Let the Children Come to Me

People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.” ’ He replied, ‘I have kept all these since my youth.’ When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ Those who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ He replied, ‘What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.’ Then Peter said, ‘Look, we have left our homes and followed you.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’ Luke 18:15-30

As we turn from ordinary time to the season of Advent, we are welcomed to this turning by the reminder to welcome the children and to be childlike. The disciples tried to keep the babies and small children away from Jesus for some reason that is not clear. Maybe this encounter happened in a fancy place among fancy people. It's clear wealth and power were present. Children are

 exuberant, messy and exhausting. They bring joy and love wherever they go. And children are messy, honest and curious. We are invited today, in these changing and unpredictable times to turn to Jesus as a child, living with joy and love despite the challenging places we find ourselves.

Gracious Creator, source of all blessing

you gather us in your arms and bless us

you see through our pride and personas

and embrace the tender little child within.

We delight in our station, wealth and power

thinking the love of society is the best prize

yet you know all honor fades like flowers

and only your love is constant and eternal.

Help us to set aside our egos and attitudes

help us to turn to our neighbors with compassion

make us your children again in this season

and help us to embrace the world with your love. Amen.