Streams of Mercy

Lacy Blue came to church yesterday! Only a few weeks old, she won the hearts of her church family. As I watched from the chancel, I saw a smile on every face, as she was lovingly passed from mother to father, to grandmother. Throughout the service baby sounds blessed us, and folks in the pews nearby looked over to see each tiny movement. Love for this little one filled our hearts!

Another blessing of the day was the announcement of the arrival of Waylon Jackson. The rosebud marking his birth was placed in the straw of the empty manger, in place for the evening Hanging of the Greens Service, along with his picture and his cradle cross, and proud grandparents and uncle were there to share the moment. Together we prayed: Bless the child who comes here. Fill his life with love and cheer. Keep him safe from year to year.”

It’s been said that every child born into the world is a new thought of God. I wonder what “new thought of God” comes with Lacy Blue and Waylon Jackson. What a joy it will be to watch their becoming!

I was reminded of the Benediction given most often by the pastor in my home church during my childhood. At the end of every service he would say, “May God bless you, and your children and your children’s children.” I’m sure he was simply glancing around the congregation as he spoke those words, but my childish heart believed those words were for my family alone. In my eyes, he looked at my grandparents in our family pew, then at my mother in the choir loft and then at my brother and me! Then, with a wide sweep of his arms, he would conclude, “and all God’s children, forever more.” I want this experience of belonging to God and God’s people for Lacy Blue and Waylon Jackson!

Thanks be to God for the gift of new life among us and for those streams of mercy, never ceasing.

Elizabeth