Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
This is a photo of my wife, Anne, and son, Tate, at one of our parking lot parties in the spring. This chalk art was one of many activities where the children were asked a question and had to come up with their own answers and interpretations. They were free to answer in their own way.
When I think about how this picture relates to the verse, I focus on the phrase “do not hinder them”. Children are naturally creative and inquisitive beings, and their ability to relate and understand the Bible and Christianity will all be different for each child. They will all come to it from a different place, and a different perspective. The ways that they can connect to the church or God is different and it is natural to let them learn and explore on their own in a way that is meaningful to them. We should encourage any way that can help connect children to God.
As we begin this season of Advent, it is a great opportunity to bring the children of the church together and to let them learn and ask questions and find their place as they grow and discover in their faith and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Andrew Price
