Under 5s session

Isaiah prophesies to those in exile about God’s chosen servant, who will bring justice, light and freedom from captivity to the nations.

This passage points us to Jesus, our Hope. Isaiah 42:6-7 is similar to Isaiah 61 and both are referred to by Jesus as pointing to himself, the Messiah.
What do you do when you feel hopeless? Do you despair or do you turn to God? Spend a short time reflecting and being honest with yourself about how you respond to troubled times.
Children often have big hopes and dreams. Helping them to be realistic without squashing them can be a challenge. Having a Having a pet unicorn is unrealistic, but being an astronaut is not impossible for any child. (In 2025 a disabled man was approved for astronaut training.) While children’s worries may seem small to us, they are genuine, and we can help children learn how to deal with their concerns. If worries are large you may need to help them obtain professional support – speak to your safeguarding officer as necessary.

Prepare

Very young children's Session

Read: Prepare and reflect - see above and use the Colouring sheet

Play ideas

Sheet of paper with ‘HOPE’ in block letters, play dough in different colours to fill the letters with.

Gather

Very young childrens Session

Gathering song

Sing: I Hope You Have a Wonderful Day,
Jack Hartmann

Share the Word

Very young childrens Session

Share the story

As you start to tell the story, roll out a sheet of blue material and a piece of yellow material on top. Add one play figure as you begin. Add extra people as you say ‘everyone’ and shiny stars as you talk about heaven.

Here are special words from one of God’s messengers – Isaiah – that we can read in the Bible.

God said,
‘Here is my servant.
I have chosen him.
He won’t shout or call out.
He won’t give up.
He will do right for everyone.
I am God.
I made heaven and earth.
I chose you to bring light and hope.’

Explore and respond

Very young childrens Session

Planting bulbs

Work together to plant some spring bulbs. Take a plant pot or tub and fill it with soil. Show the children how to poke holes in the soil for the bulbs to sit in. Place a selection of spring bulbs in and cover them with soil. Take the pot and place it outside of the building (with permission). Tell the children that as the bulbs grow and the flowers appear they will bring light and hope to the people passing by.

Hope and light

Provide sheets of black paper and chalk in a variety of colours. Help everyone write HOPE in chalk on the paper. Show the children how to gently rub the chalk to make a burst of light and hope.

A prayer for very young children: Breath prayers

Ask the children to blow gently onto their hands and feel the refreshing air. Remind everyone that the hope God brings is gentle and doesn’t ‘shout or call out’. As they breathe, pray:

Thank you, God,
for refreshing hope.
Amen.

Very young childrens Session

Childrens Session

Activity and colouring sheet

Click on the graphic to view this week's sheets.

Go with God

Very young childrens Session

Sing

To the tune: Do you know the muffin man?

Bringing hope and bringing light: (x3)
God’s promise to us all.

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