Childlike Wonder: Embracing the True Spirit of Christmas

“Now they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for the little ones, saying, “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:5-7

Twinkling colored lights, fires crackling in the hearth, and freshly baked sugar cookies waiting to be iced. These sights, sounds, and smells instantly remind me of Christmas at my grandparents’ house. My grandma intentionally filled each corner of her house with Christmas decorations and baked treats that sparked our sense of wide-eyed anticipation of Christmas morning.

However, the thing I treasure the most about Christmas’ my grandma’s house is the way she always took time to be fully present with each one of us. She asked us what we wanted for Christmas and listened to our stories about practicing for Christmas programs and preparing for class Christmas parties.

When I think about my childhood Christmas experiences, it changes the way I read Luke 18:15-17. I wonder if as we get older, we begin to relate more with the disciples’ opinion rather than Jesus’s truth? The disciples watched Jesus as he healed the sick, forgave all of the sinners, and brought hope to all who heard His teaching. With all of these important needs, the disciples thought Jesus was too busy to spend even a moment with the little babies who were brought to Him. Jesus was the Messiah, Savior of the world. Shouldn’t He be investing each moment in the grown-ups who could carry on His legacy throughout the world right now?

In true Christlike fashion, He surprised His followers with His answer.

Instead of dismissing the children, Jesus readily opened His arms and elevated them to a place of importance. He told His disciples, “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Although the little children may not have been able to be His hands and feet right then, Jesus taught the importance of being fully present with our children through pouring into their lives, because they are the next generation of Christ followers.

Of all of the Christ-like qualities my grandma possesses, the way she is fully present with her grandchildren and great grandchildren reminds me the most of Jesus. In the midst of all of the miracles, He knew the importance of truly seeing the children right in front of Him.

Jesus didn’t say the kingdom of God belongs to the scholar, healer, or achiever. Instead He taught us the kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who have a childlike faith. Lord, please open our hearts and inspire us to be fully present with the children around us this Christmas season.

*This post was originally shared on The Round Farmhouse Ministries Facebook and Instagram accounts on December 18. If you want to read more encouraging words like this, check out their social media accounts!