David Donnan

In a recent sermon, I shared an intriguing story about a toy that captured my attention—the Moxie robot. Marketed as the first AI companion for children aged 5 to 10, this robot promised to chat, engage, and even befriend its young owners with a touch of artificial intelligence.

Like most smart devices, Moxie relied on an internet connection to function properly. Unfortunately, the company behind Moxie recently announced its closure, leaving these once-beloved robots unable to operate. Without ongoing support or updates, Moxie robots would eventually stop working entirely.

Parents of Moxie owners faced the difficult task of explaining to their children that their robot friends, in a sense, were “dying.” What had become a cherished companion for many children would soon be gone—a poignant reminder of loss that some children experienced for the first time.

This story reminded me of a similar moment from my childhood: watching the opening scene of Bambi and encountering the concept of death. For those children, the end of their Moxie robot was more than a toy breaking—it was an emotional lesson on the impermanence of life.

But here’s the good news. In Luke 18:16-17, Jesus offers us a beautiful contrast:

“Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'”

Unlike toys, devices, or even the things we cherish most on this earth, God never breaks down. He doesn’t need a software update. He doesn’t run out of power. Nothing can separate us from His love.

God is a good and faithful Father who invites us to trust Him with childlike faith—a faith that knows He will never fail, never fade, and never leave.

As we step into 2025, I pray to embrace this truth even more deeply, trusting fully in the eternal love and presence of our God.