Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16
Over the years, among the greatest joys I have found in being a pastor is watching the children of the church grow in their faith. From the moment of their Baptism, it is a tremendous blessing for congregations to make children a part of our life together. As I write this monthly message, our congregation is at the onset of a new year of Sunday school where we hope to welcome children of all ages (yes, even adults). I am also preparing the coming year’s lesson plans for our confirmands as they journey closer to the day when they will claim God’s promises as their own.
According to the vows we make in Baptism, we acknowledge that we are to never cease learning more about our loving God. Sunday school, confirmation instruction, and Bible studies all exist for one purpose; to help the children of God grow in faith and trust in our Lord and Savior. It is a gift and joy to share this ministry with our families, and especially our children as they grow and one day begin families of their own.
In order for this to happen, families need to grow in faith together. They need to gather in God’s house of prayer, hear his Gospel, and receive nourishment for their faith sharing in the sacraments. Yet, in so many congregations today, families do not attend worship on Sunday, let alone Sunday school. Even fewer adults attend regular Christian learning opportunities such as Bible studies. Yet, it is our Lord who compels people to come to him.
Jesus was quite clear in his rebuke of those who tried to keep children away. His words carry weight and authority like those of no one else. “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Imagine the sight, a kingdom filled with the laughter and wide eyes of children (and adults) as they flock to the one who embodies the love of God, promising to keep them near to him forever. If we only follow Jesus’s instructions and bring the children, we can see this reality unfold right before our eyes.
The truth be told, children love to be among their church family. When the children of the church are present, they find themselves in the midst of a community that shares equal joy and wonder in the presence of Christ the Lord. Maybe that’s because, as we welcome the children into our midst and shower them with love and attention, God takes delight and showers us with the blessing of the children’s love, energy, and excitement. Soon, even the most stodgy of adults can feel their heart melt with joy as they are welcomed in Christ as little children in the lap of their heavenly Father.
If you have ever been a part of a congregation without children, you will know just how quiet life in the church can be. If you are a parent but don’t weekly attend worship or Sunday school you are missing out on one of the most rewarding joys of being a Christian. As children of God, we are to be ever thankful for all of God’s blessings, especially our life together. We can be filled with the joy of knowing that, just as Christ welcomed the children and blessed them, our heavenly Father also welcomes and blesses us. Sadly, we adults sometimes forget this.
We can learn so many lessons from the children of the church; all we need to do is watch them and let them be children. First, we can learn what it truly means to have a child-like faith. To believe and fully trust God in all situations. When circumstances in life cause us fear or anxiety, we can curl up in the lap of our Father, seeking his peace and comfort just as a child seeks the same from a loving parent or grandparent. When we feel that we are lacking something or find that we have a particular need, we can ask God with assurance of a small child when he or she receives that which would bring fulfillment.
As I said at the onset, it brings me great joy to see the children each week in worship. Each one brings tremendous gifts to our church family just by their presence among us. Watching the many children that I had the privilege to baptize grow and take their place in the community always brings to mind God’s blessings and promises that we find in his peace, power, and presence.
Parents, please continue to bring your children to church. Grandparents, bring your adult children and grandchildren. Share their lives with those whom God has called and gathered here at St. Jacob’s. Let them all come to Christ, do not hinder them. They serve as living, breathing reminders to all of us of the joy we experience in the presence of Christ our Lord. They also help us continue in a child-like faith as we await the great and glorious day when our Lord comes to take us to where he is, the place he has prepared for all the children of God.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
