The Little Children and Jesus
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:5-17
It is hard to think about Thanksgiving without thinking about family gatherings, the fun ones and the not so fun ones. My sister remembers having to go around and greet the relatives with a kiss. It is a bad memory for her as my grumpy old grandfather smelled of tobacco. I will not talk about kisses. One year my kids all brought their sleeping bags and strung out across the basement so they could rise early on Black Friday and check out the sales they heard about. It is a fun?? family shopping day for many. I also remember the adults sitting in the living room, possibly the men watching football and us cousins washing dishes together and then working on a jigsaw puzzle.
We don’t hear about kids in the Pilgrim’s story but many movies have the school play with kids playing different parts and parents proudly applauding. When I think of faith and Thanksgiving and kids or children I think of Jesus speaking to the masses of people in the countryside. Women brought their kids to be blessed. The disciples refused the kids but Jesus reprimanded the disciples and said we must become like a child or kid to enter. What are some of the adjectives you associate with children in Thanksgiving plays. I think of joyful, loving, proud, and audiences with family. Add a few of your own adjectives. God values those characteristics in us and wants us to be performing for him in our lives on the stage of life. Blessings as you play your part. May you enter in with child-like faith.
On the Way to Wonder 