Advent provides the perfect opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the greatest gift of all time, the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, who came to earth for us.
I have a challenge for you this week. Are you ready?
Try to view the Advent and Christmas season through the lens of childlike faith!
What are some words that come to mind when you think about childlike faith?
Jesus loved the little children and held them in high regard. A smile comes to my face whenever I hear stories of Jesus pointing to the little children and His view of them.
How interesting to also reflect on others that Jesus greatly respected, the women, the poor, the sick, the outcasts, and the Samaritans. The Jewish people of the day did not value those groups of people.
What can we learn from what Jesus said about the children?
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” So Jesus called a child to come and stand in front of them, and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. –Matthew 18:1-3 (GNT)
Jesus shares the greatness of a young child in the Kingdom of heaven. He says becoming childlike is to be among the greatest in the Kingdom.
Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and to pray for them, but the disciples scolded the people. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” –Matthew 19:13-14 (GNT)
How special to see that Jesus was never too busy to show great love and care for the little children. He even took time to lay hands on them in prayer.
At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way. –Luke 10:21 (NLT)
Jesus uses the simplicity of a child to encourage us in our faith journey. Yes, Jesus reveals Himself and the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven to simple, ordinary people.
Strive this Advent season to have that childlike faith in God, your Daddy that cares for you! You are His precious child!
Take time this week to see how God is calling you to have that childlike faith. Which word or two from the list below is God asking you to work on so you will have that childlike faith in Him?
Feel free to share in the comment section below. For me, “carefree” and “dependent” are ones that speak to my heart.
But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, ” ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” –Matthew 21:15-16 (NIV)
Hey, Christine……Another great post! I’ve given thought in the past about childlike faith and a child’s innocence. Trusting & accepting are the two that speak to my heart. A third one is teachable, as I feel I still have so much MORE to learn on my Faith journey. Thank you for blessing us all again with your writing.
Lynn: Thank you so much for taking time to share the attributes that speak to your heart. I am so glad God used these words to encourage your faith journey. Praying God will help you lean into that childlike faith this holiday season. Blessings to you and Denny~