CHILDREN – 3rd Sunday of Advent B

OBJECTS: Flashlight

When do you need a flashlight? Yes, we use a flashlight when it is dark. (In some countries this light is called a torch. The name flashlight came about when it was first invented because it provided just a brief flash of light.)

How does a flashlight help us? Yes, it lights our path so we can find our way. You may keep a flashlight by your bedside in case you need to get up in the night. Or, you might use a flashlight when you walk outside after dark. The flashlight shows you where things are and helps you find your way. If you point it at the ground in front of you the light will help you know where to take your next step.

The Bible speaks about Jesus being the Light of the World. John the Baptist came before Jesus and he said he was not the light, but he came to tell others, “the true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world” (1:9). He was speaking about Jesus.

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SOURCE: Sermon Writer

OBJECT: Advent calendar, Advent wreath and candles, Christmas lights, Christmas cookies – share cookies with children if appropriate.

This is the time of year we begin making preparations to celebrate Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ. What are some of the ways you prepare for Christmas? Perhaps your kitchen fills with the wonderful fragrances of cookies, breads and candies as you and your mom or dad bake Christmas goodies. You may decorate your home with evergreen boughs and put ornaments on a Christmas tree. Some families hang an advent calendar and count the days until Christmas or light advent candles. Other families hang lights outdoors in trees and on their houses. There are many ways to prepare for Christmas – the birthday of Jesus Christ.

Long ago, God sent a man, John the Baptist, to prepare the world for the arrival of Jesus and this was the biggest event in all of history….

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OBJECT: Advertisements for toys––preferably color ads from a newspaper insert.

There’s a special day coming. Can anyone tell me what it is?

That’s right. Christmas is coming. Are you looking forward to Christmas?

At Christmas, you will probably get some presents. I brought some ads for toys. Look, here’s a (name a toy while point to its picture)––and here’s a (name another toy while pointing to its picture).

Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have a picture of a toy, which is what we have here––or would you rather have the toy itself?

Of course you would like to have the toy itself. Pictures like this are no substitute for the real thing are they!

In our Gospel lesson today, there is a man named John… 

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SOURCE: Sermon Writer