Advent

Isaiah 11:6

And the wolf will dwell with the lamb. And the leopard will lie down with the kid, and the calf and lion yearling together, and a little child will lead them.

 

I would like to focus on the last part of that verse – “a little child will lead them.”

As we approach the season of Advent, many preparations are made for decorations, gifts, parties, meals and the true celebration of Christmas and the birth of our savior, Jesus.

There are similarities among families, and there are traditions which are unique.

There are many preparations at our house as our immediate family numbers 23. We attend Christmas Eve services at our respective churches. On Christmas morning each family celebrates with the exchange of gifts at their house. Preparations at our house begin early as the family arrives around 11 a.m. We enjoy a nice brunch and then we clear the tables and sit in a circle.

The youngest children, one who is three months old and the other two-and-half years old, open their presents first, followed by the older grandchildren and their parents.

About twenty-five years ago, Becca who was five at the time, seemed upset. Her mom asked her what was wrong. She said, “Where is Jesus’s birthday cake?” Her mom quickly asked, “What do you mean?” Quickly Becca replied, “It’s Jesus birthday.”

Needless to say, we made a feeble attempt to sing happy birthday. Led by our granddaughter Becca age five, she had “called us out” to do something that was very important, especially to her!

Since that year, I have baked a carrot cake, the family favorite, added candles and the whole family sings happy birthday to Jesus. The youngest children get to blow out the candles. So, as the scripture says, “a little child will lead them.” It has become a very significant part of our Christmas day celebration of Jesus’s birth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to focus on the real meaning of Christmas and to pay more attention to children. Through the eyes of a child, they can cut to the chase and point out what is really important about the season of Advent. Amen

 

This devotional was written by Betty Rawls and read by Amy Large.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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