Why wait till Christmas to have a Good News Party?
I started "Bible Time" with my kids the other night by asking the question from youngest to oldest, “What is the Gospel?” They didn’t really know, but when I said that “gospel” literally means “Good News”...
Talitha knew it had something to do with community.
Dexter said that the good news was Jesus rising from the dead.
Levi said it was basically everything to do with Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
My next question was, “Why is it good news?” Levi answered right away stating that it was good news because Jesus died FOR US. YES!
Then I wanted to help them understand better WHY it is good news for each person, particularly each of them. I started. I told them about a time I sinned recently (didn't really have to tell them...they already knew, but it's good to acknowlege and confess sins in front of your children). It was when I yelled at them in the car because I was trying to control the situation and wanting to have everything go my way, that was sin. Levi told of a time recently when he sinned - running in the house. Dexter mentioned he had sinned earlier that day when he squirted Levi with the water gun at a time when Levi didn’t want to be squirted. Talitha couldn’t think of any, but I didn’t let her brothers point out anything for her either, (I don’t think that would have been helpful).
Then I told them that the reason Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is Good News for us is because Jesus was punished for our sins so that we didn’t have to die (the punishment for sin).
I then went through each sin we mentioned just now and pointed out that Jesus was punished for those sins.
Jesus was punished because I yelled at my kids.
Jesus was punished because Levi disregarded other people’s safety and was running in the house.
Jesus was punished because Dexter sinned against his brother.
Some may think this harsh, but its the first part in understanding that Jesus' punishment for us is good news. If we don't understand our sin, its depth and that it was put on Jesus, we will never see or understand the Gospel as Good News...it'll simply be "news."
This brought tears to Dexter’s eyes. What a good heart, that little guy has. He was sad that Jesus took the punishment of his sin, but happy and thankful for the gift that he didn't have to die!
My next question was, "What does this make you want to do?"
By now, each of my kids were talking and saying that it makes us want to celebrate & tell others about this Good News…tell others about Jesus and his life, death and resurrection! Yes!
When they all quieted down a bit, Talitha shouted out, “Let’s celebrate and have a party! We can decorate, have cupcakes & give gifts to everyone who comes!” With that, Levi looked at me and while nodding with a big smile said, “She really get’s it!” I love my kids.
Dexter and Levi were right into it….excited to have a party to joyfully celebrate the Good News and invite others into it. And isn't that what the Gospel is all about? Jesus changes our lives by loving us and giving himself up for us and that message causes us to worship God and celebrate him and it is our joy to invite others into that same relationship!
So, we’re going to have a Gospel Party. Talitha wants to celebrate the Good News, and I don’t want to hinder that little girl’s faith. Why wait till Christmas to have a Good News Party?
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