Monthly Reflections: Jesus Lives Here
Jesus Lives Here
Mark 10:13-16 (NRSV)
13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
Children everywhere! The end of school bash at the Monroe Campus was awesome. Children walked through the doors to the loving embrace of volunteers. The smiles on their faces testified to the relationships that had been established over the year as they worked on homework together. Our youth volunteers were clearly stars. The children hope to be like them some day. These precious children stood before their parents and volunteers singing of their love for Jesus. Children sat on Jesus’ lap in Monroe and were blessed.
The choir loft was full of four year old’s who were graduating from our preschool program. They sang their songs, received their diplomas, and then gave a hug to the teachers who had loved them throughout the school year. Others lined the chancel of our Bonds Grove campus. Their smiles were amazing as they were declared, “graduates.” With tears in their eyes, parents of graduates shared how much our teachers and staff mean to them and to their children. One parent who was sharing about our preschool to a new neighbor said, “Jesus lives there.” Children sat on Jesus’ lap at Weddington Christian Preschool and were blessed.
The eighth grade class at Weddington Christian Academy sat before their families and friends. A milestone had been reached. They were ready for high school. They are youth now. Young people maturing in their faith in Jesus Christ and becoming the people God created them to be. Kindergartners and 5th graders all shared their praise for God as they transitioned to their new grade levels. They had been taught academically and spiritually, and they had been loved. Children sat on Jesus’ lap at Weddington Christian Academy and were blessed.
Every Sunday morning, the children’s wing is packed with children. Children God knows by name and dearly loves. Teachers share about this Jesus who loves them. Children sit on the lap of Jesus and are blessed.
Vacation Bible School is coming soon. Over 400 children will be here. They will laugh, they will play, they will learn more about Jesus, and they will worship. Children will sit on the lap of Jesus and be blessed.
What a blessing we have as a church. God places these young lives in our care. As the body of Christ, we invite children into the arms of Jesus Christ to be blessed once again. What a beautiful truth, “Jesus lives here.” Children are loved and blessed here.
In ministry together,
Rev. Dr. Terry Moore
Senior Pastor