Title: God’s Big Hug: Feeling Safe in Heaven
Objective: To help young children understand the Christian belief about what happens after death in a comforting and relatable way.
Introduction:
Gather the children together and start with a warm smile. "Today, we’re going to talk about something very special—what happens when we die. Sometimes, people feel scared when they think about this, but I want to tell you all about how God makes it super safe and cozy, just like a big hug!"
Lesson:
God’s Love is Always with Us:
Start by explaining, "We believe that when someone dies, they go to be with God. God loves us so much, and that love doesn’t stop when our bodies get tired and need to rest. It’s like a warm, big hug that never goes away."Ask the children to think about a time when they felt really loved—like when a parent or a best friend gave them a hug. Encourage them to share their feelings. Reinforce that just like those hugs, God’s love is all around us—even when we can’t see Him.
Heaven is a Special Place:
Share with them that Heaven is a beautiful place where everyone is happy and feels safe. "The Bible tells us that in Heaven, there will be no more pain, sadness, or worry—just love, joy, and lots of fun! It’s like a big party with all our friends and family who love God."You can use simple images to describe Heaven, like bright colors, joyful songs, and happy faces. Tell them that animals, flowers, and sunshine make Heaven feel like the best day ever!
Meeting Loved Ones:
Explain that in Heaven, we get to see people we love who have already gone to be with God. "Imagine how happy we will be to see Grandma or Grandpa again! They will be smiling and giving us big hugs. We won’t feel lonely because everyone there loves God and loves each other."Jesus is Waiting for Us:
Tell them about how Jesus is like a special friend who loves each one of us. "When it’s time for us to go to Heaven, Jesus will be there to hold our hands and take us to our new home. It’s like having the best friend ever with us."You can add a simple prayer or something they already know about Jesus, perhaps how He said, "Let the little children come to me," comforting them with the thought that He is always watching over them.
Feeling Safe and Secure:
Explain that even when thinking about dying can seem scary, we can feel safe because of God. "God is always with us here and in Heaven. We don’t have to worry because God promises to take care of us. He loves us so much that He wants us to be happy and free from all our troubles."
Closing:
End the lesson by reassuring the children. "So, when we think about what happens when we die, we remember that it’s just another big adventure with God. He will wrap us in His big hug and keep us safe in Heaven. We can always talk to God and trust Him because He loves us dearly."
Prayer:
Lead them in a simple prayer, thanking God for His love and asking Him to help them feel safe and happy, even when thinking about Heaven.
Encourage children to ask questions and let them know it’s okay to talk about their feelings. Remind them that God is always there, just like a big, warm hug!
📖 Scripture References:
Here is a list of Bible passages relevant to the theme "God’s Big Hug: Feeling Safe in Heaven":
Psalm 23:4 – "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
John 14:2-3 – "In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Revelation 21:4 – "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Romans 8:38-39 – "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Isaiah 41:10 – "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Matthew 11:28-30 – "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Psalm 46:1 – "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
2 Corinthians 5:1 – "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."
Philippians 4:7 – "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
1 Peter 5:7 – "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
These passages collectively highlight the themes of comfort, safety, and the promise of a loving presence in Heaven.
🎵 Suggested Songs:
Here are four Evangelical Christian songs suitable for young children that align with the theme "God’s Big Hug: Feeling Safe in Heaven":
- Jesus Loves Me
- He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
- This Little Light of Mine
- I’ve Got Joy
These songs convey messages of love, safety, and joy that resonate well with children.
🎨 Craft Activity:
Craft Idea: "Heavenly Hug Wall Art"
Materials Needed:
- Canvas or thick poster board (12×12 inches)
- Acrylic paints (various colors: blue, white, yellow, and any other colors representing heaven for you)
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- Yellow cardstock paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Glitter (optional, for added sparkle)
- Markers or fine-tipped pens
- A printout of a heart shape or a template to trace
- Ribbon or yarn (optional, for hanging)
Instructions:
Start by painting the background of your canvas or poster board. Use soothing colors like light blue or white to represent the sky and clouds. Allow it to dry completely.
While the background dries, take the yellow cardstock and trace the heart shape template. Cut out the heart.
Once the background is dry, glue the heart to the center of the canvas. This heart represents "God’s Big Hug."
Use the markers or fine-tipped pens to write comforting words or phrases around the heart. Examples include: "You are Loved," "Safe in His Arms," or "Heavenly Peace." You can also include a Bible verse that resonates with the theme, such as John 14:2.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some glitter on the heart or around the canvas to add sparkle and brightness.
If you have ribbon or yarn, you can create a loop to hang your art piece. Attach it to the back of the canvas or poster board with glue.
Allow everything to dry completely before displaying your "Heavenly Hug Wall Art" in a special place, reminding yourself and others that they are safe and loved.
This craft not only serves as a beautiful decoration but also a comforting reminder of feeling safe in the embrace of God.