Childrens Sermon Service

Good morning, boys and girls. What am I wearing this morning? (Let them answer.) I'm wearing part of a uniform of the (name the team). Have any of you gone to a game where the (name the team) has played? (Let them answer.) I think one of the most exciting parts of a game is right before it starts. That's when all the players are introduced. Someone announces the player's name and number. That player then runs out on the court of playing field. Everyone cheers. Do you like that part of the game? (Let them answer.) Some people call that pre-game "hype." That's a funny term, isn't it?

Our Bible story this morning sounds like the events that take place before a game begins. In the Bible story guess what player is introduced and guess who is the announcer. Jesus is introduced. God is the announcer. Jesus is walking by the river. He asks to be baptized by John the Baptist. When John baptizes

Jesus, listen to what the Bible says and imagine that its like a pre-game activity: "And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

That is how God introduced Jesus as his son to the world. So, the next time you go to a game and hear all the players introduced, remember this story. Remember how God's son was introduced to the world. Suddenly the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove.