CHILDLIKE, BLESSED EYES

“Blest are the eyes that see what you see.” –Luke 10:23

Much of the world has already started to celebrate Christmas, but we Christians are still waiting. We are observing the season of Advent. We are not jumping ahead of the Lord, but waiting for His coming by preparing our hearts.

What do we hear from the world? We hear that Christmas is a season for children; innocent, delighted children are often pictured on “holiday” commercials. This is true for Christians as well. We are to become as children, innocently waiting with delight for the Child Jesus to come into our lives. God likewise thinks Christmas is for children and all who become like little children. He sent prophets to announce that a Child shall lead us (Is 11:6). Then He sent His Son as a Child to lead us into His Kingdom.

Today’s readings show that:

• a child shall play safely in the most dangerous places, such as an adder’s lair (Is 11:8),
• as in a child’s fairy tales, deadly opponents like a wolf and a lamb shall live at peace (Is 11:6ff).
• God reveals things especially to the childlike (Lk 10:21),
• the King’s Child will bring justice (Ps 72:1),
• these readings are not a fairy tale. God makes this picture real by becoming an incarnate Child.

Blessed indeed are our eyes! (Lk 10:23) If we can respond to this Good News with a childlike sense of awe and wonder, we will be prepared for Christ’s coming. Ask the Lord for the blessed eyes of a child.

PRAYER: Father, I allow You to hold me in Your arms and love me as Your little child.
PROMISE: “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as water fills the sea.” –Is 11:9
PRAISE: Bedridden Louise depends trustingly on others and on her Lord.