Child-like Faith

This year during the holiday season I have really tried to simplify things.  I am determined not to get stressed out over silly things or experience the negative feelings that can creep into my heart during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.  Sadly, I have let that happen in the past.

This year has been much better.  Besides prayer, I think one of the things that helped is that I am a parent of a four year-old and a toddler.  Watching them get excited about Christmas decorations, holiday treats and other fun traditions has helped me hold onto the joy and push the stress out of my mind.

Listening to my son sing along to “Away in a Manger” takes me back to when I was a child.  I remember the things I loved about the season.  I am so blessed to see my son learning about the birth of Jesus and thrilled when he can tell me the story in his own words.

Thinking about children at Christmas and how they are immune to the pressures adults often feel this time of year reminded me of one very important part of scripture.  “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.  He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.’” Mark 10:13-16

Colleen Townsend Evans says this on the topic: “The hard thing to understand is that faith is the one area in our lives where growing up means we must grow to be more like a child, trusting simply in the goodness and complete knowledge of a Father who has our best interests at heart.”

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes we make things so complicated.  Please help us to receive Jesus and your Word into our hearts like little children.  Enable us to focus on the joy we have in Christ and live each day in humble submission to Him.

In Jesus’ precious name I pray,

Amen.

God Bless you this Christmas and in the New Year Ahead!

Melissa