The Security Blanket

THEME: The Holy Spirit is our comforter.

OBJECT: A Security Blanket or a Teddy Bear

SCRIPTURE: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. John 14:16

This morning I have a security blanket with me. A security blanket is something you like to have with you when you are afraid, sick, or upset. How many of you have ever had a security blanket? Did your security blanket help you to feel better when you were afraid or when you were sick? Some of you may be embarrassed to admit that you have a security blanket or that you used to have one. Well, there is no reason to be embarrassed. Did you know that studies have shown that well over half of all children become attached to a favorite blanket, a Teddy bear, or some other object that helps to comfort them whenever they are afraid, sick, or upset? Furthermore, scientific studies have proven what kids have known for a long time. The security blanket can give great comfort, especially at bedtime, illness, or when you are separated from your parents.

Did you know there is even an international organization called Project Linus* that is named for a character in the Peanuts comic strip who carries his blanket around with him wherever he goes?  Project Linus makes security blankets for children and gives them to them absolutely free. They have already made and distributed over 400,000 blankets. Many of the children who receive these blankets are seriously ill. These blankets are a great help and comfort to these children.

Jesus understood that we all need help like this at times. When he was here on earth, he was a source of help and comfort to those who needed it. When he was preparing to return to heaven, he knew that there would be times when his disciples would need help and comfort and that he would not be there to give it to them. He told his disciples that he would ask his Father to send them another comforter who would stay with them forever. That is exactly what he did. He asked the Father, and he sent us the Holy Spirit. God's Holy Spirit is with us all the time. He is there to comfort and to guide us in times of trouble. You know, we all outgrow our security blankets, but we never outgrow the need for the comfort and guidance of God's Holy Spirit.

Dear Father, we thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be our comfort and our guide. Amen.

To learn more about Project Linus, Click Here.