Tag: scripture

New Homily and More: Growing Down: Welcoming Christ in Children

by Derek Michael Larson, posted in Uncategorized

It’s the beginning of a new sermon series! Find the full text of the homily here.

Questions for Reflection

  1. In what ways do I currently prioritize the presence of children in my community, and how might I shift my perspective to recognize the lessons they can teach me?
  2. How can I create a welcoming environment that allows children to bring their own experiences of Christ into our shared community?
  3. What specific qualities or characteristics of children inspire me to reflect on my own faith journey and humility?
  4. As I think about my role in supporting children’s spiritual growth, how can I also be open to their influence on my understanding of God and faith?
  5. In what areas of my life do I feel challenged to “grow down” and embrace a more childlike perspective, particularly in my interactions with others?

Resources for Further Reflection

Movie: Mary Poppins (1964)
A classic film. If you haven’t seen it recently, watch it again! And this time notice how the film may actually be about Mr. Banks growing down rather than the children growing up.

Movie: Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
This is a rare instance when a sequel made for a classic does an incredible job. This movie honors the first while balancing a timeless feel and contemporary relevance. This is one of the Larson family’s favorite films, which we watch a few times a year. Since first seeing it, I’ve thought a lot about how Mary Poppins carries a lot of Christological characteristics in this film, particularly in the notion of returning. I’ve pondered offering a Bible study with Mary Poppins Returns as an Advent series.

Book: The Gifts they Bring: How children in the Gospels can Shape Inclusive Ministry by Amy Lindeman Allen
This is a great book by a New Testament Scholar which analyzes a select passages of Scripture with a lens focused on the presence of children. After interpreting the passage, Allen then offers some possible applications and reflections for contemporary children’s ministry. I liked the book a lot, and I used it to teach a Bible Study series once before.