Pastor Luis' Blog

Erma Bonbeck once wrote, “There’s nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.” Many of us probably remember the wonder and awe that we felt on Christmas as children. Consequently, we can easily connect with Erma’s sentiment. We can connect with it in a positive way as we re-live some of those childhood Christmases in our memories. We can also connect with it in a negative way, knowing that, over the years, many of our Christmases have been met with too much pain, cynicism and callous familiarity. The wonder and awe has a way of evaporating, doesn’t it?

I believe Bonbeck hit upon a truth that Jesus taught his disciples during his ministry. The gospel of Luke tells us:

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, “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.” – Luke 18:15-18

Jesus said that in order to receive God’s kingdom we must receive it as children. In order to be a part of and to perceive it around us we must be as children. Could it be that for us to receive Christmas in it’s fullness and enjoy it’s awesomeness we need to experience it as a child? Childhood a unique time in life.  A child’s world is usually devoid of the world’s pressures and responsibilities and whatever pressure they might feel is quickly dissipates in fun and a singular moment of wonder.  Our purest time of enjoyment and impression is as a child.

May we all once again come to Him as little children, awe-inspired by the power, grace and love of  God through Jesus our savior. In fact, may we share the response of those who witnessed  and heard about the birth of Jesus for the first time:
^“and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”(Luke 2:18)

In awe and amazement,

Pastor Luis

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