Luke 2:22-40
Things children say: "I love Krissmas!" "Geezus!" "Santa is good!" "Stop!!!" "I told you that I am tired, so leave me alone!" "I luve!" "Paster, pry, plezze." " You the best Peacher!" "I wizhe you were my Daddy."
Through the years I have heard children say interesting things in the church. the kids had so much fun saying them. I had fun hearing them. The kids enjoyed having their pastor listen. Their pastor enjoyed hearing them speak. True, too, are the things I have heard children say outside of church life. They are not shared here. Why? I just do not want to write profane language in a message on Jesus. You want to hear some, then go to any MacDonald's in Harlem, NY during "anything goes" time with children and youth.
Kids can say some things, and some things kids say we need to hear. I do not live through Mariology, but in my study of Christology I love the Gospels account of her motherly actions. Mary appears speechless seeing the "Anointed One." In awe she wrapped her baby boy in Jewish custom, and laid him in a manger. It is told that by the age of twelve, Jesus born of Mary was found in the Temple talking with the Elders. The Elders marveled at his wisdom. Jesus, the Son of God, challenged the wisdom of the Elders.
Lanecia and Ciona amazed me at Christmas in 1999. They decided that our annual Father & daughters December 24th date should not include gift buying for them. I paused speechless. I had enjoyed our previous years of having the day as their time to have Dad purchase their desired Christmas gifts within four hours. They were always generous of my generosity. In other words, they did not overdraft the bank. Now, however, they decided at the ages of 21 and 20 it was time for monies for their personal gifts to go to the poor and less fortunate. To appease me, they decided we would go through the stores and price what they would have received, then give the amount in charity. I discovered what I really loved was my time with them. I loved their wisdom. The next day they loved my wisdom, too. We did make a charitable gift in the amount of their gifts, but included my purchase of the gifts for them. They were glad, but in their wisdom reminded me again that the most important gift at Christmas is the gift of Christ for our lives. It was a Christmas with Christ. How?
God gave the gift of life to the world in the Christ child. All believers, rich and poor, may have the gift. The wise, however, receive the gift by giving a matching gift of life for life. Because God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son , so that whosoever believes in Him should not parish, but have eternal life. The wisdom in my children reminded me of what is most important to God. It is not just charity, it includes eternity. Christmas with Christ means the life of Jesus for the life of believers. Give your life today, and spend each Christmas with Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and grant us each day with you. Amen
Things children say: "I love Krissmas!" "Geezus!" "Santa is good!" "Stop!!!" "I told you that I am tired, so leave me alone!" "I luve!" "Paster, pry, plezze." " You the best Peacher!" "I wizhe you were my Daddy."
Through the years I have heard children say interesting things in the church. the kids had so much fun saying them. I had fun hearing them. The kids enjoyed having their pastor listen. Their pastor enjoyed hearing them speak. True, too, are the things I have heard children say outside of church life. They are not shared here. Why? I just do not want to write profane language in a message on Jesus. You want to hear some, then go to any MacDonald's in Harlem, NY during "anything goes" time with children and youth.
Kids can say some things, and some things kids say we need to hear. I do not live through Mariology, but in my study of Christology I love the Gospels account of her motherly actions. Mary appears speechless seeing the "Anointed One." In awe she wrapped her baby boy in Jewish custom, and laid him in a manger. It is told that by the age of twelve, Jesus born of Mary was found in the Temple talking with the Elders. The Elders marveled at his wisdom. Jesus, the Son of God, challenged the wisdom of the Elders.
Lanecia and Ciona amazed me at Christmas in 1999. They decided that our annual Father & daughters December 24th date should not include gift buying for them. I paused speechless. I had enjoyed our previous years of having the day as their time to have Dad purchase their desired Christmas gifts within four hours. They were always generous of my generosity. In other words, they did not overdraft the bank. Now, however, they decided at the ages of 21 and 20 it was time for monies for their personal gifts to go to the poor and less fortunate. To appease me, they decided we would go through the stores and price what they would have received, then give the amount in charity. I discovered what I really loved was my time with them. I loved their wisdom. The next day they loved my wisdom, too. We did make a charitable gift in the amount of their gifts, but included my purchase of the gifts for them. They were glad, but in their wisdom reminded me again that the most important gift at Christmas is the gift of Christ for our lives. It was a Christmas with Christ. How?
God gave the gift of life to the world in the Christ child. All believers, rich and poor, may have the gift. The wise, however, receive the gift by giving a matching gift of life for life. Because God so love the world that he gave his only begotten Son , so that whosoever believes in Him should not parish, but have eternal life. The wisdom in my children reminded me of what is most important to God. It is not just charity, it includes eternity. Christmas with Christ means the life of Jesus for the life of believers. Give your life today, and spend each Christmas with Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and grant us each day with you. Amen
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