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Mark 10:13-14,16
People were bringing little children to [Jesus] in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. Bu when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” … And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

To ponder
I’ve often said that those who say having a childlike faith means not asking questions haven’t met too many children. - Rachel Held Evans, Inspired

Red light, green light, cupcake
During our “youngest disciples’ time” in a Lenten worship service, I talked about playing the game “Red Light, Green Light.” Perhaps your rules are a little different, but many kids play it this way: A leader calls, “Red light,” “Green light,” or perhaps “Yellow light,” and everyone else stops, runs forward, or moves forward in slow motion, respectively. The object is to reach the leader. The person who wins becomes the next leader.

At one point I asked the children, “What would you do if the leader called, ‘Purple light’?” I hoped for some variation on yellow light - moving slowly and intentionally, taking time to reflect, as we do in Lent - and we did eventually get there. The first response, however, from five-year-old Daisy, was to “be a cupcake” - a classic children’s sermon surprise answer! Give this girl an honorary theology degree, because she was right. In Lent we move “purple,” which can mean “be a cupcake.” Cupcakes aren’t just miniature cakes. They are concentrated, bite-sized, portable treats that are easily personalized, and do not require silverware or even a plate (though maybe a napkin). In other words, cupcakes are exactly what baptized and beloved children of God should be in the world - transportable, adaptable, unique, miniature Christs.

Let’s be cupcakes during this Lent. Pass the frosting.

Prayer
Sweet Jesus, bless us and make us vessels to spread your love to others. Amen.

(from: “A Story to Tell: Devotions for Lent” Bekki Lohrmann, Harvard Stephens Jr., Lydia Posselt, David L. Miller; Augsburg Fortress, 2020)