That’s the Good News, My Sweet Boy

“Mommy, can you read this to me?” he came running into my room with his Beginner’s Bible in his hands. 

I took a look at the page he had opened–the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. We had read it before, but it had been awhile. He was older now and more aware of things, so I knew this time would be different. 

“Okay, baby, I can read it to you,” I said as I scooped him up on my lap. 

“Mommy, are they going to hurt Jesus?” he asked me with fear in his eyes. 

“Um, yes . . . yes, baby, they’re going to hurt him,” I said as I started to tear up at the thought of what my Jesus endured. 

As we read through the story, he asked me questions and I gave him the honest answers, praying it would make sense to his 4-year-old little mind. His little face was so sad as we finished. 

“Oh, but wait, honey! There’s more–there’s a happy ending!” I told him as we went on to read the next chapter about Jesus’ resurrection.

“I gave my life so that you could be with me in heaven. I am going there to prepare a wonderful new home for you. When I come back the next time, I will take you with me,” I read the words from his Bible as we closed out our storytime. 

“For me?!” he asked with a giddy little voice. 

“Yes, baby, for you! Jesus is making a room all special just for you in Heaven!” I said. 

And that’s the happy ending, my sweet boy. 

That’s the good news.