Children's Conversations at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Today we are gathered in the back around the baptismal font. Last week Benjamin was baptized, and today in the Gospel we heard about the baptism of Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus God calls Jesus his son, and in baptism, you are all children of God. Over here at our healing station we have a candle that is very similar to the one at the font, so this reminds us of our baptism. And we have oil here to be marked with the cross, just like in baptism.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Today is Epiphany. That is a strange word that means "uncovering." You can see the three Wise Men up here at the creche, and they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But their most important gift was their presence at Jesus' birth. That is the same gift each of you can offer.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Today all four candles on the Advent wreath are lit, so Christmas is very near. In the Gospel we heard how John the Baptist leaped for joy inside his mother when Mary came to visit. This is a time of excitement, but you all seem bored. So, let's practice and jump for joy when Pastor Angela says "It's Christmas Day!"

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Today I put crosses on your foreheads. You probably don't remember when you got a similar cross in baptism, and even though you have washed your face, that cross is still there because God promises always to be with us. The oil I used smelled good because it has myrrh in it. Myrrh is used when we bury a body. So that smell reminds us that God is with us, even in the most difficult times.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Advent is a time of preparing for Christmas. You may be helping with the tree or deciding on presents or using an Advent wreath at home. However, it is not just about preparing things; we also need this time to prepare our hearts. I have a candy cane for each of you so you can practice patience and preparation by eating slowly.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- In the world around us, we see lots of Christmas decorations, but for us it is Advent. We have our Advent wreath to count the Sundays until Christmas. You can have a wreath at home. It will help you wait and prepare. (Note: The beginning the conversation was not recorded because of technical issues.)

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Today is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the church year, and next Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent. We think of kings as men with lots of money, a crown, and beautiful robes. But Jesus is a different kind of king because he is not a king because of his birth but because of his death on the cross. Jesus, our king, is the king of love.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Sometimes when you play Simon Says, the leader will try to trick you. In today's Gospel, Jesus warns us about being led astray, or tricked. Jesus wants us to pay attention so we do what God wants us to do. So, let's all be alert.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Some of you have had a lot of money from time to time. If someone had asked you to give it all away, it would have been very difficult. In today's Gospel, a widow put about a penny in the offering, and Jesus said it was worth more than other huge offerings. Jesus calls on us to give ourselves away in love and respect and caring for others. I'm going to give you each a penny, and I want you to take it out every day and think about what the widow did with her penny.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Today is All Saints Sunday, so we need to know what a saint is. The Bible dictionary says that a saint is someone set apart for God's purpose. We think of famous holy people, but by this definition, you are all saints because you were set apart at baptism. You were all set apart to love, so today is for you.