Become a Follower of Jesus

posted by admin on Mar 19

The animals in the petting zoo loved the times when the children came to see them. So when Mr. Henderson, the owner of the petting zoo, brought them Willie the Billy Goat to join them, every one of the animals tried to help him learn how to get the children to like him. At first, Willie didn`t understand why the children ran away from him.

“Yesterday that little blond haired girl started crying when I came to see her.? Willie complained to Chelsea the Chicken. “All I wanted to do is be her friend.?

“So when she came over to pet you, was she smiling?? Chelsea tried to help her friend.

“Yes and I did my very best Billy Goat things to make friends with her.? Willie complained. “I ran in circles. I butted into fence posts and rose up on my hind legs and brayed and then to really let her know I was her friend, I ate her dolly.? He said sadly having no idea why a little human girl wouldn`t like that.

“Why don`t you do what I do?? Chelsea advised her new friend. “Just cluck around and peck the ground but don`t peck their shoes. They hate that. Then if its time go to your nest and lay an egg.? She said proudly.

But Willie was pretty sure he could never lay an egg so he sought more advice.

“Well I think they are afraid you might butt them. Little girls are easily frightened.? Said Peter the Puppy. “But here is what always works for me. Next time we are all out there, join me and my brothers and sisters and yip and jump up and down and pant with your tongue out and then when the children throw sticks, run and fetch them and then roll over and show your tummy. They love that.?

This seemed like very silly advice but Willie was new so he was willing to give it a try. Things started going wrong right away though. When the Children threw sticks, Willie outran all the puppies and ate the sticks which made the other puppies angry. Panting with his tongue out made the children scream the word “GROSS? which he didn`t understand. Then when it was time for all the puppies to play together, Willie started butting them which is how Billy Goats play and the puppies all ran away and hid and so did the children.

Willie was very sad and pouted all the next day. Finally, he was walking in the field where Mr. Henderson put the animals to rest from being petting and he saw Mr. Henderson sitting near the creek reading something. Willie walked up.

“Oh hello Willie. Are you having fun being a petting zoo goat?? He asked. Willie just shook his head because humans can`t understand animal talk.

“I see. Is it because the boys and girls run from you when you butt them and eat their toys?? Mr. Henderson guessed. Willie nodded.

“Willie, do you know what this book I am reading is?? He asked. Willie shook his head although it looked like it might be good to eat. “Its called The Bible and it has words from God who created us all. It has words to help you to Willie. See the Bible says that if we think about God, our creator and praise him, that His peace will live inside you and guard your heart. You want peace with the children don`t you Willie?? Mr. Henderson asked and Willie nodded his head very enthusiastically.

“It also says that you should make it your job to be at peace with all creatures. You can do that Willie. When you are with the children, find out what they like. If they don`t like butting, don`t do that then. Wait until you are in private. If they don`t like for you to eat things they own, try not to. But all children like touch animals and if you try to like them and find ways to get them to smile, they will love you. That`s the secret of being a very popular petting zoo goat Willie.?

And Willie learned his lesson well. Before long, he was the most popular animal in the zoo and the children called his name and begged for him to come to them to pet him and love him. Willie always made sure the children had smiles on their faces when he was with them and what he found out is that he began to love them from the inside. That peace and love of God that Mr. Henderson was talking about was really coming out. Willie decided to sit with Mr. Henderson when he read that book more and to never ever ever try to eat it.

posted by admin on Mar 18

The children of the shepherds waited eagerly not far from Bethlehem to hear the story of their parents visit to see the Christ child. Little Johannes sat on the hill watching the tiny barn in the valley where they say the miracle baby was just born. But instead of his parents, a small boy came out carrying a drum and made his way up the hill.

“Oh hello.? The little drummer boy said when he saw the young shepherd boy. “I am Amahl.?

“I am Johannes.? The shepherd introduced himself. “Have you been to see the Christ child??

“Yes, I traveled here with the wise men from the east. I could not afford a gift so they let me play my drum for him. I will never forget it.? Amahl told his new friend sitting next to him in the snow.

