Arrest Him!

Last night at our Midweek Miracle program for children and youth, I invited them to act out parts of the passion week story as I told it to them again.

Several of the older youth “arrest” Jesus while the high priests stand off to the side, nodding with approval. Although the children occasionally mugged a bit for the audience, the prevailing mood was somber and serious. This was no laughing matter.  The Jesus they talk about frequently had just been taken away and they had participated in the betrayal.

We ended the evening with the burial and the Lord’s Prayer.  No resurrection yet.  Not yet time for the celebration.

It was an invitation to actually enter the story.  They all came on board.

I also served communion as I told them about that last meal together.  Since we had numerous children and youth there as well as a good number of adults, I knew it would take a while to serve everyone.  I told the younger ones that I had often seen people return to their seats after receiving the bread and cup and then start just talking with one another, leading to a noisier room, less helpful to those still receiving.  I asked, “Do you think you all can stay very  still after you come forward so everyone can participate in quiet?”

Each nodded “yes,” and we proceeded. The accompanist played, “Let us Break Bread Together On our Knees” as people came forward. Not a word or a wiggle from the children.

One who came was a woman who had attended church for the first time here the previous Sunday.  She had a caregiver with her, as she is one who needs an attendant to help her cope with life.  The previous Sunday, they had come because the disabled woman asked her caregiver, “Where are we going to go to church today?” and they ended up at our place.

When this woman, who has experienced no advantages in life in form, intellect, education or finance, held out her hands to receive the bread and then looked up at me from the kneeling rail to thank me, I nearly fell over.  Joy and light radiated from her face.  Huge, innocent, delighted smile took plain features and transformed them to inexpressible beauty.

A holy night for us all.

Thanks be to God.