Monday September 26th, 2016 Luke 9:43-48
But Jesus?said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me?" (verses 47-48)
Many churches have children’s sermons. Typically, the pastor shares a message and asks the children some questions, while the congregation listens to their responses. Sometimes a child mumbles “I don’t know” to a query, but there are times when pearls of wisdom drop from a child’s lips.
During a recent pre-Advent visit with my grandchildren, I participated in a children’s message on the meaning of joyful anticipation. It happened after the children set up their Advent calendars, ready for opening the following week, and chattered about the gifts they planned to give and the ones they hoped to receive.
Their Advent preparation included choosing gifts for those in need from the Canadian Lutheran World Relief catalogue with their mother and me. Their choices were thoughtful. My granddaughter decided on a flock of chickens because her family loves its own flock that provides them with eggs. My grandson loves school and enjoys fishing, so he chose a school supply kit and a fishing net. Each settled on a mosquito net because they don’t like mosquito bites. What pleasure it gave me to watch my grandchildren get ready to give to others before they receive gifts themselves!
Lord, thank you for the gift of children in your world. Amen. — CKA
Contributed by Welcoming the Child
Many churches have children's sermons. Typically, the pastor shares a message and asks the children some questions, while the congregation listens to their responses. Sometimes a child mumbles "I don't know" to a query, but there are times when pearls of wisdom drop from a child's lips.
During a recent pre-Advent visit with my grandchildren, I participated in a children's message on the meaning of joyful anticipation. It happened after the children set up their Advent calendars, ready for opening the following week, and chattered about the gifts they planned to give and the ones they hoped to receive.
Their Advent preparation included choosing gifts for those in need from the Canadian Lutheran World Relief catalogue with their mother and me. Their choices were thoughtful. My granddaughter decided on a flock of chickens because her family loves its own flock that provides them with eggs. My grandson loves school and enjoys fishing, so he chose a school supply kit and a fishing net. Each settled on a mosquito net because they don't like mosquito bites. What pleasure it gave me to watch my grandchildren get ready to give to others before they receive gifts themselves!
