Look, Mommy, Look!

Leading Your Children to Jesus

Not long ago my husband and I sat in church, attention focused on the words of the pastor. “For unto us a child is born.”

“Look Mommy! Look Mommy!”

In the pew in front of us was a three-year-old kneeling in the seat. Grinning from ear to ear she had a piece of tissue stuck in her nose, hanging down and only partially hiding a big grin.

Mom quickly removed the tissue and whispered instructions of proper conduct in church.

“For unto us a child is born.” Yes, Jesus was once a child! Did he ever call out, “Look Mommy, look!” at some silly childhood delight, only to be told that wasn’t the thing to do? I’m sure he did, for Jesus was truly a child, experiencing all the fun and even silliness that goes with childhood. I’m sure he laughed and giggled and squealed with delight, bringing joy and laughter to those around him.

Joyously, Jesus never outgrew many of those childlike characteristics…like the willingness to accept and love those around Him just because they were there. Like a child he saw the goodness of others, accepted them in the present, and was not prejudiced by any barrier, whether it was their past, their nationality, or their social status.

Studies show that children begin to absorb values as early as two years of age. We cannot begin too soon planting spiritual concepts in the minds and hearts of our children…. Teaching our children about Jesus can be fun, inspiring, exciting but most of all life–changing not only for our children but for us too! And the good news is you are probably already doing things to lead your children into a love-relationship with Jesus!

We can teach spiritual values while tucking our child into bed each night. Or while driving to the grocery store. Or during meals together, doing chores together, playing games together, sharing what Jesus has done for us!

“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6: 6-7

As we read the Bible and spend time with God in meditation and prayer, He will give us the intentional moments of spiritual lessons we need to pass on to our children. Yes, unto us a child is born.

May the Lord bless, encourage, and strengthen you as you lead your children to the lap of Jesus.

Sherri Uhrig is the Children's Ministries Director for the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventist. Phone: 503 652 2225 ex 226. Bob Uhrig is Assistant Pastor for the Estacada & Gladstone Park Oregon Conference Churches.