I Love to Tell the Story

I must admit I get a little misty eyed when I watch a parent or grandparent share a hymnal or Bible with a young child sitting next to them. It brings back such wonderful memories - early ones, even before I could read. I remember standing and listening and watching those around me sing, sneaking a glance at the choir members in funny robes ceremoniously processing up the aisle, snuggling up close to my father in the pew, and playing quiet thumb wars during what seemed to be an endless speech by the pastor. This Sunday morning experience was like nothing else. I wasn't sure what it was all about but I knew it was special because it was different than any other day of the week. Those were my first impressions of going to "big church." It was the beginning steps of learning about and eventually owning my faith.

Almost 2 weeks ago a dear choir member died after a courageous fight with cancer. His family spans 3 generations in this church. Over the many years at Canyon Creek, I enjoyed singing in choir with him and watching him and his wife with their family and grandchildren. Each week, patiently and lovingly he accompanied them to Sunday School classes, choir practices, youth meetings and more. What precious memories he was planting in his grandchildren and lessons of faith he was passing on - the very picture of God's love at work, a scene some of us can only imagine from a Norman Rockwell painting. However, every time I see a parent or an older sibling or a neighbor in the pew share a bulletin, Bible or hymnal with a young child, especially one probably too young to even read - it brings back those wonderful memories - feelings of being a part of something big, something beyond what I knew every day. I kept hearing that someone named God loved me and that the Bible told me that Jesus loves me, too! Often we equate teaching our children about Jesus or sharing our faith with tutoring them in physics. It seems too complicated - lots of scripture and learning required.

I changed my mind about that many years ago when fretting over what new "thing" to do with the children at Advent. Amused at this, one of my colleagues said, "you know, it's the same story every year." It made me laugh and also reminded me I was complicating something very simple- indeed it was the same old story, the greatest story ever told. Friends, it's up to you and me to pass on the story to our friends, our children, and to strangers. After all if you don't keep telling the same old story how will it be passed on and how will others come to know of God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ?

I love to tell the story, 'tis pleasant to repeat what seems,
each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
the message of salvation from God's own holy Word.
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

Dear God,
Open our eyes that we might see those You place in our paths each day. Let us never assume that others already know You. As we seek each day to sing a new song, keep us focused on singing the same old story, the greatest story of Jesus and His love. Amen.

--Marsha Ray
Associate Director of Music Ministry

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