Matthew 19:14
“Then Jesus said, "Leave the children alone, and don't try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this."
Christmas, a season traditionally exemplified by trees, ornaments, gifts, and an overall sense of charity, is overall the most expected season of all throughout the year. People of all kinds, old and young alike, can find this season to be something that they all agree on, but why is it? Is it because of family, gifts, the warmth of a familiar embrace that was not felt in a long time? Perhaps, but a shroud of darkness has fallen on what the true meaning of Christmas really is. We as Christians have kept the light that once shone above the manger of our savior burning in our hearts. Like the wise men, we too once saw the light in heaven that attracted us to the truth of the birth of our savior. But even we, as carriers of this light, have often forgotten the meaning, and this light that we cherish so much, has dimmed ever so much in our hearts, and around the world. Why did Jesus say that the kingdom of heaven, His kingdom, is made up of children? And more importantly, why did he emphasize so deeply the need for us to be like children in order to see and live in the fullness of His kingdom? Because the kingdom of heaven can only be seen through the eyes of a child. The birth of our Lord was not the beginning of a wonderful tradition but the establishment of a kingdom. The prophesy said that he would be a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace, and of the increase of his government there would be no end. How can this kingdom of power be seen in the eyes of a child? I can imagine that as Jesus opened his eyes for the first time in the manger, that the light that guided the wise men and shepherds to the manger, shone brightly in His eyes. That light shone so brightly in His eyes that it was the Father’s thumbprint in His life. Not only representing the birth of a king, but that where the king is, there would be light also. The light of the kingdom of heaven, the light that children see without dismay. Eyes that see the light that represents purity, kindness, love, longsuffering, unconditional trust, and a heart that gives without expecting in return. We have forgotten in our troubles how to embody many of these things. That is why Jesus in His adulthood said to his disciples the heaven is made up of children, because their eyes see in it’s purest form, the truth and result of His redemption, the embrace an unconditional love of a Heavenly father who desires communion with us. I recently had a birthday, and amidst of all the wonderful gifts and birthday wishes I received, one stood above all of them, not because of it’s material extravagance, but the extravagance of the heart that shared it. My buddy Juston, he's six years old, and aside from the soccer ball he gave me (I gave him a soccer ball at our missions banquet), he gave me a card that said, "Happy Birthday to the one that loves me, hugs me, and wants to spend time with me." This simple message from the heart of a child brought down my man-made defenses and reminded me of what's really important. We are coheirs of grace, we are chosen to rule with our Lord for eternity on High. But we will only fathom a glimpse of His eternal plan and the true meaning of Christmas in this lifetime if we have a heart that speaks the words of this child. So in this season, seek within your heart of hearts and re-ignite that light that once shone in the eyes of our Savior, see with your eyes the light that in the heart of a child in a lowly manger, became the heart of a King.
