A Baby at Christmas? by Donna Avant

These past few days I have had the privilege of meeting and caring for John Paul Avant, IV, our seventh grandchild.  He was born in the middle of November and currently weighs about 10 pounds.    As I have held this precious bundle of joy, my mind kept thinking of the baby born in Bethlehem years ago.

Babies are helpless.  They can’t feed themselves, clothe themselves or clean themselves.  Why did the King of the Universe, the one who created brilliant stars, painted the sky blue, and formed magnificent mountains choose to come as a helpless baby?  Why did the one who conquered death and hell and will ride a white horse as He brings justice in the days to come choose to come as an infant?  

In Matthew 18, the disciples come to Jesus concerned about “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  Jesus proceeds to point them to a young child to challenge their worldly thinking. 

Jesus says, “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." (Matthew 18:3-4)

The Greek word for “young child” can mean “infant”.  Jesus tells his disciples as long as you think you can take care of yourself and use your own power to accomplish My Kingdom purposes, then you will never succeed in my Kingdom.   We must learn as a baby to be held by Him daily. We must choose to go to Him for nourishment and ask Him to fulfill our needs in order to be used by Him.

The Greek word for “humble” means to become low.  The world is constantly telling me that in order to “be” someone, I must make much of myself.  Yet, according to His kingdom, I must relinquish myself to Him and make much of Him.

During this Christmas season, take time to become like a little child.  Sit in your Father’s lap and allow His love, His peace, and His joy to fulfill you.  Allow Him to speak tenderly to you and then walk in obedience to Him as you humble yourself and serve those around you.