Children’s Sermon

Matthew 28:1-10

New Beginnings

Objects suggested: Because lily bulbs may be difficult to find, substitute other spring bulbs to give the children a concept of “new beginnings.” Provide an Easter lily in bloom if possible.

See an image of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Annunciation
(See optional reference to painting at the end of sermon.)

We often see Easter Lilies in our churches and homes during this time of Easter. Even their lovely fragrance reminds us of Easter.

Much care is needed to grow Easter Lilies. They start out as a scaly brown bulb. (Show bulb.) This doesn’t look like much, does it? The lily bulbs are placed in soil and it takes about three years before they are ready to bloom. They need just the right temperatures with just the right amount of rain and sun to grow into healthy plants.

So much care is given to an Easter lily that it is said the lily is handled by about forty different pairs of hands before it is ready to be in our churches and homes.

The Easter lily is a symbol. Just as the cross reminds of Jesus’ death, the Easter lily is a symbol of a new beginning. It is buried in the earth and then it rises to become a beautiful pure white flower. Its petals look somewhat like the bell of a trumpet. It is as if it announces to the world, “Look at me, I bring new life – a new beginning.”

Isn’t that what Jesus did? The Bible tells us that Jesus “has risen from the dead” (28:7). Because of that we are given a life full of hope and promise. Jesus is perfect and pure. The white lily reminds us of that.

Over six hundred years ago a famous painter painted a picture of a an angel coming to Mary to tell her that she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Do you know what the angel is carrying? You guessed it – beautiful, white lilies. (Show copy of painting. This is optional.)

Happy Easter.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible