See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called the children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)

The season of Lent and the celebration of Easter offer a time to reflect on God’s love for us. As the writer of 1 John says, we are children of God now. We resemble God now and will resemble God even more when God’s kingdom is completed. Lent is an opportunity to lead children to ask, “How much do we resemble God?” We can guide children, and ourselves, through Scripture and prayer to dig deep within for a fuller understanding of what it means to resemble God.

Easter is a time to celebrate God’s love shown to us in Christ. It is an opportunity to celebrate the love and hope expressed in the resurrection. During this season, we may lead children and ourselves to a deeper understanding of purity and holiness—living in the likeness of Christ. We express joy and thanksgiving for God’s great gift. Easter is the reason we gather each week to worship.

This book contains a collection of children’s sermons based on the Common Lectionary Years A, B, and C from Lent through Pentecost. A handy index of subjects covered is provided in the back for use in churches which do not follow the lectionary. Another index of Scripture covered is provided for tying the children’s sermon to particular passages. The sermons are intended to involve children creatively in worship and proclamation of the Word. You will find two sermons for each Sunday. Each emphasizes Scripture and includes a key verse(s) to be read within the sermon. Many of the sermons present opportunities to tell the complete story to the children. The goal of this book is to help you invite children to participate in corporate worship in a meaningful way. You do this by telling stories, guiding dramatic participation, asking questions, showing visual props, and using hands-on activities to explain scriptural themes and/or stories.

The introduction to each sermon lists the liturgical date, the Scripture, a key verse or verses, key concepts, and the preparation and materials you will need for your time with the children. By including key verses or complete narratives, I hope that those who share God’s Word with children will use the Bible as a visible presence so children will understand its importance and know that we share God’s message with them. Written in conversational language, the sermons cover every Sunday of each lectionary year. An appendix includes Sundays in the Lent and Easter seasons that are the same for all three cycles.

This book is a guide to help you create your own children’s sermons. Each person has a unique style and personality that will shape the delivery. Use the sermons as a beginning point and adjust them, using personal stories that you think will be meaningful for the children in your church. Take time to study the Scripture passages just as you would for any proclamation of God’s Word. Pray for guidance as you prepare, seeking to share the story or message God wants you to share. Pray for the children who will hear your words.

As you prepare, make sure the children’s sermon fits within the larger context of worship. Do not use the children’s sermon as gap filler. It is an element of worship that needs to be given as much thought as the music, pastor’s sermon, and prayers. All elements of worship should set the tone and focus the direction of the service. All elements should lead the worshiper to God and God to the worshiper. Children are being spiritually formed through worship, and we are called to provide meaningful ways for them to understand why we do what we do each time we gather. Included within this set of sermons are explanations of various elements of worship.

As you prepare, practice the sermons. The more comfortable you are with the message, the more relaxed you will be with the children. Some people are gifted at being with children, while others have to work at it. As you involve the children in the sermon, be aware of the risks. Be ready for the unexpected. Often the most involved, risky sermons provide a lively proclamation of God’s Word that is real for the children (and the rest of the congregation).

As you worship during the seasons of Lent and Easter, use this time with the children to involve them fully within the life of the church. Let them show you and the congregation how they resemble God as you share with them. Invite the children and their families to the discipline of Scripture reading and prayer. Model for them and call them to a life of holiness together. Take this opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the children, knowing that through his love and grace we can gain deeper understanding of purity and holiness—living in the likeness of Christ.

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