The Third Sunday of Advent

Matthew 11:25-26(NIV)
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”

With the newly fallen snow, I began to remember my amazement as a child to the large amounts of snow we used to get growing up.  I grew up in Minnesota and winters there were truly winters.  Not unheard of to wake up weekly to 10+ inches of freshly fallen snow.  I was always amazed by the fun that could be had if you were to just venture outside to play. We would build snow forts, tunnels, go sledding, and generally just be outside for hours at a time. The wonder of being a child.  Looking at everything with new eyes each day, just enjoying the moment, eyes wide open.

Jesus talks about the little children in Matthew.  That wonder and amazement of seeing life through eyes not yet changed by society.  Whether Jesus was speaking about the children or about those society looked down upon, the result is the same. God chose to reveal himself to those who were looking with fresh eyes. To children with the ability to see more than what was right in from of them and to the marginalized who were looking for hope in the midst of hopelessness. 

A child’s heart is moldable. A heart ready to be taught, pliable in the Saviors hands. Clay ready for the potters wheel.  Those of us who are parents understand the need to teach and raise up responsible children.  We do our best to set a good example, to correct and discipline as needed, and to take the time to spend with our children, engaging them in conversation.  We teach them, but we also learn from them.  A child has much to teach an adult about living in the moment. Children give their all towards whatever endeavor they are working towards and to “living with abandon.”

We can all learn a little something from a child when it comes to following Jesus.  To not be so rigid in the ways in which we interact with him. There is no hard and fast rule on how we should interact with Jesus. I am not condoning you stop reading your bibles, but maybe it’s time to try something new where you can see Jesus with fresh new eyes.  Maybe we need to open our eyes wide and allow ourselves to be amazed by him.  A new vision of his loveliness that hopefully will bring a smile to your face today.