The Word of the Day

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Text- (Exodus 34:29-30, 35a) When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. They saw that his face was radiant. (New International Version)

Thought starters
This is another time of year when big words like "Transfiguration" and "Radiant" are heard in church. Sometimes these words are even hard for adults to understand. How can we expect all of you to understand what they mean?

In the story, the transfiguration of Jesus, it’s a story that happened on top of a mountain. It’s a story about Jesus’ body changing right in front of his disciples.

Maybe a story about Moses will help us understand what happened. (Read or tell the story from Exodus 34: 29-30, 35a). When Moses came from speaking with God they said his face was "radiant." Not once, or twice, but three times they said it. Just like when they were talking about Jesus.

"Radiant" in the dictionary means, "To emit rays, be radiant, beaming with brightness." Is it possible after talking to God Moses was beaming with brightness? Jesus did too when he was transfigured, which means, "changing in appearance."

I have a way to show you beaming with brightness looks like. This is a star that when you put it in light will hold the energy inside. When it becomes dark or when put in a darker place what happens? It glows!

It may be easier when we hear of the story of transfiguration of Jesus, or hear the word "radiant" to think about this star. Just like the face of Jesus and Moses, glowing or beaming with brightness.

Hymn-"Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies" – George F. Gounod

Prayer Dear God, Help us to understand your stories with big words. May your face shine upon us as we live for you. . Amen

Prop-a glowing star, I will get a bag full of these and hand one to each child for them to take home and use.

William Bode, Director of Children’s Ministries