All-age worship, a loose framework for a discussion with children and families. Requires snazzy sunglasses!
Today I have something special to show you — these funny, silly sunglasses! (Put them on and make it playful and silly.) They look a bit strange, don’t they? But these are not just any sunglasses, these are thought sunglasses.
Imagine you have a thought in your head that says, “Today is a really rubbish day” or “I am no good at anything.” When you wear these sunglasses, everything you see looks like that thought. The world might feel gloomy, or you might feel sad or grumpy just because of that one thought.
Let’s try it! (Put the sunglasses on and look around.) Do you notice how everything looks different? Maybe a little darker or sadder? That is because the sunglasses are colouring everything you see.
Now I have some other sunglasses here with different coloured lenses. (Hold up a few pairs.) Let’s try the blue ones! (Put on blue sunglasses.) Oh! Now everything looks cooler and calmer, like the sky or the sea. What if we try the yellow ones? (Put on yellow sunglasses.) Wow! Everything looks bright and cheerful like sunshine!
How about the red ones? (Put on red sunglasses.) Everything looks warmer and stronger, like a big cosy fire or a beautiful rose. Now let’s try the green ones! (Put on green sunglasses.) Everything looks fresh and peaceful, like grass or leaves on the trees.
And look at these purple ones! (Put on purple sunglasses.) Everything looks a bit magical and mysterious, like the evening sky or a bunch of wildflowers.
This shows us that the way we think can change how we see the world. Some thoughts make things look sad or scary, while others help us see joy and hope.
Now watch this! (Take the sunglasses off.) When you take the sunglasses off, the world looks different again, brighter and better. The thought is still there, like the sunglasses resting on the table or in your han,d but you do not have to believe that thought all the time.
Sometimes thoughts can trick us and make us feel bad, but just like these silly sunglasses, we can choose to take them off and see the world and ourselves in a better, kinder way. We do not have to believe every thought we have, especially the ones that make us feel sad or scared.
God loves us no matter what, and he helps us see the joy and beauty all around us, even on ordinary days, like yesterday, today or tomorrow.
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