Christmas is half a year away in either direction, but we keep the nativity play set out all year. We sing Away In A Manger each time the babies press the angel on top to start the music and often at bedtime. One day recently, my grandson held the baby Jesus as we sang and I noticed he was looking at me as I sang “no crib for a bed.” When the song was finished, we talked about how busy Bethlehem was on the night Jesus was born and how Mary and Joseph slept in a stable and Jesus’s first bed was a manger, not a crib or a big boy bed like his. After a moment’s thought, he carried baby Jesus across the room and gently placed him between the rails into our crib.
Never underestimate what children are able to understand!
When my grandchildren are grown with children and grandchildren of their own, when they begin to see their lives through my eyes, will they remember that Lolly loves them but Jesus loves them the most? It’s a song I started singing when Thomas was newborn. His mom will tell you that my words caught her off guard when she first heard them. She remembers wanting to be the one who loved her firstborn most. She and daddy get a verse of their own, but the words are always the same.
Mommy loves Thomas
And Daddy loves Thomas
But Jesus loves Thomas the most
Lolly loves Amelia
And Poppy loves Amelia
But Jesus loves Amelia the most
I follow with Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children and then start again. It’s repetitive and sing-song-y but then, that’s the easiest way to learn. From their earliest moments, children must hear the name of Jesus and we can never let down, never assume they know or understand enough, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16)
I see Thomas making connections every day and though he’s not yet two, he recognizes that Goodnight Manger goes with the nativity and Away in a Manger and Happy Birthday, Jesus. He knows we talk to Jesus before we eat and before bed and at other times throughout the day as well. He doesn’t start his meal until he’s said thank you Jesus even if we forget.
Children are excellent mirrors, reflecting what they see and hear with incredible accuracy.
We will each be called to account for whether or not we acknowledge Jesus before men, and our responsibility begins at home. (Matthew 10:32-33) Stewarding the name of Jesus, honoring God’s Word, walking in truth and in obedience to God’s commands is the charge of every parent and grandparent. It is also the responsibility of every aunt, uncle, family member and friend, but especially those who raised their hands or said I do at that precious child’s dedication service.
When a child is dedicated to the Lord in the Baptist tradition, the parents answer a charge from the minister, agreeing to raise the child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The entire family and congregation promise before God to support the families in this endeavor with our prayers and more, as we each have opportunity. This may mean teaching a Sunday school class or providing snacks for a day camp provided by the church. It could mean acknowledging that child’s natural or spiritual birthday, giving an encouraging word to the parents who faithfully bring the child to worship, or offering to provide a meal when a new baby arrives.
The main thing is to steward the trust as a family of faith no matter where you find yourself located physically. We moved several times as a young family and were often separated from biological family, however, once we found a church home, we gained the nurture and support of other Christ followers who took that promise seriously. My obedience to God and yours ensures that families are supported and thrive as God intends. As we pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are in good company.
“The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him.
All the families of the nations will bow down before him.
Our children will also serve him.
Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born.
They will hear about everything he has done.”
Psalms 22:27, 30-31 NLT
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