Just for Kids

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

What would you say to Baby Jesus?

Would you tell him about his future? Warn him? Tell him to obey his parents?

How about suggesting to make friends with Pontius Pilate? That's what Max Bussi, age 11, of Appleton would say.

Each year, The Compass asks children, in fifth grade and under, to participate in our Christmas essay project. This year is our 20th annual "Just for Kids." We posed this scenario: If you could go back in time to Bethlehem, what advice would you give the baby Jesus? What would you whisper in his ear?

We heard from 448 children. Next week, some of those responses will appear in our Christmas issue (Dec. 21). Also by that date, all of the essays will be posted on The Compass' Web site at www.thecompassnews.org.

In reading these essays, I have been taken back to childhood. And I also gained deep insights into our relationship with God. Here are a few of the gems that touched my heart - and funny bone. I hope they touch you as well.

Advice to Jesus ...

• I would tell him to rejoice in God all of his life. I would whisper in his ear all of my secrets and troubles in my life, and I would tell him that the only thing that matters in life is that God is deeply in love with us. Sarah Angiulli, 8, Kimberly.

• Never run away from your parents. Brianne Karrmann, 5, Appleton.

• You are going to be our leader. I want to let you know early. Wish you luck. It's a big job. Elizabeth Ceranski, 7, Appleton.

• When you take your disciples across a lake on a boat don't fall asleep because you will be awakened. Kate Swiecichowski, 11, Appleton.

• I would tell him Jesus, he's gonna do good miricals. And be published in a Bible. Jamie Philbrick, 9, Shawano.

• Pick your disciples wisely because one will betray you. That is a long way away, so enjoy your life. Julia Heup, 11, Shawano.

• Obey (your) parents. ... It would keep you out of trouble. Also, learn from their mistakes. They have some good things to say. Eliza, 9, Oconto Falls.

• ... watch out for Satan. He's mostly in the form of a snake. Sean Senn, 9, Oconto Falls.

• If you have a yes or no question ask an adult. Logan Dietrich, 8, Brillion.

• Please stop all the violence and killing that is happening in the world today. I want to be safe and I don't have to worry about anything tragic that could happen to me and those I love. Katie Aman, 10, Little Chute.

• I wouldn't because Jesus is perfect and I would be the one who would need advice. I would ask him for forgiveness and praise him. Madelyn Robinson, grade 5, Little Chute.

• I would ask him if he can make my uncle that died over the summer happy! Also I would whisper if he can make no one else in my family have a bad heart. Paige Johnson, 11, Hortonville.

• ... when you grow up if people are against the Lord please do not lose your temper ... Morgan Genal, grade 4, Oshkosh.

• ... that when he is older, that when he is the savior of the people in the world, that he should let all animals to heaven with him because animals would love to have an owner in heaven. ... Rachel Spanbauer, grade 4, Oshkosh.

• Do not be afraid of anything in the world. God will guide you through all the tough times like a feather in the air blowing swiftly through the light breeze. ... John Witynski, grade 4, Green Bay.

• Try to stop global warming, by not using that much energy. ... Melissa Kronser, grade 3, New London.

• I would give him my heart and ask him if he could forgive me for all my sins. Could you stop the war? Bailey McDaniel, grade 3, Kaukauna.