Wake Up O Sleeper
Scripture: Ephesians 5:14; Matthew 11:28-30
Introduction
National Napping Day is March 15; most people enjoy a good nap. As a kid or teen, did you love pajama parties? Bring back memories of those days and share with your fellow women’s ministry friends.
Set the Mood
This could be hosted in someone’s home or make a comfortable place to gather at the corps where there are couches or comfortable seating options. Gather a bunch of throw pillows, and quilts. Do whatever you can do to make it more comfortable. Suggest that the women may want to bring their own pillow from home.
Create a playlist of popular Christian or worship music to create a calm atmosphere. Or use a Bluetooth speaker and a music app from your phone. Hang soft lights in the meeting space or use candles. Create a photo booth area so that everyone can take fun pictures throughout the party.
Refreshments
Every pajama party needs good snacks! Ahead of time ask the women to bring snack items to share.
- Popcorn bar: have different seasonings and add ins.
- Junk food: Pizza (or even make your own pizza bar), Chips and dips.
- Sweet options: Ice Cream Sundaes, Fondue, Chocolate fountain
- Healthy options: Veggies, Fruit kabobs
- Beverages: Italian Sodas, Coffee bar or Specialty Non-Alcoholic drinks (you can find many options on Pinterest) https://mindfulmocktail.com/pina-colada-mocktail-recipe/
Prizes
Encourage everyone to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite pillow and blanket. Give prizes for the funniest, the most creative, or the most childish pj’s. Prize ideas: nail polish or nail care kit, facial mask, sleep mask, spa headband, fuzzy socks.
Favors
If it’s within your budget, visit the dollar store or look on Amazon for things like fuzzy socks, bath salts so that everyone will have something to take home with them after the program
Craft Idea
Make DIY lip balms, sugar scrubs or bath bombs. The recipes can be found on Pinterest. Choose one and gather the supplies.
https://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/sugar-scrub-recipes/
https://apumpkinandaprincess.com/diy-lip-gloss-tutorial-2/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/248612841910209115/
Spa Themed Party
You could focus on nail painting, pedicures, facials, or waxing. Pick one or more, which can be done DIY. Or invite someone to come in who can do any of these professionally.
Activities (pick one, two or more):
- Bowl game Icebreaker https://funcheaporfree.com/the-bowl-game-the-best-party-game-youve-ever-played/
- Ladies Night Bingo Icebreaker – get the free printable here https://canaryjane.com/2019/01/ladies-night-out-bingo-icebreaker-printable.html
- Chick Flick – if you have time, this is always fun at a pajama party. If not, play a game to identify different chick flick titles. Try Pictionary, charades or even hangman to play. This link gives you a list of the 100 best chick flicks. https://www.society19.com/100-best-chick-flicks-time/
- Other ideas -have a dance party or Karaoke sing along. Play board games. Have a pillow fight. If you are looking for a calm and soothing activity, do some yoga. Find yoga instructional videos on YouTube. You can have a themed Pajama party, Around the World night, baking party, or Scavenger hunt. Check out more ideas here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/248612841924286696/
Wake Up!
There is an old Irish proverb that says, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” Have you ever attended a pajama party? They are great for fun, laughs and keeping you awake. We all know that laughter is good for the soul and for our health.
I remember my early days as a corps officer, where we would hold teen lock-ins at the corps. There was always plenty of snacks, food, games, talking, and laughing. One thing there wasn’t enough of, sleep, especially for the adults.
As a baby we sleep a lot. Early childhood years, we barely want to sleep. Then we hit puberty, we want to sleep all the time. Sleeping till noon is not unusual for a teen. As an adult we struggle with the right amount of sleep because life gets in the way. When we get to our senior years, we can find that we are napping a lot during the day. Sleep is a huge part of our lives from birth to death. Sleep is one of the most important things we do to maintain good health.
Studies show that sleep helps lower your risk of chronic disease. It is important for brain health, mental health, and physical health. It helps with emotional intelligence and decision making. How many of us get the recommended hours of sleep each night (7-9 hours)? About 30% of adults have symptoms of insomnia. About 10% of adults have insomnia severe enough to have daytime consequences.
When I have trouble sleeping, it is usually a result of worry and anxiety. I notice that any difficult situation I am going through seems amplified when it is time to go to sleep, but often by the morning I notice that the anxiety has decreased significantly. Sleep brings restoration, renewal, and fresh hope in a new day. The blessing of a relationship with the Creator God is that He can do all of this for us too. While sleep is important, our relationship with God is the most important thing to keep us thriving in life.
Ephesians 5:14 reminds us that we should not walk through our spiritual life asleep: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” We need to be aware of God’s truth and be alert. We must be vigilant not to fall asleep and fall into the deeds of darkness, to be careful how we live. We need to wake up and live in His light that shines on us. (Romans 13:11-12). We need to stay in tune with the Holy Spirit to avoid this kind of sleep. It is easy to get caught up in the routine of everyday life, the never ending to do list and bustle of life which can lead us to drift away from God. It starts by ignoring the little areas of darkness that can creep into our lives. Things like gossip, slander, anger, unclean things we allow into our minds, selfish pursuits, jealousy, or envy, ignoring sin around you. Eventually we drift into spiritual napping, but we need to be awake!
There are plenty of suggestions to help with increasing and promoting sleep quality. We can do things like create a restful environment, limit screen time before sleep, avoid certain foods and drinks, limit naps, get exercise, get a comfortable bed, and relax before bed. What types of things can we do to help us stay awake in Christ? One of the most important things is prayer. Connecting with God and giving Him our worries and stresses can help us with physical sleep. Proverbs 3:24 NLT says, “You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.” Connecting with the Spirit in prayer can help us to hear and sense when He is steering us out of darkness and into His light. Studying God’s Word, spending time in prayer, going to church for fellowship and serving Him keeps us from falling asleep spiritually.
When it comes to rest God says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
When Christ shines on us, it is our responsibility to shine his light to the world. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” We cannot let the deeds of darkness get a foothold in our lives.
When it is time to sleep, turn to the Father; let Him give you the rest you need. Turn over your worries and burdens to Him and you will find rest. He will keep you from falling asleep. He will keep the darkness from getting in and your light will shine before others, and you will glorify God. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are chosen by God, called out of darkness into His wonderful light, to declare His praises.
The International Songsters sing “Wake up, O sleeper,” which is available on YouTube.
