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Choose from the following children's sermons:

• Christianity in Action
  a children's sermon based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
  by Rev. Randy Quinn
   
• Love in Every Language
  a children's sermon on Love 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
  by Tom Hall and Frank Schaefer

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Christianity in Action
a children's sermon based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
by Rev. Randy Quinn

Today I want to talk about something we all understand to some degree.  I want to talk about love.

Sometimes we say we “love chocolate,” sometimes we say we “love to play in the snow,” sometimes we say we “love new clothes.”  Have you ever said any of those things?

In a way, that’s like looking in this mirror I’ve made (I have a piece of cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil).  This gives you a little bit of an idea of what you look like, but it’s not quite the same as a regular mirror, is it?  You wouldn’t want to use this when you’re combing your hair, would you?  You want a REAL mirror for that.

When we say we “love” chocolate, or snow, it really isn’t the same as the kind of love God has for us.  It helps us understand it a little, but only a little.

We know about love from other things, too.  Moms and Dads love their children.  Husbands and wives love each other.  Brothers and sisters love each other.  And those relationships help us understand a little more about God’s love.

But the best way to know about God’s love is to listen to the stories of Jesus.  He came to teach us what love was all about.  In fact, the Bible says that God sent Jesus because God loves us (Jn 3:16)!

I’m glad I don’t need a use a mirror like this.  And I’m glad to know what love really looks like, too.

Let’s pray:

God, thank you for loving us.  Thank you for showing us how to love.  Thank you for Jesus who helps us learn how we can love, too.  Amen.

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Love in Every Language
a children's sermon on Love (1. Cor 13)
by Tom Hall and Frank Schaefer

PROPS: No props necessary.

OBJECTIVE: To help children understand that God's idea of love is putting others first.

Good morning, my fine little friends! Guess what? We have a very good word to talk about today. See if you can guess what it is. I’m going to give you a quiz; see if you can guess the word. If you think you know what word it is, just raise your hand.   Ready? Okay:

Everybody needs it.

It is a four letter word.

Country western songs talk a lot about it.

When your mom or dad tucks you into bed at night, he or she sometimes uses the word when they say, "I ____ you very much."

That’s right! Love is the answer! How many of you love your mom and dad? Wow 100%! But hold it! How many of you love . . . ice cream? Oh, oh - 100% again! In America we use the same word to express our feelings for parents, ice cream, football, pets, and recess-we love them all! Just about anybody would agree that everybody needs love.

The Bible also says that love is something very, very special and that we all need it.  O.k. are you ready for another little fun quizz?  This time I will give you different sayings about love ("love is...") and you have to guess whether they are from the bible or not.  If you think they're from the bible raise your hand.   Ready?  Go:

1) Love is patient, love is kind

2) Love is blind.

3) Love cares more for others than for self.

4) Love isn’t always "me first."

5) Love doesn’t keep a list of who’s naughty or nice.

6) First comes love, then comes marriage, then they come with the baby carriage!

7) Love looks for the best in others,
and always trusts God.

Cool, you guys did really well on this quizz.  You pretty well know what Christian love is all about.  (To congregation--if they are used to this sort of thing): I think they deserve a round of applause.

The bottom line is: when we love someone--even our pet--we don't think of ourselves first, but we are concerned about others; we want to help them, to take care of them, to make sure they are okay.

So maybe if all of us really try hard to love someone else, maybe love will help us to solve our problems in the world. But it must start with you and me, right?

Let’s pray: "Dear God we thank you for Love for us.  For all the things you have done for us, that you always care for us.  You have given us a good example of what Love looks like.  You teach us that true Love puts others first.   Help us to love others like you love us.  Amen."