Wednesday, March 28, 2012

As you are


Mark 10:1-16
"Of course the baby can come into the service. No she does not have to go to the nursery." We were visiting the Episcopal Cathedral in Honolulu. Part way through the service there was a tap, tap on a shoulder and a whisper "Please will you take the baby to the nursery." We left, all of us left the service. Either children are welcome or they are not. Either they are welcomed as they are, potential noise boxes or they are not welcome and are places in the nursery.
We would have been happy to take six month old Becky to the nursery before the service. Perhaps we should have been told "Only completely silent babies are welcome, gurgling noises are not allowed."
Children come as they are, no pretences, no airs and graces. Noise or no noise. No special behaviour Jesus is near. Just come as you are and he will take you in his arms and smile.

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