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What's in a name?

Children's sermon
Luke 2:15-21
Object: 
a book telling the meaning of names
Good morning and Happy New Year! This is a very special year because it is the last year that will begin with 1900. This is 1999 and next year will be 2000. We will all have to get used to saying 20 something instead of 19 something.

This year will be your last birthday in the twentieth century. After this year's birthday, all the rest of your birthdays will be in the twenty-first century unless you live to be over 100. If you live to be very, very old, you might have a birthday in the twenty-second century.
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Object: This is a role play activity for the children. You will want a container of some kind of treat to give to all of the children.

Note: This is a fairly brief message as presented, but that may help keep an emphasis on the simplicity of the message if you stress it.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

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Jesus knew the importance of humility and used a banquet to teach people about it. As we feast on him today, let us make sure we come to him with unassuming spirits.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we are unaware of our own arrogance.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we spot other people's haughtiness but fail to recognise it in ourselves.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are so humble that we become victims of inverted pride.
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