Close To The Cross
By Pastor James Jobst & Tim Johnson
THEME: Stay close to Jesus (Jesus loves you)
PROMPTS: Small sticker with writing "Jesus loves you" attached to a cross located at the front of the church. Place the sticker on a larger cross at the front of church if possible, so that people and the children can view it, but obviously too small to be read without getting right next to the cross.
MESSAGE: After the children come to the front, ask them if anyone can read what is on the cross. You may prompt their attention to where the writing is located if necessary. Have a volunteer (or go yourself if the ages are too young to read), go to the writing and read the words "Jesus loves me" on the cross. Be sure to comment during the process about how you could never read that message if you do not get close to the Cross of Jesus.
"Jesus loves me," those are wonderful words. They are even more special because Jesus loved us so much he died for our sins on the cross. How many times do we stand so far back from the Cross of Jesus that we can not see that wonderful message? In our lives we need to get as close to Jesus as we can so that we can see that special message all of the time. We need to remember that if we stand too far away and just look, we may not be reminded of how special his love is. Knowing that Jesus loves us makes our lives so much better.
One way to remember this message on the cross is to sing and remember one of my favorite children's songs. Will you help me sing this song? Let me give you the words one time first and then we can all sing it together. (speak words one time and then sing one time)
Jesus Loves Me
Jesus loves me this I know Yes, Jesus loves me
For the Bible tells me so Yes, Jesus loves me
Little ones to him belong Yes, Jesus love me
They are weak, but he is strong The Bible tells me so
Now remember our song and everytime you see a cross, I hope you will imagine the words "Jesus loves me," being written right on that cross. (Dismiss the children)
PROMPTS: Small sticker with writing "Jesus loves you" attached to a cross located at the front of the church. Place the sticker on a larger cross at the front of church if possible, so that people and the children can view it, but obviously too small to be read without getting right next to the cross.
MESSAGE: After the children come to the front, ask them if anyone can read what is on the cross. You may prompt their attention to where the writing is located if necessary. Have a volunteer (or go yourself if the ages are too young to read), go to the writing and read the words "Jesus loves me" on the cross. Be sure to comment during the process about how you could never read that message if you do not get close to the Cross of Jesus.
"Jesus loves me," those are wonderful words. They are even more special because Jesus loved us so much he died for our sins on the cross. How many times do we stand so far back from the Cross of Jesus that we can not see that wonderful message? In our lives we need to get as close to Jesus as we can so that we can see that special message all of the time. We need to remember that if we stand too far away and just look, we may not be reminded of how special his love is. Knowing that Jesus loves us makes our lives so much better.
One way to remember this message on the cross is to sing and remember one of my favorite children's songs. Will you help me sing this song? Let me give you the words one time first and then we can all sing it together. (speak words one time and then sing one time)
Jesus Loves Me
Jesus loves me this I know Yes, Jesus loves me
For the Bible tells me so Yes, Jesus loves me
Little ones to him belong Yes, Jesus love me
They are weak, but he is strong The Bible tells me so
Now remember our song and everytime you see a cross, I hope you will imagine the words "Jesus loves me," being written right on that cross. (Dismiss the children)