We offer this invitation responsively every week in worship. A reminder that children are welcomed by God and by our community into our midst and into the ministry we share.
Why put so much emphasis on welcoming?
I began to answer this question… in the light of Advent and find myself today looking out from the darkness as the nation grieves with Newtown, CT.
How quickly the darkness can come – and yet we are people of light!
Friends, there are no answers adequately prepared or rightly offered that bring sense to senseless acts. As we bear witness to another act of violence in our schools let us be mindful of Jesus’ lifelong mission of shedding light in the darkness. God gives us Jesus as a beacon of hope for our own journey AND as a prompt for our action in the dark places that exist in our world.
The in-breaking of Emmanuel, God-with-us,
IS the hope AND promised message of Christmas.
Will the adults in our community engage in discussions on the facets of change that we might be called to in the effort of joining Jesus in the work of light-bearing? I hope so. Today, though, the children need us! Those with mental illness need us!
The children need to know that our community is safe space and that they are loved.
Those who struggle with mental illness need a safe place to claim their hopes and fears and to know that they are loved.
The children need to hear God’s assurance, through us, that light does triumph darkness.
Those with mental illness need God’s assurance, through us, that they are not alone.
And those who work in classrooms and school environs along with those trained as first responders need to have safe space to process, heal, question and regain equilibrium.
As the New Year commences, promise along with me to see, hear and be present for the children. Offer your time to a child in a new way this year here at church, in your families and out in the community. Promise with me to actively participate in the welcoming hospitality our community extends to ALL people.
Let us commit ourselves to claiming anew our own place in God’s heart as God’s children and then, with joy, let us say together {for the sake of ALL}:
“Let the children come.” And God will bless us all.
Peace to each of you,
Pastor Kelly