I came across this children’s sermon while searching ideas for my own. It was a wonderful illustration of Matthew 5:14-16 so I choose to use it with my kids during Children’s time this week

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 I found it on Sermon & Lectionary Resources. It is provided by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild who has given me numerous inspirations for children’s sermon. Writing children’s messages requires a special skill which I do not possess and so making these message available is a true blessing for me. Thank you Rev. Fairchild.

I thought I’d reprint it here so followers could read and even tell the story to their children. It truly illustrates what Jesus was, and still is, trying to tell us.

Good morning…   Today I want to tell you the story of a church that was built way in the highest mountains of Switzerland.  It was a beautiful church that had been built with great care by the villagers who lived nearby.  But there was one thing that the church didn’t have.  Can any of you think of what that might have been?

It didn’t have any lights.  You couldn’t just go into the church and switch on the lights like we do here.  Yet every Sunday evening the people who lived on the mountain side opposite the tiny church saw something magic happen.  The church bell would ring and worshippers would wend their way up the mountainside towards the They would enter the church and then all of a sudden the church would light up brightly.  What do you think happened?

Yes – you see the people had to bring light with them – so they brought lanterns.  When they arrived at church they would light their lanterns and hang them around the church on pegs set in the walls, so the light would spread all around.  If only a few people came to church the light would be very dim because there would only be a few lanterns.  But when lots of people came to church there would be plenty of light.  After the service the villagers would take their lanterns home.  At this time, to those who watched from a distance, it was as if a stream of light poured out of the church and over the mountainside.  For many it was a sign that all was God’s light was with them and in them.  The only time the little church lit up was when people were there.  That’s when it truly became a church.  That’s when it’s light shown most brightly.

So it is here today – we carry in us the light of God – and we gather here – this place truly becomes a church – a place in which God’s light is seen.  Jesus says that we are the light of the world – and he asks us to show his love to everyone when we leave here so that his light might give hope to those who see us.

  Let us Pray:”Loving God — we thank you for Jesus — the one

   who lights our way — help us follow him — and be people

   who show — your light to others — we ask it in Jesus’ name

   — Amen.”