From the lips of children
If you have school age children, you’ll know that holidays are here again. And that means on a Sunday our kids ministries are also on holidays so kids are in the service with us (adults). As a parent your reaction to this may be pure joy or absolute dread or maybe a bit of both. These feelings could stem from a number of different factors including the age of your kids and their ability to sit still for any length of time, your beliefs as a parent about whether kids should be in the service or not, and perhaps even your own feelings about worship and church. Whatever your views on the issue, here’s a couple of things to consider.
Kids are often referred to as the ‘next generation’. But by doing so we are dismissing them in the now. Kids are precious to God now. And kids have a part to play in the church family now. Kids are Christ followers just as adults are. Sure, their knowledge, understanding and experience of God looks different to an adult, but is it any less significant? Any less authentic? Any less pleasing to God?
I love the exchange between Jesus and the chief priests that takes place after Jesus has driven out the buyers and sellers from the temple. Matt 21 tells us that after reprimanding the ‘robbers’ and sending them on their way, the blind and lame come to Jesus. And as He heals them the children run around in the temple, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Can’t you just picture the scene? You can probably even hear it. Meanwhile, the priests and teachers of the law are indignant. But what is Jesus’ response to the children’s loud shouts of praise? He quotes the words of Psalm 8:2 “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise”. God is the one who causes children to praise Himself. God has prepared and delights in the praises of children. What an amazing thought!
The children in this account were contributing something significant, as children. They didn’t need to wait to grow up. And our kids have a role to play both in our church family and in God’s Kingdom.
In the holiday time we plan our Sunday morning gatherings with kids in mind. We aim to have regular Kids spots in the service, familiar songs and sermon/colouring in sheets to help our kids feel welcomed and part of the church family.
So parents, bring your kids to church these holidays. They will no doubt wriggle, make some noise, perhaps sing ‘too loudly’ and the sermon may go mostly over their head but that’s ok. They will participate and contribute to the gathering of God’s people, just as they are – as children. Just as God has prepared for them to do.
