Candace Kaufman (New York, USA)
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” - Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV)
When my children were very young, we attended an Easter service. While preaching about the resurrection of Jesus, the pastor talked about how Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to Jesus’ tomb. They found the stone rolled back and encountered an angel of the Lord. Then the pastor asked a rhetorical question: “What did the angel say to the women?” Surprising us all, my five-year-old daughter blurted out, “Jesus is risen!” She said it so fervently and innocently that the pastor commented on her vigor in announcing Jesus’ resurrection.
I’ve never forgotten that moment. My daughter had learned about Jesus’ life and resurrection in Sunday school, so she knew the answer to the question and was proud to state it. I felt blessed by her enthusiastic response.
We can learn from children to be witnesses of God’s word, proclaiming it for all to hear. We are all God’s children, and God loves us!
I will embrace God’s love for me like a child — wholeheartedly.
The children in my church
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