Child of Blessing

Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God. – Luke 2:27-28 (NRSV) 

A friend’s son was four years old when he sang his first solo in church. During music time in Sunday school, the church’s music minister watched this child fill with joy whenever he sang. He observed him trying to match pitch and noticed how the squirmy preschooler was transfixed whenever they learned a new melody.  

Months later, the music minister invited him to sing a special song for Easter, practicing together and helping the kid develop his confidence along the way. The music minister invested the time not because he was the best singer, but because the minister saw the way his whole little self perked up whenever he sang. 

When Simeon met Jesus as a child, he proclaimed him a light and glory. Looking on, Mary and Joseph were amazed. The blessing was directed toward their young son, but they could see that it also blessed Simeon who was finally able to rest in peace knowing that “my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). 

The four-year-old is now sixteen and still sings in the church choir. He also sings in an a cappella group and in musical theatre and anywhere there is a song that needs to be sung. The music minister continues to nurture young enthusiasm for singing in the congregation, knowing that every blessing he bestows has the opportunity to radiate God’s glory back on him. 

Prayer
May we offer blessings, may we be a blessing, may we be blessed in return.

About the Author
Ellis Miller serves as the Designated Pastor of Granby Congregational Church, UCC and is the author of Only Work Sundays: A Laidback Guide to Doing Less while Helping Your Church Thrive.