Matthew 18:2-5: He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
There’s a house full of delightful children next door who regularly give us reasons to smile. Recently Bob walked out the door just in time to see 8-year-old Frankie shoving something inside the front gate. When Bob asked what he was doing, with his sweet smile, Frankie said, “I’m feeding your squirrels!” “Oh, okay, thank you!” Bob replied. As Frankie continued on his way, Bob walked out to find two walnuts on the ground just inside the gate. He brought them inside and we laughed as he shared the latest antics of our young friend next door.
Those walnuts were set aside and somehow just never left the house (nor went to our squirrels). They sat in a small tray for a while; we smiled every time we glanced at them. Finally the two little walnuts found their way to a giant niche in the hallway. They sit next to a little heart-shaped twig that my son brought me years ago after playing outdoors all afternoon, with lots of other dust collectors that are special only to us in one way or another. The memories of simple gifts from young children warm our hearts.
The secular holiday vibe can easily distract us from enjoying God’s greatest Gift of all, and life’s simple blessings too. Oh, that we can be like little children especially in this Christmas season, skipping along eagerly to Jesus, to rest and linger in His love, enjoy His presence, and be warmed by His embrace. Here is where we’ll find the truest meaning, and the greatest gift of Christmas.
PRAYER: Thank you, Father God, for Your indescribable gift, at Christmas and through all the days of our lives. Amen