly of yourself than you should]

          Is not rude 

          Is not self-seeking [selfish, desiring the best for yourself]

          Does not get angry easily

          Doesn't keep track of others mistakes

          Seeks truth rather than evil 

          Protects

          Trusts

          Hopes

          Perseveres [sticks with it - doesn't give up easily or quit]

Sometimes it is not easy to do all of these things, but I encourage you to stay connected to God through prayer and Bible reading and to work on these areas.  Work on being patient with others when they get on your nerves or to be nice to the girl on the playground that bugs you or to just forget when someone has done wrong to you.  Protect other kids who can’t protect themselves, trust and hope in God and never give up.

Let’s pray:  Dear heavenly father, thank you for our first week back to school.  I thank you that each of these children here today have the opportunity to know of you and your love and can share that love with others.  Be with each of these children in their day-to-day walk with you, encourage them and help them in whatever ways they need.  Jesus, we praise you and love you, in your name we pray, amen.

Children's Moment: Jesus is MY Best Fried

JESUS IS MY BEST FRIEND, that is what today’s lesson is about.

 When I was a little girl, I often stayed Saturday nights with my Grandpa Conward and Grandma Wanell.  Partly because I loved her cornmeal chicken dinners, but mainly because I loved spending time with them.  My favorite part of Saturday nights was that my Grandpa always pulled out his guitar and tuned it up for Sunday mornings.  My Grandma would sing and Grandpa would pick away at his guitar.  When I was preparing for this lesson, one of my favorite songs they used to sing came to mind.  Would you mind if I shared it with you?  And congregation, if you know the song, feel free to join in.

I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in 
And then a little light from heaven filled my soul 
He bathed my heart in love and wrote my name above 
And just a little talk with my Jesus made me whole 
(Now let us) have a little talk with Jesus (let us) tell him all about our troubles 
(He will) hear our faintest cry (and he will) answer by and by 
(Now when you) feel a little pray'r wheel turning 
(Then you'll) know a little fire is burning 
(You will) find a little talk with Jesus makes it right 

I may have doubts and fears my eyes be filled with tears 
But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night 
I go to him in prayer he knows my every care 
And just a little talk with my Jesus makes it right 
(Now let us) have a little talk with Jesus (let us) tell him all about our troubles 
(He will) hear our faintest cry (and he will) answer by and by 
(Now when you) feel a little pray'r wheel turning 
(Then you'll) know a little fire is burning 
(You will) find a little talk with Jesus makes it right 

In John 15:15 it says, I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Isn’t it exciting to know that Jesus wants to be our best friend?  What do you do with your best friend? Do you hang out with them? Do you tell them all of your secrets?  Do you look forward to seeing them?

A friend is someone who accepts you just the way you are, believes in you and encourages you. Someone who is trustworthy, who never forsakes you, who forgives your mistakes, who enjoys being with you, and who makes you laugh.
Jesus wants to be this way with us. He is not a far away God. He wants us to spend time with Him. He wants to be your very best friend, and He wants you to be His!
Jesus is the best of everything we look for in a friend.

So the next time you think of sharing something with a friend, share it with Jesus.  Like the song says “have a little talk with Jesus”.

Let’s pray.

Dear Jesus, thank you for allowing us to have such a great friend in you.  Who could ask for more? We don’t have to wait to pick-up a phone and call you or to drive to your house to visit.  You are always there.  Always available.  Always ready to be our friend.  Thank you for this and thank you for each of the children who are here today and those that are not.  I pray that you would guide these children and their parents in their loving friendship with you.  We praise you and love you.  It’s in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Children's Moment: Everyone has a place and a purpose in God’s family

Does everyone see this beautiful necklace?  Aggie spent a really long time crafting this beautiful necklace bead by bead.  She chose each color carefully and created patterns which really accent this piece.  Doesn’t this look beautiful?  What do you think makes this necklace so beautiful?  Is it the translucent beads which shine in the light?  The beads in special patterns? The bright colors? 

Well, with Aggie’s permission, she is going to allow me to show you what makes this necklace so beautiful.  The true beauty in this necklace is completely hidden.  (have Aggie help me cut the necklace over the bowl and hold up necklace string).

Wow!  Is this necklace completely beautiful now?  Did you know God thinks this necklace is still beautiful?

In 1 Corinthians 12:22 Paul tells us

²² In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 

Now after seeing this necklace cut, what do you think the most important or beautiful part of this necklace really was?  The beads or the string holding the beads together?  Did you know that even as a child, you play a really important role in our church, your school, within your group or friends and in your family?  God made you special, unique and full of purpose.

Everyone has a place and a purpose in God’s family.  Some are meant to teach, others are meant listen, some are meant to do hard physical labor, while others are meant to pray or to encourage others.  As a child, you can help others around you by saying kind words, doing nice things such as opening a door for someone or even by helping your parents by doing your homework, keeping your rooms clean, and obeying the rules they set for you.

Everyone has a place and a purpose and I wanted to tell you today that you are like this string.  Strong and purposeful.  God loves you and I love you and this congregation loves you.  Can everyone say amen to that?

