Through the Eyes of Children
“For a child is born to us …” Isaiah 9: 5
A little girl was frightened on being put to bed. Her mom reassured her that God is always present to protect. The child agreed, paused then added, “I really want someone with skin on.” (adapted from Andy Stanley, pastor/founder of North Point Ministries, Atlanta, GA) Is this not true for all of us? God knows our desire, for we are his creation. As a result, God who so loved the world, sent his only Son (John 3:16) in skin and flesh.
What a source of wonder! Watch a youngster, your own or a grandchild! How their eyes glisten and glow at the lights, the beauty of this season. Jesus declares: “Let the little children come to me. … The reign of God belongs to these.” (Luke 18: 16) And then he invites us to “… become like little children.” (Matthew 18: 3)
So with child-like trust and delight, let’s listen and ponder a child’s version of Jesus’ birth:
“She was five, sure of the facts, and recited them with slow solemnity, convinced every word was revelation. She said, ‘They were so poor they had only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to eat and they went a long way from home without getting lost. The lady rode a donkey, the man walked and the baby was inside the lady. They had to stay in a stable with an ox and an ass (hee-hee), but the three Rich Men found them because the star lited the roof. Shepherds came and you could pet the sheep but not feed them. Then the baby was borned. And do you know who he was?’ Her quarter eyes inflated to silver dollars. ‘The baby was God.’ And she jumped in the air, whirled round, dove into the sofa and buried her head under the cushion … which is the only proper response to the Good News of the Incarnation.” (“Sharon’s Christmas Prayer” by John Shea, The Hour of the Unexpected)
Take a few minutes during the holidays and
- sit quietly at the manager in awe and gratitude for the gift of Emmanuel, God-with-us.
- check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ki8EcnVbd-Q of The Christmas Story as told by Hilltop Preschool and Kindergarten Students from Portland Christian Center. (www.pcctoday.com)
- 3. read a child’s book, e.g., The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, and recall the wonder and blessing of child-like living and trust.
May the God of love bless all of us now and throughout 2012!
Carol Schumer, D.C.
Ladies of Charity, Archdiocese of St. Louis
2 thoughts on “Christmas Reflection”
Sister Carol ‘s Christmas reflection from the eyes of a child is stimulating and rewarding. All of us during this blessed season, need to take on the innocence of a child to get the real feeling and spirit. Thank you Sister for sharing this wonder-filled story.