{Here are my notes for the “Conversation with Children” I led at Rainbow Mennonite Church this past Sunday.}

Conversation with Children (Sept. 1, 2019)

• Did any of you have a birthday last month? – Well, I did. Do you want to guess how old I am now? – I am now 81 years old. Do you know what year it will be in 81 more years? In one more year what will it be? Can you add 80 to 20? Yes, it will be the year 2100—and some of you may live to see that year. The years go by fast.
• This morning the Bible reading, which you will hear Abigail read next, is from Matthew, chapter 5. Two important statements: “You are the salt of the earth.” You are the light of the world.” Pastor Ruth will be talking about the first statement, but let me talk with you about the second.
• Probably about 70 years ago I first heard a gospel song that you probably know. “This Little Light of Mine.” Written almost 100 years ago, and sung by church children ever since. The Bible verse talks about lighting a lamp—but I have a candle instead. If it is dark the lamp or candle is placed where it will give the most light. You wouldn’t cover it with a “basket.” It wouldn’t do any good that way, would it. Another verse of the song says, “Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m going to let it shine.”
• What would it mean to let your light shine? One of many things is to make it possible for people to see the love of Jesus. – Are there ever people at your school or pre-school that are bullied or teased? Some maybe for looking different, or talking different, or being bigger than others, or being smaller than others. You might not believe it, but that’s the way I was when I was in elementary school. [Show 5th-grade picture.]
• Well, when you see someone who is being bullied or teased, what will you do. You could just sit and watch—but that would be hiding your light under a basket, wouldn’t it. Or you could let your light shine and be their friend. Go sit with them if they are alone and looking sad. Go stand by them if people are saying bad things to them. That is one thing it means to let your light shine.
• So, please remember, “You are the light of the world” and when you let your light shine, you help others. I pray that you will do that until you are 81 years old as I am now—or for the next 81 years until the year 2100.
• Here’s a picture for you to take home to color. As you do think about what I have said this morning, and think about Jesus’ words, “You are the light of the world.”