Childlike faith

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.”  It’s awesome to watch the magic of Christmas unfold in the eyes of children.  It’s also entertaining to watch adults be driven by the insanity, and madness of two months of commercialism which now begins before Halloween, leaving the church in an awkward position to hastily acknowledge the fast-paced period between Thanksgiving and Christmas known as Advent. 

Advent and Christmas have always been my absolute favorite times of the year.  For me, these seasons connect me to my childhood in a very meaningful way.  I have opportunities to reflect on the memories of some who are no longer with me but carried in my heart and thoughts daily.  This past summer I did something at church that I typically shy away from, I worked with the children’s ministry and taught Vacation Bible School, with the intention of trying to diversify my spiritual gifts at my internship site.  I absolutely loved every minute of it.  Although the children left me drained on most days, I learned so much from them as I watched them learn and play.  Yes, there were tantrums, squabbles, tattling and that brutal childhood honesty that keeps most adults on their feet.  Children play with each other, love each other, and are quick to forgive each other while not judging their peers in ways that we as adults, jaded by time and experiences of life cannot, or choose not to adhere to.

I rarely hear children talking about politics, someone’s curriculum vitae, socioeconomic strata or aging parents.  There may be tears, falls and stumbles along the way, but the majority of times, a child’s heart, is filled with laughter knowing that everything around them will be okay.  The intellectual curiosity of children at times is insatiable.  Jesus encourages us to have childlike faith.  During these moments of holiday mayhem, take time to “Steal away to Jesus.”  Embrace your inner child.  Play, laugh, love and forgive without hesitation or regard of consequence.  In these times, the Holy Spirit may reveal a hidden mystery to you, because you are positioned to receive it through your childlike faith.

Peace,
Karsten