Kids Belong in Church

The world is in the middle of a Quarantine culture. And I am so glad that we have begun to phase back in to normalcy. Yesterday, we worshipped at church – and we were inside for the first time in two months. It was a blessing. But, it was different.

Less than a fifth of our building’s capacity was used. Every other pew was blocked off. Tape was laid out for every six feet. People were so spread out that it was weird. Masks, gloves, and no physical contact.

And we worshipped.

But something was missing. Young kids. Interestingly, many of our seniors were there. But kids weren’t. Okay, we had a few families and their kids. However, two of those families had roles in leading worship.

I’m not mad at or into berating families. Many were away for the weekend and I told families to stay safe and in their comfort zone.

But in these Ascent Psalms we are going though, I am overwhelmed by the simple imagery of what the worshippers would be seeing, sensing, smelling, and taking in. In the 128th Psalm, its clear that families are all around.

Couples, wives, kids, grand folks, and more. I imagine kids running around, grand parents watching kids, and families traveling together. There is a beauty in seeing families worshipping together.

Psalm 127-128 both discuss kids. Jesus was taken to the Temple at 12 – and left their. It’s been a few times parents have headed home without their little ones. It’s kind of humorous.

In this Psalm …

your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the Lord.

Kids are everywhere. There like olive shoots all over. Their presence is a blessing.

And I hope it’s not too long till the families all show back up. Worship is better with them there.

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Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the Lord.

The Lord bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel!