capturing their excitement

We were singing, dancing, and experiencing excitement this morning.  We heard a story about a shepherd in the field who saw an angel, and followed a star to where a baby was born.

The man who was telling the story asked a group of 3 year olds, “who was the baby that the shepherd was talking about?”

These boisterous children yelled, “JESUS!”

The man asked, “who is JESUS? And why is his birth such a big deal?”

One little girl, with big blue eyes, and wisdom beyond herself exclaimed, “Because Jesus is God’s son!!!”

I wish I could’ve captured the excitement in that room today.  It was such a vivid picture of “the faith of a child,” that Jesus spoke about.  It was breathtaking, and beautiful.

These children understand the message clearer than most adults do! Including me!

They realize the “big deal” that the baby’s birth is.

Their excitement is contagious.

Words are not giving the experience the attention it deserves.

The children have memorized John 3:16, pointing up to the sky when they say, “For God,” and then they wrap their little arms around themselves to say, “loved the world so much,” and then they extend their little arms out, palms up to say, “that he gave His only Son.”

I love spending time with these children. Their unexpected, random hugs melt my heart, and fill it at the same time.

Their trust, even though we’ve just met for the first time, is amazing, and not taken for granted.  I’m honored.   They welcome me into their worlds for an hour.  It is quite an honor to be a part of.

One little, girl, with big brown eyes, curly hair, and a bright smile, looked right into my eyes, and then at her mom, and said, “I can’t wait to come back next week.  I really like it here!” (and it was her first time there).

Such an honor to be part of it all.

The faith of a child is beautiful.  It seems like they’re so close to Him.  I believe that it might be the fruit of their innocent faith.  They know God in a way that we forget.  They believe that He will do everything He has told us He will.

“The Kingdom of God belongs to the children. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” (Mark 10:14-15)