The sign read, “The birth of a child is God’s opinion the world should go on.” The birth of the Child in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago was God’s opinion that the world was worth redeeming, people were worth saving, and we were worth extravagant love. Just as the birth of Jesus started an annual traditional celebration, it is the simplicity, excitement, and wonder in the heart of a child that gives Christmas a very special kind of joy.
Our second child was due to be born on December 25, 1981. She came five days early on December 20. I will never forget how excited Wendy was the day that she met her little sister, Beth. Elizabeth’s middle name is Noel, a variant of Noelle (old French) that means Christmas. The Christmas season of 1981 was pretty exciting around the Davis household. There was just something very special about having a two year old and a new born baby in the house that Christmas. I recall being at my Grandfather’s house for Christmas Eve a few years earlier, before any of the great grandchildren came along. His grandchildren were older, most of us were married, and so there were no longer any small children around his house. This particular Christmas Eve, my granddaddy made this statement, “It just doesn’t seem like Christmas without any children being around here.” The next Christmas Eve, there were six new great grandbabies filling his house with all kinds of noise, commotion and, I might add, excitement. I remember granddaddy spending a lot of time out on the front porch that year, but he was still thrilled with having the children around.
“A great man is he who has not lost the heart of a child.” My hope and prayer for you, indeed for all of us, is that this Christmas is uncomplicated, filled with overwhelming peace, taken at a slower pace, and lived and celebrated in the moment. Perhaps we can enjoy this Christmas through the eyes of a child. After all, that is the stuff of which redemption is made. Without having the trusting faith of a child, you can’t even get into Heaven, know Christ, or understand the reason for the season.
“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3 NKJ)
Do not simply endure Christmas, enjoy it as we celebrate the birth of the Child that would change everything.
It is a joy to be with you on this journey.
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A really good word. We needed it. The granddaddy story brought back some wonderful Christmas memories. Floyd C
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true…
and i still love the name of your blog!
see YOU at Christmas!
