Sermon
A Heart Full of Joy
Theme
The love of Jesus fills our hearts with joy.
Object
A happy face poster and a sad face poster (see below sermon) mounted back to back on a stick.
Scripture
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11 (NKJV)
Activities + Resources
Children's Sermon: A Heart Full of Joy (John 15:9-17)
What kind of day are you having today? Are you happy, (Show the smiley face.) or are you sad? (Show the sad face.) What are some of the things that make you happy? Here are some things I thought of that might make you happy
A sunny day
A party
A new toy
A puppy
An ice cream cone
A balloon
Spending time with a friend
What are some things that make you sad?
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Falling down and skinning your knee
Making a bad grade in school
Feeling all alone
Losing your favorite toy
Having an argument with your best friend
When someone says something that hurts your feelings
When you miss someone
When you think about things that make you happy and things that make you sad, it is pretty simple. When something good happens, you are happy and when something bad happens, you are sad. Do you think Jesus wants you to be happy? Listen to what Jesus said in our Bible reading for today, "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" (John 15:9-11 NLT) Does that mean that nothing bad will ever happen in your life? No, of course not, but even when you are sad, you can still have joy in your heart because you know that Jesus loves you.
Heavenly Father, we know that you love your Son and that your Son loves us. Help us to remain in his love so that we will be filled with joy. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
