Advent I: Christmas and Children

Children are to God what a bone is to a dog.  Kind of a weird comparison I know, but think about what a dog feels about its new found bone.  Whenever we give a fake bone to our dog Casey, (she doesn't know the difference between a fake one and a real one), she takes it in her mouth and with head drawn into her chest she skirts off to another room.  We go into the other room and say to her, "What have you got Casey?"  She gives a huff and maybe a little growl, guards her bone in her mouth and scurries off to another room.  We could do that all day with her and she would continue to do the same thing over and over again.  She loves her fake bones.

God loves children too - no doubt about it.  His only begotten Son was himself born into the world as a tiny child who grew up to become a  man.  We don't think too much about Jesus' childhood, but he lived as many years developing through childhood as you and I.  He gave up His ability to be omniscient and omnipresent to become like one of us in every way - even as a child.  Through Jesus, we know that even little children can experience the full measure of God's wonderful grace and the power and influence of the Holy Spirit upon their lives.

As a dog tresures its bone and will protect it to the bitter end, so God treasures little children in the same way.  Both Matthew 18:2-8 and 19:13-14 express God's concern for little children.  They are given to parents by God with special privileges attached.  That's right, I said privileges!  Children come from God, and it is a privilege for every parent to have them and love them in a way that is honoring to the One who created them.  A parent's first responsibility is to love them in the Lord.

Matthew 18:6-9 issues a grave warning from Jesus to all parents who are blessed with children.  "Cause one of these little ones to stumble is almost unforgiveable in God's eyes" (my paraphrase: at least that's how I read it).  We may wonder why God allows some children to suffer such great abuse at the hands of unresponsible parents and other adults.  Sometimes I cry out to God because of such great injustice toward children.  But God has commissioned His church to be His mouthpiece under such circumstances.  Therefore, before we blame God, remember that when you gave your heart to Jesus your commitment to Him was to stand in the gap to intercede for little children as well.

The other point that comes from these portions of scriptures is that God wants us to remain as little children.  What does this mean?  It means to remain in a faith that is much like a child's faith to their parents.  They completely trust their parents to love and care for them in every way.  We should have the same trusting faith - a childlike faith - in God.

This Sunday's message is "Christmas and Children."  I believe that Christmas is for children first.  The story of salvation begins with a child; a story that every child can relate to from a very early age.  May God bless your Advent I celebration.

Blessings,

-Leo

Christmas Customs

Here in the North of North America we look forward to a little winter for the Advent and Christmas season.  Yesterday about 15-20 centemeters of snow fell and covered the ground.  In my neighbourhood chidren especially were excited to go out and play in the fresh blanket of snow.  Adults on the other hand had to dig out snow shovels and other equipment to clear their driveways and walkways.

The first winter storm always seems to leave me with a sense of spiritual renewal for the Christmas season.  I find it refreshing to go out and clear my driveway, and then come in to a warm house to snuggle in my chair with a blanket over my legs and feet, and to sip on a warm cup of tea.  The warmth of the house always makes me relax, and sometimes (when I don'tfall asleep) to reflect on the beauty of the day and the season of the year.  With the celebration of Advent starting this Sunday (November 27th), and Christmas around the corner,  it is not hard for my reflections to be focused on the celebration of the season.

Every evening I walk my dog Casey.  I often look up into the clear dark sky and think about what it must have been like for the Shepherds out in the fields that night tending their sheep.  Suddenly the sky was filled with a host of angels singing in harmony heavenly choruses.  They must have been captivated by such an atmosphere of worship that they immediately fell to their knees.

Every culture has its own customs and experiences that helps to create a time of special celebrations during the Christmas season.  I have shared with you a few of ours: the first snowfall; kids playing with great excitment, making snow angels and snowmen; sitting by a warm fire after a night of shoveling snow; and so on.  What do you do in your part of the world?  Why not share what your customs are?  What makes your Christmas celebrations special, and what sets that feastive tone for the Spirit of celebration to enter into your life each year?

As you celebrate Advent and Christmas this year why not share its true meaning with others.  God blesses us with special customs ans practices to act as catalysts for the true Spirit of Christmas to enter in: Jesus Christ born into the world to become the Saviour of mankind.

Advent Blessings,

-Leo