Let the Children Come

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Then someone came to him and said, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these; what do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Matthew 19:13-22

The open arms and curiosity of our childhoods too quickly get replaced by rules and judgements. We want to live as welcoming and inclusive people while being concerned about safety, money and security. This coming season of Advent invites us to work at letting go of judgement and control, and return to the wonder and curiosity of children, letting God work in our hearts and lives.

Gracious Creator, we are all your children

we come to you for our daily blessings

we want your embrace and your love

and we need you every day to support us.

Yet we live in a world of greed and avarice

we move from welcome to constant worry

we forget to seek your embrace daily

and try to solve the conflicts on our own.

Soften our hearts and open our ears, Lord

Help us return to welcome and wonder

give us your blessing as we bless others

and bring us again to your loving embrace. Amen