Title: Seasons of the Year

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Song: For the Beauty of the Earth

Object: Calendar

Hello, boys and girls. I am glad to see you today. This morning I want us to think about this object I'm holding in my hand. This is called a "calendar." A calendar shows the twelve months of the year. Why do we need a calendar? Some places in the world do not have four different seasons. But many places have the season of spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Let's think about spring for a minute. What happens during this season? Yes, new green leaves appear on the trees. Baby animals are born. It's like the earth awakens from its winter sleep. In summer, we have long hours of daylight for playing outside. We have good fruits and vegetables to eat from gardens. In the fall, leaves start to turn orange, gold and red. Then, comes winter. Snow and ice may cover the ground. Daylight hours grow short and night becomes longer. (Make adjustment to the material, depending on where you live.)

Yes, God has a plan for the seasons. And He has a plan for you. How can you know God's plan for your life? Pray. Live close to God. Read your Bible daily. Help others. Prepare yourself to do the work God has chosen for you. That means doing your best in school. Then when God calls, you will be ready to accept His plan.

The writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us about God's system. Listen as I read: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" (NIV). Let us bow our heads and close our eyes. I will lead us in prayer asking God to help boys and girls understand God's plan for their lives.

Ask the pianist to play softly For the Beauty of the Earth as children return to their seats.

Title: A Time to Start

Scripture: Matthew 2:52

Song: Jesus Loves the Little Children"

Object: Horn

(Ask a college or high school student to come into the church blowing a horn as you call the children to come forward for the Children's Sermon.)

Say: A horn has been used for thousands of years. At one time this musical instrument was made from a ram's horn. Today, most horns are made of metal. Each material produces a different sound. Do you believe you could play a horn such as this? (Look for show of hands.) Yes, you probably could. To play one really well, you might need to take lessons and practice each day.

Can you think of times when a horn or even a whistle is blown? (Pause for response.) What about a parade? A ball game? A policeman directing traffic? To begin a race? Yes, those all are times when we hear a horn. Usually a horn is blown to begin or end an event. It's time to begin -- to get involved.

As boys and girls who love God, we also have a "call to begin." How can we do this? Church and Sunday school each Sunday is a good place to start. Choir practice, mission activities, and other organizations provided by our church helps us make friends with others who love Jesus.