Let us pray: “Dear God, thank you for bringing these children into your house of worship today.  I pray that each child knows and learns or your love and their purpose in your family.  Help us as parents, friends, family and members of this congregation encourage each child to learn their gifts and how they uniquely fit into your family.  We love and praise you.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

Children's Moment: Veteran's Day

This morning I was all ready to explain to you about the stars and stripes and all about the meanings of Veteran’s day.  I had it all laid out, then something happened and I changed my mind.  While I was looking over my Children’s Sermon, Adam stopped by my desk and handed me this little square.  I’ve been a little clumsy lately and so he thought I might need this.  On one side it has a beautiful cross and on the other side it says “do not be afraid for I am with you.” 

Has anyone seen one of these?  Well, if you haven’t I will explain what it is.  This is a pocket prayer.  You are supposed to carry it in your pocket and if you feel afraid, lonely, sad or even happy, you can just reach into your pocket and be reminded that you are not alone and can pray to God.  Even though you have God with you ALL the time, this is just a reminder to pray to God.

This made me think of all of the armed service Veteran’s who are with us today.  These are men and women who have served in the armed forces.  These men and women have fought for our freedoms.  Did you know it is a freedom to attend church? Pray out loud? Go to the store and buy what you want? Attend your favorite school? Live in the home that you choose?  Wear the clothes you think are cool? Or even just make your own decisions?

Without the service of these men and women, we may not have these choices or freedoms.  I thought about these men and women as they served on the front lines.  I wonder what gave them encouragement when they were faced with danger or loneliness?  For some it was a letter from someone that loved them, for others it was knowing they were doing the right thing and serving our country, and then maybe some had a pocket reminder of God’s love.  They knew that no matter what, God loved them and was with them.  They trusted God.

In Isaiah 41:10 it says

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Although you may not be a soldier serving right now, you should know that God is with you every single day, giving you strength and holding you in his care.  He loves you.

Before we end today’s sermon I want say thank you to the men and women who have served to provide us our many freedoms.  Thank you for loving our country, your family and friends and most importantly, God, enough to serve in such a significant way.  There is not a day that goes by that you are not thought of and appreciated.  And on the count of three we will all say “THANK YOU!” 1, 2, 3 thank you

Let’s pray: Heavenly father, thank you today for loving us so much.  Although it is often nice to have a reminder of your love and care, the truth is, you are with us always.  Thank you today for those who have served in such a way to protect our freedoms.  I pray that you be with them and their families.  Be with the children who are here today.  I pray they be encouraged and know every single day of your love.  We honor you and adore you, in Jesus name and everyone who agrees says AMEN.

Children's Moment: Christian Like a Gardener

^{Proverbs 3:5-6} Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

As I was working in the garden yesterday pulling weeds, watering plants, planting new seeds, and harvesting vegetables, I started to think about how my garden is very similar to my Christian walk.  I always thought I knew how to garden because I had heard about gardening, helped others in their gardens and even had my own small little garden plots growing-up.  After Ladd and I got married in Washington we decided to plant our own garden.  We did alright our first year, having enough to eat on and my neighbors enjoyed the fact that I had planted three rows of lettuce to feed our small family of three because they got to eat tons of salad that year.  After our first year, we did lots of reading on how to mend the soil, nourish the plants and when to plant seeds.  Our 2^nd year turned out even better, with the exception of raccoons eating down every stock of corn we planted and squirrels burying acorns under every squash plant.  After our 3^rd year we moved to Arkansas and it was like discovering gardens all over again.  We had never dealt with bugs, extreme heat and soil which could be mistaken as rock.  I think our first year here we harvested half-eaten squash, baked potatoes and sun-dried tomatoes right out of the garden!  We went back to the drawing board and did more research and reading and talking with others in the area.  Our garden is thriving now, but every year we are surprised by something.  Even with all the planning, something always turns out differently than anticipated.

Just like Christians.  When we accept Christ into our hearts we often think we know what life will be like and how things will turn-out because we have watched other Christians.  Guess what happens next?  Life happens, things are always changing.  Someone disappoints us, we fall and hurt ourselves, a friend moves away or someone we know passes away.  Each time, we have to go back to the sources which teach us.  We read the Bible which provides us instruction, we talk to the Lord which gives us guidance and we surround ourselves with other Christians which provides us encouragement.  Just like our scripture reads today

^{Proverbs 3:5-6} Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Children's Moment: What Does God Say About School?

Well, tomorrow starts another school year!  Is anyone excited?  I know I am excited for my children.  School is such a great opportunity to gain more knowledge, learn new ways of doing things and to make new friendships. 

I started wondering what God had to say about school or becoming educated.  I wondered if God even cared whether you get smarter or not?  Did you know he has a lot to say about learning?

Ecclesiastes 7:12 For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

Proverbs 4:13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Proverbs 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

You see, God not only tells us that wisdom is better than gold or money . . . it is your life!  If God thinks gaining knowledge is important, we should too.  Take school seriously, learn all you can, gain all the information you can gain.  In Colossians 3:23 it says Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.  Just remember, God has given you the opportunity to be in school and gain an education.  Work hard in school.  Learn.  Become a smarter you. 

Also know, you have this whole church praying for you as you start back to school tomorrow.  We are praying that you get along with your new teacher and classmates, that you gain the knowledge you need, that you are able to focus on school and work hard and that God protects you along your journey.  We wish you the best school year yet!