Kid’s Chapel & The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Wow. It’s been 40 days since Christmas, so for Chapel today, we spoke about Jesus being brought to the Temple, from Luke 2. I admit, I didn’t know where to begin. The kids aren’t necessarily interested in the various names of the season, that it’s also known as Candlemas or the Purification of the Virgin Mary. Besides being good for them to know the history of Christian Holy Days, what is the significance of this event for us, and for our children?
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, it seemed to be for a multiplicity of reasons. They fulfilled the Law of Moses - they were obedient. Also, they thanked God for the birth of their son, and the safe delivery of the mother, Mary. By way of giving thanks, they brought an offering, in the form of two turtle doves. Further, when the Simeon and Anna saw the Christ Child, Simeon proclaimed that his eyes have seen the salvation of God, and he was able to “Depart in Peace.” ( http://esv.to/Lk2.29-32 ).
The fact that after Mary and Joseph went to the Temple to give thanks for their son, Jesus, is significant. Is it our first inclination to go to church, prepare a sacrifice and to thank God for his provision for us? No, we throw ourselves a party! (I love parties).
The challenge for the kids (and us) is what have we given back to God since he has given his Son to us at Christmas? It’s been 40 days, and a lot of us have moved on, but we should still be giving thanks, and offering our selves, our souls and our bodies back to God.
