This children’s sermon was written to accompany a sermon on Matthew 5:13-16.
Good morning, girls and boys. I have a mystery for us to figure out today and a clue in my bag that might help us. The mystery is: what did Jesus mean when he said that you are the light of the world? I wonder what it means when Jesus asks us to be the light of the world.
Here is the clue. It’s a candle.
You may remember when you were in Sunday school in the 4’s and 5’s and you’d hold up your candle and sing…”This Little Light of Mine”
That song might give us some ideas. What’s the first line?
Yes, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”
I wonder what you think that means- what is the light? You don’t have a candle in your pocket, so what does that mean?
(God’s love, God’s wisdom, God’s spark that makes you you.)
“Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m going to let it shine.”
What does it mean to hide your light? Do you ever hide who God made you to be? Or God’s love or God’s wisdom that comes into your mind? God’s love and wisdom is so important in our world. Our world really needs it. Jesus knew that and wanted God’s people to share their light, not hide it.
“Won’t let anyone blow it out, I’m going to let it shine.”
Has anyone ever tried to blow out your light? Keep you from sharing God’s love or the spark that God put in you?
The light that God puts inside us- God’s own presence- does what a candle does, in that it helps us see the good way God wants us to go. It helps us not be afraid. It reminds us that we are God’s children, and so loved by God.
Let’s pray: Dear God, thank you for your light, your love in our lives. Help us share your love with others that we meet. We love you, God. Amen.
