The Word

The Word

“In the beginning was the Word.”

The bedtime story Grandma Paige told her grandkids always started the same. She was a woman of God baptized in a little river close to the small church her family attended when a child. Her salvation was the rock on which she stood. Now she wanted the same for them.

However, having been baptized as children of Christ Grandma Paige wanted them to know who their savior was. And where He came from. There were those that had accepted Jesus but never knew. And false information could lead them astray.

No, Grandma Paige wanted none of that. So, she went about teaching her grandchildren the truth about their savior. What their baptism really meant.

Tonight, she told the story to her four granddaughters. There was eight-year-old Grace. Her seven-year-old twin cousins Brenda and Linda and their six-year-old cousin Ellen. Grace and Ellen slept in one bed while the twins slept in the other. Grandma Paige loved them all unconditionally. She had no favorite. Each was the apple of her eye.

One would assume that the girls were too young to understand what Grandma Paige was telling them. Grandma Paige did not. She felt that it was never too early to tell people about God only too late. Even if her grandchildren did not fully understand it, she wanted to plant the seed in their minds. Then continue to water it.

For the girl’s part they always looked forward to spending time with their grandmother. Like most grandchildren she spoiled them. She baked cookies, read stories, played games, and listened to their riddles. Grandma Paige showed them love.

Grandma Paige felt that by showing love to her grandchildren they would be more inclined to listen to her. Even when she admonished them from time to time.

Now as she sat between the beds Grandma Paige wanted to teach them about the one who loved them even more than her.

“And the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

When each of you were baptized you received the Holy Spirit. It was placed in you and will live in you forever.”

Being the oldest, Grace had heard the story the most. She was very mature for her age. Grandma Paige sensed it when she saw the girls interact. It was as if her cousins were little sisters to Grace. She helped take care of them and they looked up to her.

So, whenever Grandma Paige told “The Word” story Grace made sure her cousins were listening.

“This is a good story,” she would say to them. “I love when you tell it Grandma. Everybody listen.”

Tucked away in their beds, the girls became rapt as Grandma Paige continued.

“Now the Word was with us before the earth was formed. Jesus existed long before he came to earth in the flesh. He was not born of an earthly vessel but ruled with God himself in heaven. So, when people tell you that Jesus did not exist until He entered Mary’s body you tell them the truth. That He was and has always been there and part of the creation of all things. Even you and me.

The decision to have Jesus come to earth was made by God long before it happened. It was part of the Word. The Word simply said that a savior had to come to earth to save us from ourselves. The Word knew that sin would come to the world and those affected by it would need to be saved. Even when Adam and Eve made that mistake of eating the apple, God had a plan in place for us.

The Holy Spirit existed also. It was there with the Father and Son in heaven and came down to those who believed in God before the Son was born. It entered Mary’s body during Jesus’ conception. When Jesus was born and lived on earth the Holy Spirit ministered to Him in his works. In other words, the Holy Spirit helped Jesus to perform his miracles and do God’s work. Together they showed those on earth who their invisible Heavenly Father was. Some accepted Jesus as the son of God. Some did not.”

“I feel bad for the ones who did not Grandma,” said Linda.

“Me too,” said Grandma Paige. “But they did not know Jesus. If they had known Him, they would have been believers. You can’t save everybody. You can only try.”

Grandma Paige knew this to be true as she had tried to convert others to Jesus. Some accepted Him. Some did not. But it never stopped her from trying. She believed that it was worth telling 100 people about Jesus if it led to one being saved.

“As we know, Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He had to do this so that we could receive the Holy Spirit. So that the Word could be fulfilled.

Knowing his fate, Jesus never thought about not doing His father’s works. He lived the sinless life He was told to do. He preached the gospel that God placed on Him. He performed the miracles God gave Him the power to perform. He showed God’s love and compassion.

When it was time for his crucifixion Jesus did not fight. He simply accepted it as God’s will that had been there from the beginning. He loved us that much.”

Knowing that children have short attention spans, Grandma Paige loved the fact that her grandkids never got restless hearing “The Word.” But she also knew that she could not draw the story out too long.

“After He was crucified Jesus rose from the grave three days later. Just as He said He would. He stayed on earth for 40 days to show the apostles that He had risen and to teach them about God’s kingdom. He told them to make disciples of all the nations baptizing them in The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit before ascending to heaven.

After He returned to sit at the right hand of God the Holy Spirit was sent to earth. It birthed the church that we go to. The place where we are to worship God and spread His word.

The Holy Spirit was also sent to be a part of those who believe in Jesus. That’s you and me. When we were baptized, it entered our bodies forever. This means that though one day our bodies will perish our souls never will. We will one day join The Father and the Son in heaven.

Just as the Word planned it.”

Grandma Paige ended the story there. She said nothing for a while and silently thanked God for giving her the opportunity to share the Word with her granddaughters. Then she began to lead them in singing.

“Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me.

For the bible tells me so.”

“Ok girls it’s time to go to sleep,” said Grandma Paige. She gave each of them a hug and all said that they loved one another. Then Grandma Paige got up from her chair and moved it over to a desk that was by the window. She walked to the door, turned off the lights and said goodnight.

The next day when Grace’s mother came to pick the girls up, she asked Grandma Paige how things had gone.

Before Grandma Paige answered little Ellen said, “We had fun. Grandma told us “The Word” story.”

“She tells it very well, doesn’t she?” said Grace’s mom.

“Uh huh.” Said Brenda.

The next week Grandma Paige had her three grandsons for an overnight visit. Grace’s ten-year-old brother Aaron and Ellen’s older brothers eight-year-old Michael and ten-year-old Keith. When the boys were tucked in Grandma Paige placed a chair between their beds and began.

“In the beginning was the Word.”