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Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25 ESV). As Paul Kretzman stated in his commentary, “But to babes, those that are as ignorant of this world’s wisdom as little children, God has revealed the glory of the Gospel.” (NT, Vol 1, p65)
At Christmas time the Gospel is revealed to children as they hear the good news about another babe, another child - “you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). Not only do they hear it, but they also proclaim it at the annual Christmas program.
“Repetition is the mother of learning!” When our children participate in the Christmas program, they practice their parts repeatedly, not only at rehearsal at church or school, but with Mom and Dad at home. They also practice the songs they will sing, and all of this revolves around the Good News that God sent His Son Jesus, born as a baby in Bethlehem.
Christmas is often emphasized as a children’s holiday, and many hymns are addressed to children, reminding them that the real reason for the candy, Christmas trees, and presents is the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child. One of those hymns O COME, LITTLE CHILDREN – is a nineteenth-century German song, "Ihr Kinderlein, kommet". It’s not in your TLH or LSB hymnal but is a familiar song to many.
O come, little children, O come, one and all.
To Bethlehem haste, to the manger so small.
God’s Son for a gift has been sent you this day.
To be your redeemer, your joy and delight.
As our children participate in their Christmas programs, they learn about the infant Jesus who loves them. The result of children proclaiming the story is always the same – a church full of parents, grandparents, and other family members who attend to watch and listen to their child, their babe, proclaim Jesus who came as the Savior of the world to forgive the sins of all people. Everyone wins and everyone’s faith is strengthened!
Amid the hustle and bustle I certainly hope your children have the opportunity to rehearse for a program and finally, the chance to proclaim baby Jesus in church. It may be the only place they will hear, learn, and recite that Jesus was more than a baby, but also their Savior who loves and cares for them. Your attendance will not only encourage them, but you too will hear the Gospel message they proclaim. As the angel told Joseph: “She (Mary) will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1.21). Have a blessed Christmas!
He’s born in a stable for you and for me,
Draw near by the bright gleaming starlight to see,
In swaddling clothes lying so meek and so mild,
And purer than angels the heavenly child.
Kneel down and adore Him with shepherds today,
Lift up little hands now and praise Him as they;
Rejoice that a Savior from sin you can boast,
And join in the song of the heavenly host. - (from “O Come Little Children”)
Rev. Dr. Dwayne Lueck, District President
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