How many of you guys have ever seen a rainbow? (Give them a chance to answer). Do you like rainbows? (Give them a chance to answer). What can you tell me about rainbows? (Give them a chance to answer). Did you know that rainbows are a gift from God? (Give them a chance to answer). Who knows the story of Noah’s Ark? (Give them a chance to answer). Good. But can you tell me what happens AFTER they get off the ark? (Give them a chance to answer). God sends a rainbow. Do you know why? (Give them a chance to answer). That’s right – to remind us that God will never get so mad again that he will send a big flood. And for another reason. Do you know what that reason is? (Give them a chance to answer). Well, I want you to help me tell a story so that we can figure out that other reason. Ready? (Assign seven children to be the seven colors and someone to be the RAIN). (Tell the story):
"THE STORY OF THE RAINBOW" (Thanks to http://www.davidsemporium.co.uk/rainbow.html)
Once upon a time all the colors in the world started to quarrel; each claimed that they were the best, the most important, the most useful, or the most favorite.
GREEN said, "Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and hope. I was chosen for the grass, the trees and the leaves. Without me all the animals would die. Look out into the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."
BLUE interrupted. "You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and this is drawn up by the clouds from the blue sea. The sky gives space, and peace and serenity. Without my peace you would all be nothing but busybodies."
YELLOW chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun."
ORANGE next started to blow its own trumpet. "I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce but I am precious because I serve the inner needs of human life. I carry all the important vitamins. Think of the carrots, the pumpkins and the oranges. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise, or give you a majestic sunset to admire, my beauty is so striking that no one ever gives another thought to any of you!"
RED could stand it no longer. Red shouted out, "I'm the ruler of you all. Blood, life's blood. I am the color of danger and bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire in the blood. Without me the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."
PURPLE rose up to its full height. He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs and bishops have chosen me, for I am the sign of authority and of wisdom. People do not question me. They listen and obey."
INDIGO spoke more quietly than the others, but just as determinedly. "Think of me, I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep waters. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."
And so all the colors went on boasting, each convinced that they were the best. Their quarrelling grew louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of brilliant white lightning; thunder rolled and boomed out. The suddenly RAIN started to pour down relentlessly. The colors all crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.
Then RAIN spoke: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the other. Did you not know that God made you all, each for a special purpose, each unique and different. God loves you all, he wants you all. Join hands with one another and come with me. God will stretch you across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that He loves you all, that you can live together in peace, a promise that he is with you, a sign of hope for all for tomorrow."
So whenever God uses a good RAIN to wash the world he puts the RAINBOW in the sky, to help us to remember.
What do you think God wants us to remember? (Give them a chance to answer). Good! We need to remember to live together and appreciate each other and help one another to know God, because God will never forget us and will always give us hope. Okay? (Give them a chance to answer). Do we agree? (Give them a chance to answer). Good. Who remembers what we say when we agree in church? (Give them a chance to answer). Amen. So let’s say it altogether (Amen).
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