“Yes, I want to see the messiah so much. It is the greatest miracle to come to our people since the Hanukah miracle.? Johannes reflected.

“I am not part of your proud Hebrew tradition.? Amahl confessed. “What is this story of Hanukah??

So Amahl began to draw pictures in the snow to tell the story. “A long time ago, over hundred and fifty years ago to be exact, the Hebrew people were being treated very cruelly by bad men who were the government. They did not respect our religion and they destroyed our temple and put filthy things that made our temple unholy on our alters and killed many many people?

“Oh that must have been terrible.? Amahl observed. “Stories are told of this horrible treatment around the world. The wise men who brought me talked of them during the long ride to Bethlehem. They said a great champion saved your people.?

“Yes, that`s true. His name was Judas Maccabeus and God gave him great victories over our oppressors. He was able to defeat armies of ten thousand with just a few hundred soldiers just like the great deliverers of history did. It was truly a show of how faithful and protective God is of his people.? Johannes continued.

“So you celebrate Hanukah because of the miracle of deliverance that God did through Judas Maccabeus?? Wondered Amahl.

“Well there`s more to the story.? Amahl continued happy to be able to tell the story of the Hanukah miracle. “Judas Maccabeas drove the oppressors from our land. Our priests and valiant men took the temple back as the battle raged. In the temple there is a flame that is to burn for eternity. It represents that God is present in the temple and He will never leave us or forsake us. When our priests reentered the temple that day, they found the lamp still burning despite the horrible things the enemy had done to our holy places. It showed us for sure that God never left us and will never leave us, even when we suffer.? Johannes said sound much like his father when the story is told each year in their home.

“This is a wonderful God you have. I wish all the peoples of the world could come to Him.? Amahl said sadly.

“The miracle of Hanukah shows that God will save his people no matter what. The priests found there was only enough oil for one day left for the lamp to continue to burn. Because they had to stay in the temple as the battle raged on, there was no way they could go find oil for the lamp and yet that lamp was God`s presence with us. For eight days they waited to get out to get more oil.? Amahl said whispering in awe.

“And the lamp? Did God`s presence lift because the oil ran out?? Johannes asked eagerly.

“NO!? Amahl said triumphantly, “The lamp burned for eight days on one days worth of oil. That is the miracle of Hanukah and why we celebrate each year for eight days to commemorate that God would not let his spirit lift from us even though supplies were not available to keep the lamp burning. Our God is not bound by missing oil or anything. He has the power to do miracles for all of his people. And now he has done the greatest miracle, he has sent His only son, Jesus to save all people so we all can be his children.?

“As we traveled.? Amahl said, “the wise men spoke of salvation for all people too. Isn`t your God just the God of the Hebrews and didn`t Jesus just come to save the Jews just as Judas Maccabee saved the Jewish people from outsiders?` He asked confused.

Amahl face lit up because he suddenly understood why Hanukah and Christmas are about the same thing. “The miracle of the Christ child is like Hanukah. Just as God declared in Hanukah that his presence will always be with us, now even more is God coming to be our friend and savior because God himself has come, not just oil form him or blessing but God himself has come to be with us forever. And the miracle is greater still because as the angel choir sang, his salvation is for all people, the Jews, the wise men from the east, you Amahl, all people can receive the salvation from God.?

Both boys got goose bumps from the amazing thing they learned about God. And on that very first Christmas night, Jew and non Jew alike joined hands and accepted the gift of life from Jesus just like you and your family have done and people in your community will continue to do as you tell them the story of the amazing miracle of God`s blessings shown in Hanukah and in the coming of his son, our savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.

posted by admin on Mar 17

NOTE: Unlike most of my stories, the symbolism of this little parable is not spelled out. Be sure you are ready to explain to the children that Bruno is a type of Christ and Andrew a type for all Christians.

