“Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Luke 18:15-17
One of the special times of worship that I look forward to each year is when we present our 3rd grade students their Bibles. It is a significant rite of passage as the students are brought in front of the church, recognized in front of their family of faith, and given the gift of God’s word. Great care is taken in having each Bible imprinted with their names. There is such joy on the face of each child as they come forward and receive their Bible.
It is a joy to see their excitement as they are handed their Bibles. It is an even greater joy to know the gift they will find when they open the pages and begin to read the life-giving words contained in that gift.
The practice of giving Bibles to our 3rd grade students Is done for many reasons. At the top of that list of reasons is the Churches commitment to live out the words of Christ, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” We understand that the Bible offers us a chance to encounter God. It speaks to us about God’s wonderful love and God’s grace for each of us, His children.
There is such joy to be found in the pages of the Bible. It is a gift for us all. The stories of faith found in the pages of the Bible bring encouragement, joy and a deeper faith to all who read it. Today, I encourage you to read you Bible. Do not fear what you may read. The words contained in its pages are the gift of the kingdom for all of God’s children.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
