Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child

As Christmas is almost upon us, let’s take a few minutes to take a peek at Christmas through the eyes of a child. We’re going to use my favorite literary tool, the anagram, to order our thoughts.

C – Countdown

Kids spend the entire month of December counting down to Christmas. They may use Advent calendars or real calendars or paper chains or whatever. However they are counting, they are doing it with great anticipation.

H – Happiness

Is there anything more joyful than a child who is anticipating something wonderful? Their eyes light up, they’re more cooperative (usually….) and laughter just bubbles out.

R – Rejoicing

Celebration. Singing. More of that anticipation stuff. What’s not to rejoice about when Christmas is coming?

I – Innocence

Children approach Christmas with an innocence that adults only wish they could mimic. No stress, no worries about the amount or cost of the presents, no concerns about whether or not everyone’s outfits for the Christmas picture match… Pure innocence.

S – Simplicity

Christmas is simple to a child. The decorations magically appear, lights get strung without a care, presents get opened on Christmas morning. Does it need to be complicated? Not to a child.

T – Trusting

The trust of a child is pure, sweet and weighty. They trust that Christmas will come, that December will march its way there eventually, and that God sent the baby Jesus so we could have Christmas … all because mom and dad told them it was so.

 

So what about us? What does it all mean?

 

I’d like to propose that WE live every day just like kids do in the month of December. How? Let’s take a look at our anagram again.

C – Countdown

Are we counting down the days and/or years until Jesus comes? Are we sharing our faith with our friends and our kids, knowing that He could come anytime? Are we teaching our kids to share their faith, too?

H – Happiness

The Bible talks about having joy. Joy might not be what we typically think of as happiness, but it’s contentment and peace in the midst of circumstances, good or bad. It’s God’s love bubbling out of us so that others can see it.

R – Rejoicing

Celebration. Singing. More of that anticipation stuff. What’s not to rejoice about when CHRIST is coming?

I – Innocence

Are we approaching the throne with the faith of a child? Are we believing in Him and what He came to do?

S – Simplicity

The gospel isn’t rocket science. It’s the simple truth that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Thankfully, God knew that and sent His Son to be that Savior. To live among men AS a man. To die for us. To save us from our sins so that we can spend eternity with God. That’s it. Don’t be afraid to share that simple truth. You don’t have to be a theologian or a Bible scholar quoting entire books of the Bible.

T – Trusting

Do we trust that God will do what He says He will do? Do we trust that He is Who He says He is? (A little Beth Moore paraphrase….) Do we trust that He has our best in mind? If you answered yes, then it makes it easier to live everyday as if Christmas were coming. If you answered no to any of them, seek out a good Christian friend, read your Bible, pray that God would give you clarity of mind and peace of heart.

 

Until He comes again … Merry Christmas!