Advent Devotion ~ A Child's Christmas (Day 13)

When we think of the joys of Christmas, it is often by remembering the smiles and laughter of our children. Children experience joy in a way that adults often don't. Sadly, we also think of the worldly things that tend to occupy a child's mind at Christmas... Santa, snowmen, presents, cookies... instead of the child's wonder at the real meaning of Christmas.

I think this is not because of our children... but because of us. How much of our Christmas preparation is focused on the buying and wrapping of gifts, the decorations, the baking, the Christmas specials about everything except Christ... when the wonder of Christmas is in none of these things.

Steven Curtis Chapman produced this video about Christmas with children reading the Christmas story and putting up the nativity. Here we see what Jesus meant when He talked about children. As you watch, be touched by the sweet and open acceptance. The quiet joy. The respect. The faith.



And Jesus called a little child to Him,
set him in the midst of them, and said,
"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and
become as little children, you will by no means
enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child
is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one little child
like this in My name receives Me.

But whoever causes one of these little ones
who believe in Me to sin,
it would be better for him
if a millstone were hung around his neck,
and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
Matthew 18:2-6 New King James Version

This Christmas season, let us lead by example. Put Christ FIRST. Let us come humbly before Christ as we celebrate HIS birth. Let our children learn the wonder and awe of the birth of Christ. Of the Holy One of Heaven coming to Earth as a tiny baby for our sake. It is truly worthy of celebration and should be a time of great joy!