A Children’s Sermon for Baptism of the Lord Sunday.

Do you know what this (the baptismal font) is? It’s where we baptize people. Do you remember what happens in a baptism? Usually with babies, but sometimes with older kids and adults, we put water on your head to welcome you as part of God’s family, to show you how much God loves you and how much we love you. We only get baptized once, since God’s promise to love us lasts forever.

Jesus was baptized too, just like us! In a minute Pastor Keith is going to read the story. Jesus was baptized by his cousin John, and right after it, the heavens opened up and God said a really amazing thing. God said to everyone, “This is my son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Here’s the cool thing—this is the very first story we have about Jesus as an adult—so he hasn’t even done anything yet! God doesn’t say, “well done Jesus” because Jesus has earned good grades or won a sports tournament or even been a really great minister. God says “I am well pleased” with Jesus just because Jesus is God’s child. It’s the same with us. God loves us just because we are God’s children. We don’t earn God’s love by being smart enough or strong enough or good enough. God loves us just because we are God’s children.

Sometimes, when I’m feeling sad, I remember my baptism and how much God loves me, no matter what. Sometimes I even like to draw a heart on my hand with a bit of water, just like the pastor put water on my forehead when I was baptized. I want to do that with you today, if you’re willing.

With each child, use water from the font to draw a heart on their hand. Use Mark’s baptismal affirmation: “You are God’s child, (name), and very loved. With you God is well pleased.” 

Can you see the heart on your hand? (No.) God’s love is like that. You can’t see it, but you can feel it, just like you can feel the water.

Prayer: God, thank you for loving us so much, no matter what. Help us to love you back, and to show your love to everyone else. Remind us that we can always feel your love. Amen.