The Cross in My Pocket- A Children's Sermon

Some of us are given a rare privilege in life of presenting a Children's Sermon during the worship service. This experience is seldom eclipsed and becomes etched in one's memory. Lots of folks who don't have the first hand experience enjoy those short vignettes as they watch the faces and hear the remarks from the smallest in our congregations. Inspirations for these short lessons come from a myriad of places and often are predicated on the availablity of some tangible reminder of the lesson. "The Cross in My Pocket" provides inspiration for this lesson. Perhaps you have seen the small 2-inch Crosses inscribed with the words "Jesus Christ is Lord" or "God Loves You" and with an accompanying poem that reads;

THE CROSS IN MY POCKET

I carry a Cross in my pocket
A simple reminder to me
Of the fact that I am a Christian
No matter where I may be

The little Cross is not magic
Nor is it a good luck charm
It isn't meant to protect me
From every physical harm

It's not for identification
For all the world to see
It simply is an understanding
Between my Savior and me

When I put my hand in my pocket
To bring out a coin or key
The Cross is there to remind me
Of the price He paid for me

It reminds me too, to be thankful
For my blessings day by day
And to strive to serve Him better
In all I do and say

Its also a daily reminder
Of the peace and comfort I share
With all who know my Master
And give themselves to His care

So I carry a Cross in my pocket
Reminding me, no none but me
That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life
If only I'll let Him be...

by Mrs Verna Mae Thomas, from McGehee, Arkansas

There are probably millions of Crosses in pockets all around the world and the verse by itself is an inspired message, beyond the obvious, other factors make the small Cross a viable tool to teach the meaning of the Cross and its importance to the religions of the world. There's also a simplicity in the Cross that we often overlook that relates directly to children and condenses the lesson to a viable Children's Sermon.

Reach into your pocket and pull out the small Cross. "Have you ever seen one of these?"; Who can tell me what this is?...; Look around, do you see any more Crosses in the Santuary?... Sure, there are many Crosses around the church. See, there's a big one on the wall, here's one on the altar, one on top of the flag pole, there's one outside on the steeple. Now, take a look at the Cross, "What letter of the alphabet does it bring to mind?... That's right, "T". To me it's a reminder to "trust" in God. Trust that God will tell you what's right and wrong. Trust that God is always with you. Trust that God will protect you and comfort you in times of trouble.

Is there another letter that you notice on the Cross?... What about "L"?... Yes, there's lots of "L's" on a Cross. Actually if you turn it anyway you will see an "L" (Use the cross to demonstrate) . The "L" is the best reminder of all! The "L" is visible in so many ways on the Cross to remind you that God Loves You! The Cross is surrounded by Love! Today I'm going to give each of you a Cross to carry in your pocket to remind you that God Loves You and that He gave us Jesus! Let's pray together and thank God for His Love and for His Son, Jesus.

Have a grateful heart and love God as He loves you!!