Lesson: There are many ways to celebrate in church
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:6, 1 Chronicles 15:16, Nehemiah 12:27, Psalm 33:1, Psalm 100:2, Luke 19:37, Jeremiah 20:13
Explain to the gathered children that there are many ways to celebrate Jesus. One of the ways is through music and through music, there are different ways. In church, we sometimes expect you to be nice and quiet and well-mannered. That kind of behavior means songs like this. (I chose “Jesus Loves You, This I Know,” but you can choose any quiet song, sung like a lullaby. Sing the song, slowly and quietly, to the children).
But that is not always the case. The Bible tells us to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (begin raucous music, perhaps a gospel tune or a jazzy form of a hymnal – something that is a real “hand clapper, toe tapper!”) Say with great enthusiasm, “We can also celebrate Jesus by singing out loud, clapping our hands, dancing and moving with the music!” (Do all these things and invite the congregation – or plant some shills there – to get up and move too.)
Keep up the excitement and announce, “Let’s dance our way to Sunday School!” as you lead the children out.
Presented July 15, 2012 at Parkside Community Church, Sacramento CA. The video for this is available at Celebrating Jesus with Music