And A Little Child Shall Lead Them
By Hap Rogers
In light of Rev Jody’s “travel time of renewal” and her encouragement of us as a community of faith to seek the same, I have been pondering what “renewal” and “wonderment” might look like to me.
I attended the COS children’s Liturgy of Light service on April 21st and now realize, I don’t need to seek wonderment to be in the midst of it but to simply open my eyes and heart to what God “gifts” me.
What a gift to attend the children’s Liturgy of Light service!
Each child’s hands helped to prepare the altar table, one by one each placing an item of their choice: the fair linen, a shiny cross, a tiny Bible, the Good Shepherd shouldering and surrounded by sheep, a vase of flowers arranged by the children, a picture of Madonna and child, a colorful statue representing the holy family. The altar table was low to the ground so each child could reach, see, sit near and gaze.
Each child shared their prayers, their thanksgivings, their concerns, and their joys out loud.Some had drawn pictures.
I felt so moved by their words, their hearts shared so openly. It left me feeling so hopeful for our world, and well, there is no other way to say it, except I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence in these precious little ones, their lights shining so brightly. I felt the joy of “wonder!”
Rev Jody placed the symbol of God’s light, the gift of The Light of Christ, in each child’s hands as they came forward. They returned to sit together side by side in front of the main altar holding their candles looking out over the center of the labyrinth where their little altar sat. We joined together to sing “This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” They each approached the altar and lovingly placed their candles upon it.
After Rev Jody’s final blessing, we joined our voices together to make a joyful noise singing the children’s favorite closing song “Go now in peace, go now in peace, may the love of God surround you everywhere, everywhere you may go.” Then the little ones and their families scampered to the hall for celebratory cookies and juice.
Praise God from whom all wonder flows!
