Usually, at this time of year, the focus for a large part of humanity turns toward celebrating the birth—or rather, the incarnation—of the Word.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
This raises a question: does He still dwell among us today?
Most certainly, we would answer no.
We all know that He is seated at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. We know that He waits until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. And yet, we also know that He promised to be with all those who keep His commandments—among which I would especially mention this one: to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.
Have you ever thought that the Gospel can—and must—also be preached to children?
Are they part of this command?
Let us remember that the Apostle Paul noted that Timothy knew the Holy Scriptures from infancy, and that they “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:16).
What if we used this season of celebration as an opportunity to tell children the story of Jesus, just as Holy Scripture presents it—simple, clear, and understandable to them?
Perhaps you won’t succeed completely. Perhaps you won’t be able to carry the message all the way to the end. But it is worth it—indeed, it must be tried.
You can begin as I did. In Romania we have a wise saying: “Give a man a fish and you will have to feed him for a lifetime; teach him how to fish and he will feed himself for a lifetime.”
Some time ago, I visited the family of our brother Daniel and sister Rahela Petrut. The reason was to spend time with their son, Emanuel—to spend a few hours with him and teach him how to fish with a spinning rod!
But an even more important reason was to build a relationship with him—one that could lead to something far greater: to show him, in a practical way, that although the Lord Jesus—the One we celebrate—is now at the right hand of the Father, through me He continues to be with us, here and now.
Through you and in you, He continues—and can continue—to be present today, right where you are, with those around you: husband or wife, parents, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, neighbors, friends, colleagues, strangers—and why not, even enemies.
I have begun. It may be little, but I want to go further. What about you?
We can make this celebration an opportunity to tell both young and old about our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I believe this is a wonderful way to celebrate Him—by revealing Emmanuel, God with us.
Pray especially that these little ones may be brought to Him.
Pray that all of us may place greater emphasis on knowing the Holy Scriptures, especially during this season.
May the Lord grant you grace and give you a time of peace and blessing, wherever you may be.
His servant
Stinea Timotei - PIEI Romania National Director
