The Easter story is the crux of the Gospel, and what a joy it is to see the power of it touch the lives of children. It's easy to think that children don't fully grasp the magnificence and miracle of the resurrection, but I'm convinced they do. They're sharp and boldly faithful and indiscriminately loving, which is exactly what the Gospel is all about. Last April I had the priviledge of witnessing thirteen little children devote their hearts to Jesus, and oh what a joy that was.
It was during the Easter service when the meaning of the resurrection was presented to a group of kids. They were told how God created us to have a relationship with Him and how they can have that relationship too, because Jesus died on the cross and rose again to life for us. Boldly, then and there, thirteen of them asked to start that relationship with Jesus! Thirteen! Truly, the Holy Spirit is stirring the hearts of even the smallest among us.
We prayed with them and they accepted Him into their lives in that moment. Since then, they have become more attentive in learning the memory verses and much more interested in learning the meanings of the words in the verses. With great joy, I have also observed some of the little ones excitedly sharing and explaining these stories and new found information with their parents. They are SO excited and eager to learn about God and ready to share it with everyone around them!
I cannot help but think of what Luke tells us about the rejoicing in Heaven when just one sinner finds the Truth of Christ and repents (Lk 15:7). I can only imagine how the angels were rejoicing that day when those thirteen children raised their hands to proclaim their love of Jesus. Oh how eager He is to have the little children come to Him.
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 18:3-4)