Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Christ the King (Year C)

Theme: “Jesus is the King of Love”

Welcome & Gathering

(Gather the children. Light a candle if possible.)

Leader:
“Today is a very special Sunday — the last Sunday of the Church’s year.
It’s the great feast of Christ the King.
That means Jesus is not only our friend and Saviour — He is our King, the Lord of heaven and earth.

But His throne isn’t made of gold — it’s a cross.
His crown isn’t jewels — it’s thorns.
And His greatest power isn’t to destroy, but to forgive.

Let’s listen carefully to hear what kind of King Jesus really is.”

Sign of the Cross.
Leader: “King Jesus, reign in our hearts. Teach us to love like You.”
All: “Amen.”

Introducing the Theme

Ask:

“What do you think of when you hear the word king?”
(children might say “a crown,” “a castle,” “a throne.”)

“What kind of King do you think Jesus is?”

Say:
“Most kings have armies, palaces, and servants.
But Jesus is a very different kind of King.
He came not to be served, but to serve.
His crown was thorns, His throne was the Cross,
and His Kingdom is not made of money or power — it’s made of love and mercy.”

Gospel (Simplified from Luke 23:35–43)

(Leader reads slowly and clearly.)

When Jesus was dying on the cross,
people laughed at Him and said,
“If You are a king, save Yourself!”

Above His head was a sign that said, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Two criminals were also being crucified with Him.
One of them mocked Jesus, but the other said,
“Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied,
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”

Leader: “The Gospel of the Lord.”
Children: “Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reflection and Discussion

Ask:

“Why did people laugh at Jesus?”

“What did the good thief ask Jesus?”

“What did Jesus promise him?”

Say:
“People thought a king should be rich and powerful,
but Jesus showed us a different kind of power — the power of love.

When others were cruel, He forgave them.
When people mocked Him, He prayed for them.
Even on the Cross, He showed mercy.

The good thief only said seven words — ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.’
And Jesus answered with love: ‘Today you will be with Me in paradise.’

That’s how our King rules — not by fear, but by forgiveness.

Every time we forgive someone, every time we share, pray, or help the poor,
we are helping Jesus build His Kingdom of love right here.”

Illustration

(Hold up a small cross or crucifix.)

Say:
“Look at this cross.
It doesn’t look like a throne — but this is the throne of our King.
From here, Jesus didn’t shout orders — He whispered mercy.
He didn’t hold a sword — He opened His hands in love.
That’s what makes Him the greatest King of all.”

Profession of Faith (Child-Friendly)

Leader:
“Do you believe in God the Father, who made heaven and earth?”
Children: “Yes, I believe.”
Leader: “Do you believe in Jesus Christ, our King and Saviour, who died and rose for us?”
Children: “Yes, I believe.”
Leader: “Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, who helps us to live in God’s Kingdom every day?”
Children: “Yes, I believe.”

Intercessions

Leader:
“Jesus is our King who listens with love.
Let us pray to Him together.”

For the Church, that all Christians may show the world that Jesus is King by the way we love.
Lord, hear us.

For our Holy Father, bishops, and priests — that they may lead us in peace and truth.
Lord, hear us.

For all kings, presidents, and leaders — that they may rule with justice and mercy, like Christ.
Lord, hear us.

For the poor, the sick, and the lonely — that they may know that Jesus cares for them and will never forget them.
Lord, hear us.

For ourselves — that we may make Jesus our King each day, by doing what is right and good.
Lord, hear us.

(Optional: Hail Mary, full of grace…)

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, our King and Saviour,
You gave Your life for us on the Cross.
Teach us to love You more each day,
to forgive as You forgive,
and to help build Your Kingdom of peace and joy.
You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.”

Activity Suggestions

Crown of Kindness” –
Give each child a paper crown.
Ask them to draw or write inside it things that show Jesus is their King (helping, forgiving, praying, sharing).
They can take it home as a reminder to “let Jesus reign” in their hearts.

Throne of Love” Game –
Place a chair (the “throne”) in the centre.
Invite children to act out good deeds that make Jesus’ throne stronger — praying, helping, saying sorry.
Each good deed adds a paper heart to the throne.

Jesus, Remember Me” Song –
If possible, sing or hum Taizé’s “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”
Explain: “This is the prayer of the Good Thief — the one Jesus answered with love.”

Memory Line:
Together repeat:

“Jesus is my King — His Kingdom is love!”

Sending Back

Leader:
“Today we celebrate Jesus, our King —
a King whose throne is the Cross,
whose power is mercy,
and whose crown is love.

Let’s go back to church now,
ready to say in our hearts,
‘Jesus, You are my King.’”

Sign of the Cross.