Christ's Sacrifice...and How My Children Understand!!

It is early in the morning. Easter Eve. I am awake early, my mind is on the day ahead: ironing Easter dresses, planning my Easter dinner menu,  Easter baskets and eggs to decorate.  My two oldest children creep down the stairs to sit with me on the couch. 

My oldest son begins talking about our pastor's sermon last night at Good Friday church. He starts by asking if I remember how we learned that two lambs were required to be sacrificed every day, for GENERATIONS, to atone for  everyone's sins. The thought of all the lambs being killed really bothers him. He is visualizing this in his marvelously descriptive 10 year old mind. But he is quick to go on with the rest of the story, telling me how Jesus was crucified in the morning (at the time of the traditional morning lamb sacrifice) and then He died in the afternoon (at the time of the second lamb's sacrifice).  He tells me how Jesus took the place of all those lambs being sacrificed. 

My ever compassionate daughter chimes in with the sermon story she remembers about the very sick little boy, Francesco, who was almost dying during his operation in a remote village. She tells me how he needed blood, and his type was very rare. But his surgeon was that exact match and gave his B negative blood to the boy in the middle of surgery. She goes on to tell me how Jesus has the MOST rare blood type in the world...it is everyone's blood type... and he gave it to all of us. 

At this early hour in the day, I have been given a gentle but powerful reminder, coming from Christ through the voices and hearts of my amazing children. This weekend is about my sin. About my Savior who became that lamb and gave me His blood so that my sin can be wiped clean (like the removal of a tattoo...another sermon story, remembered by my daughter). 

My heart is overflowing with joy, knowing that my children LISTENED, REMEMBERED, CONNECTED and BELIEVE. And that this is not just a story, Christ died for them!  

Thank you, my amazing Savior, for giving up your life for us. For my children who love you so much, and still trust so innocently and blindly in you! May they always keep that love and awe. Thank you for sending them to me, to help my faith grow, even as I foolishly think I will be doing all the teaching! Your grace and mercy are new to me every day!  Amen.