I've just finished reading the Gospel text for Sunday worship. Now comes one of my favorite moments of the week. Sitting on the altar steps, I smile as the children scamper up the aisle to join me for their sermon. Seven-year-old Jackie, a whirlwind, greets me with a high-five. Kayla, a shy 4-year-old with dimples and a smile that melts your heart, sits on my lap. Looking at the eager faces gathered around me I'm reminded of Jesus' words: "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs" (Matthew 19:14). I recently finished a year traveling to a different church each Sunday to lead worship as a supply pastor. I've always enjoyed doing children's sermons, but the months I spent interacting with a variety of kids and parents deepened my appreciation for those few minutes each week. Children's sermons teach youth Christian values and help build a foundation of faith they can rely on when facing adversity.
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