Friday, December 18, 2009

The Living Church

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Learning from children happens while teaching them. A fifth grade Sunday school class memorized this verse. After playing a game of memory, they accepted the challenge to reiterate the verse without looking at the words on the board. Four of the class members said it perfectly. Then the teacher asked if anyone else would like to recite the verse.

One of the children, Heather, had acquired brain damage from a serious illness when she was six years old. She continued to be a fellow class member with the children that she has known over the years. Up went her hand so she could say the verse. The other students noticed, and the room became very quiet. “Heather, would you like to say the verse?” asked the teacher.

Heather looked at the board and slowly began to read the words. “F..or….to..us…a ch..i.ld..is…bo..rn,” she read, in this manner all the way to the end. The 24 other students in the room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. When Heather finished reading, all the students loudly clapped their hands for her. On that day, the teacher experienced the living church from the children.

Dear Lord, You teach us Your way; You let us experience Your way; and You lead us to precious You. Amen

© Mary Burkey 2009

2 comments:

Christy said...

As a teacher myself, this speaks to my heart. What a lovely experience for all.

Virginia said...

"For unto us a child is born." That is the heart of Christmas - not our thoughts and feelings, but God's love for us. Thanks for the story. Thanks for the verse.