It’s funny how Christmas brings out the kid in us. We get such delight from seeing the youngest among us at play, in wonder, perpetually curious, full of innocence, absorbing all the minor details for the miracle they are. Our memories transport us back to the sights, sounds and smells of our own childhood experiences at this time of the year. Our own children, if we are blessed to have them, grow up far too quickly. We try not to impose our own expectations on them as to what they will be. We are sometimes disappointed and dismayed if their life plan doesn’t mesh with what we hoped for. Those feelings do tend to re-surface, bubble up, even boil over at Christmas time. Our progeny, like it or not, will become their own person and contend with a world that doesn’t mesh with what we had hoped for them. We are first and foremost guidance counselors, not compliance officers.

The two main infant characters in the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke had destinies that were given by God. It is every bit a miracle that John leaps for joy at the words of annunciation spoken ex-utero. Even more miraculous that he is the “set-up guy” for The One prophesied, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Children raised in the Jewish tradition, the pre-Light and Light to ALL nations. When we observe how our children set off on their life-path, we find ourselves looking to their early days for any clues that might give us the “ah-ha!” of confirmation. We find ourselves wistfully wishing for a “rewind button” for our own lives; a chance to re-play the tape and edit out all the blemishes and scratches. For you, dear blog reader, I hope you will recapture some of the lost innocence of childhood. Whether you have young grandchildren of your own, or simply observe kids and how the miracle of Christmas moves them, you can let your heart be light. The Light of the World comes to visit again, bringing much-needed joy, peace, and wonder. Cast aside all the garbage that stands in the way of that longing. Dispense with agitation, fisted minds, and impenetrable hearts. Christ wants in on the playful delight of our spirits. Let the Holy Child’s unconditional love take you forward into the God-promised future.

Blessed Christmas.

Pastor Art