From the minute, he showed up at school, everybody knew Bruno was poor. His clothes were tattered, he never carried any money and his hair was never clean. Usually when a poor kid started school though, the bullies picked on him the most. Lots of the Christian kids hated that but they were afraid to step in. Andrew spotted Bruno the first day and he immediately knew there was something different about him. At lunch, Bruno was just having a side dish because that was all he could afford. So Andrew bought two full meals and took one to Bruno.

“Hi, I`m Andrew. I accidentally got two meals today. Can you take one?? Bruno`s eyes shone with appreciation at the offer.

“Yes, sure. Hi, I am Bruno. I am new here.? And over lunch, the two became good friends.

“Listen Bruno. Be careful of the bullies ok? They always pick on the poor, umm, er, the new kids and I don`t want to see you get hurt.? Andrew advised.

“I`ll be careful. Don`t worry about me Andrew. For anything.? Bruno smiled. There was that smile again. Usually poor kids did not smile like they were on top of the world. Bruno smiled like that. He was at ease in the school even when the snooty kids wouldn`t talk to him, bumped him or said crude things to him. He just sang a quiet song and walked confidentially down the middle of the hallway with a spring in his step like he could not be bothered by anything. Even those who wanted to bully him paused and watched him walk away like that totally puzzled and wondered, what is the deal with Bruno?

Suddenly the biggest bully of them all stepped in front of Bruno. His name was Rocky and even the bullies feared him. “Hold it right there.? Rocky said. “What are you so happy about? Not many people are happy before they get beaten up.? Rocky said.

“Hello, Bruno here.? Bruno introduced himself. Then what he did absolutely amazed the whole school. Bruno just moved slightly to the left which caused Rocky to move with him and that little fake gave him an opening and Bruno slid under Rocky`s arm on the right and continued walking toward the exit.

“BRUNO!? Rocky called out in anger. “FIVE OCLOCK AT THE BASEBALL FIELD, BE THERE.? He challenged. Bruno turned back to Rocky, that very happy grin still on his face.

“Happy to.? He said without a trace of fear or anger almost like he was making a date to play baseball rather than to be abused by Rocky and his boys.

Andrew called Bruno after school and tried to talk him out of going but no good. Bruno acted like it was going to be fun. So he agreed at least to let Andrew come with him. They approached the ball field and it was deserted. Bruno and Andrew started throwing a ball back and forth when the bullies arrived. Rocky`s friends filled the bleachers.

“Ok Bruno. No more fooling around.? Rocky said advancing.

“Oh I think lots of fooling around.? Bruno said and all of a sudden, he was behind Rocky. Rocky swung around and the super quick poor boy was behind him again. When Rocky turned again, Bruno smiled and patted his nose. The kids in the stands roared with laughter. Rocky swung his fist to hurt Bruno but Bruno was too nimble. He grabbed Rocky`s arm and put him to the ground and he did it over and over again until Rocky lay exhausted and not one punch had been landed. Andrew recognized the moves as those only a black belt in judo could have done.

Just then, a car drove up just next to the ball field. But it wasn`t just any car. It was a very special car. On the side the words “Van Pelt Industries? were written. Val Pelt industries was the factory that made up about 90% of the employment in Andrew`s town. The President, Steve Malone was a genius of management so everybody who worked there was very well off.

“Well I have to be going now.? Bruno said walking to the limousine. The passenger door opened and the tall handsome Steve Malone got out.

“All done Bruno?? He said happily.

“Sure am dad.? And the two started to get in the car. All around that baseball field, the people watching, Rocky and Andrew just watched with absolute amazement, as the son of the king of the town who everybody thought was a poor kid got into the limo with his dad. Before they took off, Bruno`s leaned out the open window.

“Andrew, you gave me food when you thought I was poor. Care to come to the mansion for a nice long visit?? He offered.

“YOU BET!? Andrew shouted and he ran to the car where they let him call his mom on the cell phone so he could go to the mansion. And why not? Who wouldn`t want to stay with the son of the king in a mansion with all the luxuries? Any of us would love to have a best friend like that. I know I would.