COME TO JESUS LIKE A CHILD
Greg and Nanette Robinson
Today’s Scripture: “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14b, ESV
Theme: Though we omit those of low status as we form our Christmas schedules and plans, Jesus made time in His schedule for children and “the least of these” and prioritized them.
THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
In today’s Scripture reading, we see families from across the region of Judea traveling to where Jesus is so that they might learn from Him and receive His blessings. Can you imagine these families waking up and discussing their anticipated encounter with Jesus over morning cinnamon rolls? They would soon be in the presence of the Promised One, who through His touch, His teachings, and His spiritual revelations miraculously changes lives. They must have been very excited and so very joyful.
Similarly, as our family begins decorating and preparing for the holidays, we get excited about Christmas. Nanette puts up a wedding tree with ornaments that celebrate all the marriages in our family. She decorates the mantle with lights, garland, ornaments, and stockings. Gold and silver dance off the lights of our family's Christmas tree as a toy train travels around it on a track. All of this and more is an outward expression of the joy we feel in our hearts for Jesus as we anticipate the wonderful blessings we will experience during the Christmas season.
THE HINDRANCES OF CHRISTMAS
Somewhere along the way as we journey toward Christmas, a portion of our joy is overshadowed by the pressures of our Christmas schedules and plans. Self-imposed chores and events begin to hinder us from authentically celebrating Jesus’s birth and His sovereignty over our lives as Lord and Savior. As we see in today’s Scripture, our experience is not unique.
Once the Judean families arrived at the place where Jesus was, their joy was also a bit diminished by some well-intended but misguided rebukes from Jesus’s disciples. Perhaps the rebuke these families received sounded like, “Take your seats, everyone; Jesus is about to speak. PLEASE…our schedules are full, and there is just no time for these distractions, so parents, get control of your children—they may not approach Jesus at this time—and everyone take a seat!” We don’t know what was said, but Jesus became angry that the disciples had hindered the children from coming to Him!
THE BLESSINGS OF CHRISTMAS
Jesus did not want anything preventing these children from coming to Him. In fact, He encourages everyone to come to Him with the joy, awe, simplicity, and trust of a child. Even though they were of low status, Jesus took the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. He prioritized them, embraced them, laughed with them, taught them, and took care of their needs.
This Christmas season, in self-reflection, we need to ask ourselves what well-intended yet misguided holiday hinderances are preventing us from doing as Jesus did. What should be deprioritized in our lives so that we might more authentically enjoy the simplicity and awesomeness of the Christmas season with others, especially the least among us.
Make It Personal: As we consider our Christmas schedules and plans, let’s not allow anything to keep us from experiencing the true blessings of Christmas. Let’s take time out of our busy schedules to buy gifts for those less fortunate, to visit the lonely, and to care for the needs of others, just as Jesus did. In doing so, we will feel Jesus’ loving embrace, His healing touch, and the fullness of His blessing this Christmas.
Pray: Jesus, we are so thankful for Your birth so many years ago. Thank You for loving and shepherding us through the challenges of life. This Christmas, make it my heart’s desire to give rather than receive, and to put the needs of others before my own. Help me remove all hindrances from my life that prevent me from prioritizing the things You have called me to do. In serving others in this way, allow me to fully experience the blessings of Your great love…Amen!
Read: Mark 10:13-16, Mathew 25:40, Luke 14:13-14
Weekly Memory Verse: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, ESV