He will be a baby.

"Be not afraid, for behold I bring you good news of great joy, which will come to all people, for unto you is born this day a savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you--" (Luke 2. 10-12)


The day had been filled with endless explanations and answers to at least 1,000 questions. And quite frankly my daughter Brynn, who was 4 at the time, was wearing me down.

"There are 12 eggs in the egg carton because...because that's how many fit in there!" "Yes, Brynn, Santa might like to buy the house for sale across the street, but I understand he and Mrs. Claus really prefer a cooler climate."

But one question caught me off guard and left me somewhat speechless. "Mommy, why did God come to the world as a baby?"

Not being a theologian or even a very philosophical person, I needed to respond and it could only come from my heart. I explained that children are the most precious gift of all. They are the ones we strive to protect with our own lives in a sometimes unsettling and confusing world. Children teach adults many things that we sometimes forget as we grow older. What better way for God to enter the world than with the precious gift of a baby. A baby to fill our hearts with love, hope and joy.

To know the real meaning of Christmas you and I must have the simple faith of a child.

There's a sense of wonder in a child's world

Their simple trust leads them to believe

And awakens the wonder in our own life

and to have faith in things we can not see.

It is our responsibility to teach children about the realities of our world. But it is the natural gift of children to reintroduce us to the realities of their world. Our world is filled with warnings and worries. Their world is filled with wonder and innocent wisdom.

Thank God every time when the little miracles called children remind of us of what's truly important in life.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of the Christ child and the light and laughter children bring into our lives. Help us to find the child within us so we can see Christmas through a child's trusting eyes. Amen.

Written and submitted by Diane DeLong

 

Back to Best of Advent...