Little children like to form a circle
Tightly holding hands with all their friends
An imaginary line around them
Keeping out the ones who are not in
But standing on the edge is not the same
And those who watch can never win the game
Are you on the outside [x3]
Come on in [x3]
There's a family that has formed a circle
Though its tightly arms are open wide
But there is a line you must cross over
If you really want to come inside
But standing on the edge is not the same
And those who watch can never share the name
Are you on the outside (Come on in) [x3]
Come on in [x3]
The line becomes a wall
When you stading behind it
But grace can make the door
If you choose to find it
Are you on the outside (Come on in) [x3]
Come on in [x3]
"Come On In" by Twila Paris is a beautiful and uplifting song that speaks to the heart of every person who has ever felt left out or excluded. It is a call to embrace the love and acceptance of God, who invites us to come into His family and experience His grace.
The song begins with the image of children forming a circle, holding hands tightly and excluding those who are not part of their group. This image represents the human tendency to create boundaries and divisions, to keep others out and maintain a sense of superiority or exclusivity. But the singer reminds us that standing on the outside looking in is not the same as being part of the circle. Those who watch from the sidelines can never truly experience the joy and love that comes from being included.
This theme of exclusion and inclusion resonates deeply with many biblical verses. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of including and welcoming children, who were often marginalized in society. Similarly, in Romans 15:7, Paul writes, "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." This verse reminds us that we are called to accept and welcome others, just as Christ accepted and welcomed us.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts from the exclusion of the children's circle to the inclusive nature of God's family. The singer describes a family that has formed a circle, with arms open wide, inviting others to come inside. However, there is a line that must be crossed, a choice that must be made, in order to truly be part of this family. This line represents our willingness to surrender our pride, our prejudices, and our self-centeredness, and embrace the love and grace of God.
The song acknowledges that standing on the outside looking in can feel like a wall separating us from the love and acceptance we long for. However, it also reminds us that grace can make a door, if we choose to find it. This echoes the words of Jesus in John 10:9, where He says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." Jesus is the door through which we can enter into the family of God, finding salvation and a place of belonging.
Overall, "Come On In" is a powerful reminder of God's invitation to all people to come into His family. It encourages us to break down the walls of exclusion and embrace the inclusive love and acceptance that God offers. Just as the song speaks to the heart of those who have ever felt left out or excluded, it also challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards others. It reminds us that we are called to love and accept others just as Christ has loved and accepted us. So let us respond to God's invitation, and with open arms, say, "Come on in!"
