This morning I brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to show the children at our weekly Liturgy of the Word for Children. This morning they gave me a much greater gift.
To allow the children see gold, to touch frankincense and to smell myrrh were my goals for them this morning.
The children listened intently to the story of the Magi finding Baby Jesus. These little ones responded accurately when asked about the contents of the story they had just heard. As they handled the myrrh and frankincense their comments varied but most agreed that incense did not smell very good. Then I asked, "Can you give gold, frankincense or myrrh to Jesus?" At once they responded that they could not. When asked "What gift can you give?" without hesitation the children responded "Love".
Without further prompting the little group offered a host of suggestions for ways to demonstrate love to others and thus, in turn, love for Jesus. What a wonderful gift they gave to the adults in the room. Their large hearts had embraced the meaning of the story and found ways to apply this meaning to their daily lives. If only we adults had hearts big enough to hear God's call for us to be loving people and minds active enough to find ways to bring this call to reality.
The children then created woven paper hearts. The craft was a little complicated, but the children persevered and eagerly helped each other to complete the task. They continued to talk of loving things that they have done and could do. Before they left we gave each child a 'gold' chocolate coin to put in their heart, to represent the gift of 'gold' that is the love in our hearts.
Today these children gave me a gift as valuable as gold: insight into the minds and hearts of the young. With this gift comes the challenge to approach this week with a child's heart and bring the gift of love to all that I do. Will you join me in this challenge?
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