“There should be a parade when a baby is born.”

Illustrated by Maurice Sendak and published in 1952, the book captures the wisdom, humor, and whimsical observations of childhood. The world looks different from a child’s point of view. Ordinary things become remarkable.

This year has felt like a joyful parade for me and many of my friends. My granddaughter was born in March, and we waved a pink flag in the air to celebrate this new addition to our family. Among our circle of friends, three sets of twins have also joined the grandchild platoon.

What a parade!

Of course, babies do not arrive quietly into our carefully ordered lives. They make homes chaotic, schedules hectic, and sleep something measured in one-hour increments. They bring diapers, bottles, toys, car seats, laundry, crying, laughing, and an astonishing amount of equipment for such very small people. But they also fill a home with love, warmth, wonder, and life.

Perhaps that is why the scene in Mark’s Gospel is so beautiful. Parents were bringing their children to Jesus simply so He could touch and bless them. When the disciples tried to stop them, Jesus was indignant, making it a teaching moment.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these…. And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” -Mark 10:14-16 

The children came to Jesus with nothing to offer. They had no impressive faith, no accomplishments, no understanding of theology. They simply came with open hands and were received into His arms.

And Jesus said the kingdom belongs to such as these. So start a parade and celebrate the children in your life with Jesus. I believe Jesus would agree there should be a parade when a baby is born. 

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will remind my children daily that Your love for them is everlasting and draw their hearts closer to You. (Psalm 103:17, James 4:8)