Black Holes in the Bible and Childlike Faith

Did you know there are black holes in the Bible? There are mud puddles, canyons, and prickle bushes as well.

I know about these because I tell Bible stories to kids.

Have you ever noticed how many empty spaces there are in Bible stories? For instance, what did Jesus and Zacchaeus discuss over lunch? And what was happening on Easter Saturday?

Try telling these stories to children. They're not afraid of black holes. They will launch straight into them. 

Slimy mud puddles that most Sunday school teachers avoid, such as how Mary got pregnant? Kids will take a running leap into that one.

Tricky prickle bushes that college theologians won't venture near? No problem for the minds of 5-year-olds. A group of preschoolers once explained the Resurrection to me.

Grownups can read the signs at the top of a cliff that say: "Don't go too close to the edge" or "Danger. Unstable cliff edge", but kids only see an opportunity to explore. 

Burning bushes, talking donkeys, floating zoos, miracles.

And the best part is that they will joyfully take the grownups by the hand, if we are willing to let them lead us.

Next time you're reading your Bible and you find a black hole, find a child to tell the story to. Sit alongside them and wonder together. No space suits, flack jackets, parachutes, or safety harnesses required.