A little girl in a swirly pink dress bent down to show her love to the only thing that was at the level that she could actually see and touch in the crowded room. The dog was on duty and was lying by his master, but with his tender puppy dog eyes he looked up to her with unconditional love. She talked to him sweetly in a whisper for no one else to hear then gave him a kiss and waited for him to return a kiss to her. The calling of her mother took her away and as she walked towards her mother, she turned around and gave a big girl smile waving and softly saying good-bye to the dog that brought a sparkle to her eyes. To have the demeanor as this little girl so innocent and the lovingly affection she showed to the object of her heart’s desire brought the truth of what Jesus saw in the little children. When we respond to Jesus in faith, with this same joyful tender love with humility and meekness dependence that glorifies him with our action and words towards others; we enter into knowing he dwells within us; and nothing can snatch us away from being a child of God or his unconditional love.
As we draw near to the coming of Jesus, may we have hearts like children.
Joy-filled Anticipation: No matter what is present in your life in this season, Jesus’ presence offers life and joy. In the anticipation of the coming of Jesus, who came to earth to save you from your sins by becoming the sacrificial lamb himself in your place, we celebrate all of who he is. He is your joy who will never leave you nor forsake you.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Grace Abounding: During this Christmas season, may we be examples of Christ by giving of our talents and time, giving to the needs of others, freely giving the greatest gift of all time, Jesus, knowing it is more blessed to be giving than receiving. Thanks to God for the gift of grace upon grace that produces in us good works towards others and puts our hearts in the right place.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Simply Humble: By the power of God, being of a humble spirit moves the heart to submit under the governance of Christ. When we humble our hearts and are brought to a place of full confidence in him, we experience how much he cares for us, teaching us the way, and providing for our needs as a Father takes care of his child.
“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. (Psalm 25:9)
For Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.“ (Matthew 18:3). Jesus, our greatest example, came to this world in a lowly manger, the humbled King of Kings who lowered himself even to endure the cross looking toward the joy set before him by his Father in heaven.
Daily, as we renew our hearts and minds, may we be as little children, meek and mild, dependent, teachable and lowly, helplessly hanging fully to our Father in heaven.