The Faith of a Child

December 14, 2014 Holy Redeemer by Lorelei Powell

The old-fashioned Christmas pageant writes itself with the simple story of the Nativity. Bathrobes, garland halos, and old sheet music for “The First Noel” simplify and economize, gently reproaching the Christmas machine. Our kids—reenacting the simple narrative of the second chapter of Luke year after year (like we did)—help bring home the wonder of the Incarnation that came so plainly and quietly in Bethlehem. -Larry Eskridge


Yesterday, the kids led church. Ben read announcements, other children read the Scripture readings and led the prayers. And they reenacted the Nativity in their own particular styles, not feeling the need to solemnize what to them is a purely joyous occasion. Gabriel had jazz hands, Baby Jesus had a smudge on his face, and the sheep were a little askew.

It is on these occasions that I most reject the idea that children shouldn't be baptized, and shouldn't receive communion. All the words of Scripture come home to remind me that Jesus welcomes children into the body of faith as our equals. They are not underlings, they bear the richness of the faith. They are not the future of the Church, they are the Church. When my children go forward to receive the Eucharist, they are no less than I am when I go forward.

As a smug little child, I use to argue that I wasn't yet old enough to understand the mysteries of the faith, therefore I should not take communion. Now that I'm an adult, I realize that my childlike faith was alive with mystery, and that I had everything I needed to receive in faith. I had grace. I had faith that one day I would be complete. Nothing I did made me worthy to be a participant. And that has never changed. I still stumble, fall, and question. I most definitely have not yet "arrived" at perfection.

Yes, I lead my children in the faith. Yes, I teach them where to turn with questions and where to place their hope. But they teach me too. Just like members of the body of Christ, they have different gifts and use them to edify the church.

As I watched our congregation's children lead the service yesterday I did not think "One day they will lead us." I smiled that they are leading us now.


The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them.-Isaiah 11:6 (emphasis mine)

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. -Matthew 19:14 (emphasis mine)