You see me in the dark

To show the children that God never loses sight of them (SEAL theme 5, ‘Good to be me’).

by Guy Donegan-Cross

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To show the children that God never loses sight of them (SEAL theme 5, ‘Good to be me’).

Preparation and materials

• You will need a short clip from a popular children’s film, and some prepared questions about the details in the clip. Small prizes (optional).
• Bible reference: Luke 19.1–10.
• A candle for the reflection.

Assembly

1. Show a short clip from a popular children’s film. Ask questions testing the children’s observation, and award prizes if you wish for correct answers.
2. Ask the children what kind of people need to be good at noticing things? For example, detectives, journalists, artists.
3. Why is it important to notice people? What does it feel like to be not noticed?
   
   In your own words tell the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19. Emphasize the key point that Jesus noticed Zacchaeus when no one else did, and that this made Zacchaeus feel special.
4. Ask the children to close their eyes. The Bible says: ‘The darkness is not dark to God. He even sees me in secret places’ (paraphrased from Psalm 139). When we are lonely, God notices us. When we are tired, God notices us. When we think we are invisible, God notices us. He never stops noticing us.

Time for reflection

Light a candle and read the Bible words again. Give some time for the children to reflect on it within themselves.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you always notice me. 

Give me eyes to see people who feel lonely, and help me to notice them. 
Amen.

Song/music

‘God who made the earth’ (Come and Praise, 10)