Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!
Sammy: Good morning boys and girls!
Pastor: Happy Reformation Day, Sammy!
Sammy: That’s today?!
Pastor: Yes. Today is Reformation Day.
Sammy: Happy Reformation Day, Pastor! Boys and girls, will you say Happy Reformation Day with me? Ready? Happy Reformation Day!
Pastor: Wow we are awake this morning!
Sammy: You bet we are. Let’s tell the boys and girls all about Martin Luther, Pastor.
Pastor: I think that’s a great idea, Sammy. Martin Luther–
Sammy: Wait a second.
Pastor: Yes, Sammy?
Sammy: Let’s talk about Martin Luther’s children. I mean, this is a children’s sermon after all.
Pastor: Sure we can do that. Martin Luther had six children.
Sammy: Raise your hand if you have six kids in your family. Anyone?
Pastor: Each of Martin Luther’s children had special jobs around the house. They had chores to do and they had reading, writing, and math lessons.
Sammy: Raise your hand if you have to do chores. Me too. I have lots of chores around the farm.
Pastor: So far, so good. But here’s where it gets interesting. Before each meal, Martin Luther’s children had to recite the Creeds, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer.
Sammy: Raise your hand if you have to recite the Creeds, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer before each meal? Anyone?
Pastor: So the interesting part here, is if Martin Luther’s children did not recite the Creeds, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer before a meal, then they didn’t get to eat.
Sammy: You’re kidding?
Pastor: No, that’s the truth. Martin Luther and his wife, Katie Luther, were very good parents. They loved each other and they loved their children. Because they loved them, they wanted to give them the greatest gift.
Sammy: Bicycles?
Pastor: No.
Sammy: New toys!
Pastor: No.
Sammy: Sidewalk chalk.
Pastor: Wrong again.
Sammy: Bubbles?
Pastor: Sammy, the greatest gift parents can give to their children is faith. Parents can instill faith in their children by teaching them the Creeds, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer. Parents can also read the Bible to their children and can talk about Jesus and his love for them.
Sammy: Faith is the greatest gift. Faith lasts a long time. Much longer than sidewalk chalk and bubbles.
Pastor: Jesus loved Martin Luther. He loved each of Martin Luther’s children. And Jesus loves each of you. Boys and girls, will you please pray with me? Let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Dear Jesus, thank you for faith. Thank you for helping Martin Luther create the Lutheran church. Help us to grow in our faith. Amen.
