Christmas, Toddlers, and Safe Places

Had a little bit of help preaching last Sunday, and for all of you who were there in person or online, it was a treat.  One of our toddlers, a little boy, comes up the aisle, climbs the stairs by the pulpit, and is suddenly surrounded by adults – a choir full of robed people, and the pastor in the middle of her sermon. I stopped and said hello, opened my arms, and he wanted up.  I held him while I continued the sermon, and he seemed quite content for a while.  Occasionally I asked him if he was still okay, and continued preaching.  Eventually he got bored and wanted down.  Hope the rest of you didn’t get bored, but in a few minutes another little fella started up the aisle, too.  I loved it.  Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)  But the most important thing is that to both of these little boys, church is a safe place. 

When Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, His world was not a safe place.  Born far away from home and family, He was born in a stable because no one would offer shelter to His mother.  He was born into a hostile culture under an oppressive regime, and His very life was threatened by a jealous pseudo-king, Herod.  Shepherds came and magi worshipped, and they weren’t safe either.  Anna and Simeon prophesied over Jesus at the Temple.  Everyone who saw this newborn boy experienced a spiritual epiphany.  And then Joseph took his young family to Egypt for a couple of years because Jerusalem wasn’t safe, Nazareth wasn’t safe. 

Christmas Scriptures teach us about the remarkable arrival of our Savior; beautiful predictions fulfilled in the most unusual way.  But the reason Jesus Christ came to earth was to make us safe.  Standing between us and all hostility, He brings forgiveness, grace, peace, love, and joy.  He brings us eternal life.  Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”  Because Jesus came to earth as a little child, we can wander into Heaven like little children.  Like my two little church buddies, Heaven is our safe place.  We can climb up the steps to God’s throne, and reach up to be held, and we are lifted into God’s arms and we are safe.   

Come to church this Advent and Christmas, and celebrate in our safe place here on earth.  Hear the angels announce our Savior, and shout “Glory!”  Run to the manger, rejoice with the shepherds as the Son of David, makes His arrival on this earth.  Worship in wonder with the Magi, bringing gifts to honor the King of the Jews.  Joy to the world, the Lord is come!  Christ our Savior King is here, Who leads us to our eternal home, our eternal safe place.

Merry Christmas!