The Praise Of Children

Children are better able to enjoy Easter. They delight in Easter Eggs and chocolate bunnies. We worry about calories and cholesterol. Maybe they have something to teach us. Today is a holy day; it’s also a holiday. Let’s remember both. Let’s rejoice and be glad. Yes, we know that bad things are about to happen to Jesus. But we know why, and we know the happy end of the story. So let’s cry Hosanna and be glad!

Jesus warned of those who appear to come to faith, only to get discouraged by the seriousness of the world, and fall away. In the Jesus Movie, when Jesus says this, He explains using the symbolism of different kinds of seeds, He asks a question, and a child in the crowd answers. Jesus grins, and agrees. It’s a precious moment.

Let me tell you something in confidence; I especially want ou children to know this: Did you know that some of our adults attend Sunday School? That’s right. I’m not talking about the teachers. I wonder if those who attend would admit to their friends and co-workers that they still go to Sunday School? We think of Sunday School as just for kids, but it’s not! When we become followers of Jesus, we begin a lifetime of learning.

Here’s another secret: Some of our adults still sing! How many adults do you know who sing today? We have a kids choir, AND two adult choirs--yes, some of our adults still like to sing! I have never heard a child use the adult excuse: “I can’t sing.” We can all make a joyful noise in song, but some of us are too inhibited to try. When we were young we all enjoyed singing. Too many adults think singing is childish. Adults: when was the last time you sang a silly song? I have a collection of silly songs. One of my favorites is by Dr Seuss, “My Uncle Walter Goes Waltzing With Bears.” His family was scandalized by his behavior, but dear Uncle Walter was a child at heart. He would’ve had no problem singing “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday!

You know, some churches don’t have a children’s sermon; why waste valuable worship time on kids? Because they’re just as important as adults…and because us grown-ups (if we’d admit it) often get a lot out of the kids’ sermon! Why are we a growing church? Because we believe our children are important--they count!

We sit around in coffee shops, discussing current affairs, having adult conversations. We wax eloquent on politics, solving all the world’s problems while getting caffeinated. We need to become children again, lost in wonder--childlike. Then we can sing and praise God without restraint. Then we can, without hesitation, tell our friends and neighbors about the best news of all: “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’