Lesson: The Holy Spirit is in each one of us.
Bible Passage:
Invite the children to join you at the front of the church. Once they are seated, show them a large, deflated balloon. Ask them if they know what it is. After their guesses, tell them, “This is you and the people you know. These are good people, but there is something missing. Can you tell me what is missing?”
After they guess, say “That’s correct! What’s missing is the Holy Spirit! Now watch!” Inflate the balloon so it is large enough for all to see. (Recommendation: Inflate the balloon beforehand so it is easier to do so in the Moment). Do not tie off the balloon.
Show the balloon to the children and say “Now this is all of you, filled with the Holy Spirit. But sometimes, even when you are filled with the teachings of Jesus, you might whine about something that really isn’t important.” Release a little air out of the balloon, causing a whining sound.
“And maybe,” you continue, “when you get home, you’ll be disrespectful to your folks.” (More release of air/more whining).
“And you won’t do your chores.” (Whine) “And you’ll be mean to someone at school.” (Whine)
“And throughout the week, you’ll forget about loving your neighbors and the Ten Commandments and eventually…” (Release all the air, the more rude the sound, the funnier it will be).
“Now, that is how you might be. But what if you are polite to your folks?” (Blow a large breath of air into the balloon).
“And do what you are asked at home?” (Blow another breath into the balloon).
“And at school you are polite to your friends and teachers and even try to be nice to those who aren’t so nice to you?” (Another large, final breath).
“And once you do that, you take the lessons of love that Jesus has taught us and (tie up balloon so no air can escape) keep it inside you all week long?”
“Wouldn’t this be a better way to be?” (Do NOT bounce the balloon unless you want to completely lose the children).
“Now you can decide what kind of a Child of God you want to be? And to help you, each of you will get an empty balloon to do with as you wish. And remember, you can either be this (hold the empty balloon) or this (inflate and whine a balloon) or this (bounce the balloon in your hand). It’s up to you.”
“Now let’s say a little prayer. Let’s say thank you to God for giving us all the opportunities to worthy of being your Child and for filling us with the Holy Spirit in everything we say and everything we do. Amen.”