December 25

Beloved Little Ones

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward (Matthew 10:42).

Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42

Song: “I Love to Tell the Story”

When my mother entered a nursing home, they asked for a photo of her as a young woman to remind staff and visitors that these older folks were once active adults. One day I wandered around thinking about the people in the photos, many of whom served in WW II. The man in an army uniform may have landed on the beaches of Normandy, while one in navy blue may have endured kamikaze attacks in the Pacific. Women also served in the military or built tanks and grew Victory Gardens. We owe these folks honor and care for all they did to preserve our freedoms.

In today’s passage, Jesus called His disciples “little ones,” as a term of endearment and to emphasize that His true disciples are humble servants. In our churches are many older saints who are humble servants of the Lord. The man with the cane may have smuggled Bibles into Eastern Europe, while the white-haired lady may have translated the Bible into a people’s heart language. Others faithfully taught generations of children to love Jesus. These older saints are God’s beloved “little ones,” and we owe them our love and honor for preserving the faith for us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the witness of older saints in our churches. Help us take time to know and serve them as beloved members of Your family. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.