Advent Day 20 – Joy – Children's Ministry

Joy in the Song
Isaiah 42:10-18 
“Sing to the Lord a new song, God's praise from the end of the earth! Let the sea roar and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its towns lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the inhabitants of Sela shout for joy; let them shout from the tops of the mountains.” (Isaiah 42:10-11)

Sing to the Lord a new song! Isaiah’s words explode with joy, calling all of creation to lift their voices in celebration. From the mountaintops to the islands, from the wilderness to the sea, the entire earth is invited into a symphony of praise.
 
When we think about joy, a lot of people look to the children. Their laughter, curiosity, and unfiltered honesty remind us of how expansive joy can be. Children don’t just sing songs; they become them. Give them a few minutes, and they’ll transform a cardboard box into a rocket ship, a paintbrush into a magic wand, or a shoebox into a treasure chest. They live in a world of possibility, and their creativity often mirrors the kind of joy Isaiah is calling us to embrace—a joy that’s unrestrained and uncontainable.

In children’s ministry, joy often comes alive in the simplest yet most profound ways. It’s in the moment when a child gleefully shouts out an answer during a Bible story. It’s in the chaotic beauty of glitter-covered hands creating Advent crafts. It’s in the sweet, slightly off-key voices belting out “Joy to the World” during the Christmas play. These are not just moments of happiness; they’re glimpses of the kingdom of God breaking into our world.
We asked some of our children what joy is and this is what they said:

“Santa Claus! My babysitter!” (Charlotte, 2 years old)
“Happiness! Thinks that make me happpyyyyy!!!!” (Logan, 5 years old) 
“I feel happy when I’m loved, like my teachers’ kindness.” (Marla, 6 years old)

These children, like Isaiah, show us that joy is to be proclaimed and shared. Joy is not a fleeting feeling but something you do. Children understand this better than most. They laugh, sing, and create even in the midst of challenges. They are intuitive and are most in touch with their emotions and they feel joy at its deepest level. Let them be our guide as we embrace the Christ Child this Christmas season.  

Prayer: Loving Creator, You are the source of all joy, the one who sings over us with love. As we light the joy candle, help us to see the world through the eyes of children—full of wonder, creativity, and hope. Teach us to embrace joy as an act of faith, to sing your new song even in unfamiliar places. Bless our children as they lead us in their imaginative understanding of happiness, and may their joy be a spark that lights our way to you. Amen.
 
Action: Take time to go on a “Joy Treasure Hunt”. Like children who find delight in small things, look for hidden moments of joy around you. Use your five senses to guide you.
 
Sight: Look for sparkling Christmas lights, festive decorations, or the way snow or frost glistens in the morning sun. Find the most colorful or creative display in your neighborhood.
Sound: Listen for carolers, the jingle of bells, or your favorite holiday song. Maybe even hum along or create your own cheerful melody.
Touch: Feel the softness of a fuzzy Christmas sweater, the crispness of a candy cane, or the warmth of a mug of hot cocoa. Imagine wrapping the joy you feel like a gift for others.
Taste: Savor holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or a steaming bowl of soup shared with loved ones. Let the flavors remind you of God’s sweetness in your life.
Smell: Take in the scents of a fresh-cut Christmas tree, cinnamon candles, or baking spices wafting from the kitchen. Let these smells transport you to a memory of holiday joy.