Sometimes we just have to believe in things that we can't see. We have a special name for that. We call it "faith." God's love is sort of like the air, isn't it? It fills us up - and even though we can't see it - we can feel it in our hearts.
Today is a very special day. We call it Pentecost - and it's a day we've been looking forward to for fifty days - ever since Easter. Pentecost is special for two important reasons.
After Jesus died he returned to be with his disciples and, of course, they were amazed. They could hardly believe what they were seeing. Jesus asked them, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed" (20:29). We can't see God with our eyes, but we can see all the wonderful things He created in our world. We also know of God because of the love we feel and receive from others. Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed."
Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed" (20:29). We all have doubts. We question things and that is good. But, this lesson teaches us that it is not necessary to see something with our own eyes to know it is real. No one knows what God looks like, but we can see the results of His Love in the world around us and we can feel it in our hearts. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed."
Let's ask our musicians to play notes that fit together and are in tune with each other. Isn't that better? Don't you feel more content? Peace is a good feeling. It is like the feeling you have when you listen to beautiful music or see a lovely painting, or have just taken a warm bath and are lying in a comfortable bed. You feel as if you don't have a care in the world. You feel relaxed and content.
Several years ago three brave men left earth, traveling in space to the moon. Neil Armstrong was the first person to step onto the surface of the moon and shortly after that Buzz Aldrin joined him. The third astronaut, Michael Collins stayed with the command module circling around the moon. This was a huge accomplishment; something no one had ever done before. One of the astronauts, Buzz Aldrin showed his gratitude and honored God by taking communion while he was a visitor on the moon.
Feeling peaceful is a pleasant experience. Jesus talks about peace and his words are recorded in the Bible. Three times, as Jesus talks with his disciples before he ascended into heaven, he says, "Peace be to you" (20:19, 21, and 26). It seems Jesus wants his followers to feel peaceful.
Peace is so important that people living all over the world and who speak in different languages have a word for it. Let's look at some of the words people living in different countries use to say "peace." (Use globe and locate each country listed as you pronounce and show the children each word. Pick and choose from list below.)
Here is a question. On this Easter Day, what looks stronger to you: the power of death or the power of God?
Today – on this special day that we celebrate Jesus’ own rebirth – I’m making a special resolution for the coming year. Maybe you’d like to make it with me? This year I'm resolving to live a life like Jesus’ own. I resolve to be patient, and kind, and helpful – especially to those people who need my help the most. I resolve to be honest and fair. And I promise to be loving – and to show the world the very same love that Jesus shows us every day.