Scripture: Matthew 6:33 (NIV) – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Message: Lent is a special time when we prepare our hearts for Easter, the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.  For preschoolers, Lent can be a wonderful opportunity to learn about Jesus and how to grow closer to Him.  It’s a time to think about how we can be more like Jesus in our everyday lives.

During Lent, we often talk about making choices that help us follow Jesus better.  This could mean being kind to our friends, helping our families, or sharing our toys.  Just like a flower needs sunlight and water to grow, we need love and kindness to grow in our hearts.

What can we do to grow closer to Jesus? 

· Pray Together: Talk to God like you would talk to a friend. You can thank Him for the good things in your life and ask for help when you need it.

· Read Bible Stories: Share stories about Jesus, like how He healed people or fed the hungry. These stories show us how much He loves everyone.

· Do Kind Things: Help your parents with chores, share with friends, or make a card for someone who is feeling sad. These acts of kindness are like little seeds that help us grow in love.

As we journey through Lent, we can think about the ways we can show love to others.  Maybe you can create a "kindness jar" where you and your family put notes about kind things you do each day.  At the end of Lent, you and your family can read all the wonderful things you and they have done to grow closer to Jesus!

Remember, it’s not just about giving up something; it’s also about adding good things to our lives.  By seeking God first and doing good deeds, we can fill our hearts with joy and love.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for this special time of Lent.  Help us to grow closer to You every day.  Teach us how to be kind and loving, just like Jesus.  May our hearts be filled with joy as we share Your love with others.  Bless our families and friends, and help us to always seek Your kingdom first.  Amen.

Morgan Dixon