Letter to the Congregations: 8th November 2025

Our Dear Brethren,

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16).

The Church of God has made a point of following this example of blessing little children. Traditionally we do this after the Feast of Tabernacles, and typically this happens once in each child’s life officially. Typically this is done within the first year of each child’s birth, although there are some who are blessed into their teenage years if they weren’t blessed at a younger age. But what happens the rest of their lives? Do we just ask God to bless these children and then hope they turn out well? Or do we continue to bless them? And how do we bless them?

The blessing that Jesus gave to the children who were brought to Him was a prayer to His Father asking Him for divine protection, placing His name on them in hopes that they might learn His name and follow Him. We can only speculate as to His exact words in that moment, but I wonder if He followed the example He and His Father had given to Moses and the high priests of Israel when they would bless the children of Israel: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

We as parents and grandparents, as brethren of these children, as those who these children will look up to as they grow and mature, can and should continue to pray for these children all their lives. We can also continue to point them in the right direction, teaching them to seek God on their own. We can be there for them when they struggle, and encourage them when they are doing good things. The blessing of these little children shouldn’t stop at this traditional prayer once in a lifetime. The blessing of our children should continue for a lifetime. This is our opportunity to be part of the blessings we seek for our children. What an amazing opportunity we have to be blessings to others as God has been to us in our lives!

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe