Cosmos Sunday: Singing about God's Love

READ:
When our church comes together, we often sing songs in worship. The songs we sing can be upbeat and happy, or slow and thoughtful. From those very first friends of Jesus, people have been writing songs about Jesus. The songs may tell of their love for Jesus, or how they see Jesus in the world, or how they feel God’s love for them, or how they want to live their lives. 
Our bible reading for today is from a letter written after Jesus had left the Holy Spirit with the church on Pentecost. It’s a hymn sung by followers of Jesus who had never known him when he was living on earth. Because they had learned the stories of Jesus’s life, they came to see that Jesus showed them God’s very heart--how much God loved them and what God wanted for them and for the whole world. 
The writer of the letter quotes a song those followers of Jesus would recognize, a song they would have sung together: “We look at Jesus and in him we see God who cannot be seen with our eyes. We see Jesus and we see God’s love for the universe. We look at the world and see the love of Jesus everywhere, from the beginning of everything, to what we can touch and see around us. And wherever we see Jesus--we see God at work, fixing the broken places and bringing peace.” (Colossians 1:15-19)
WONDER:
I wonder where you see God’s love? 
I wonder if you know anyone who shows God’s love for others?
I wonder if there’s a song we sing in church that you love?
I wonder how you feel when you sing a favorite song?
I wonder if you’ve ever written a song? 
PRAY:
Dear God, thank you for music, for songs which help us express our feelings. Thank you for Jesus, who shows us how much you love us and the world. Help us to be like Jesus, showing your love for all people and all living things. Amen.
EXTEND

• Talk with your family about their favorite hymns or songs we sing in worship. What makes the song a favorite? Try singing one of the songs together. Do you have musical instruments you can play as you sing? ​​
• Find a copy of In God’s Name (4-7 yrs) or What Is God’s Name? (0-4 yrs) written by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and illustrated by Phoebe Stone. Before you read the book, list some of the names you use for God. I wonder which one is your favorite? Then read the book together with an adult. Did you find a new name for God?