“And He said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew18:3-5)

We've just spent the last few days remembering. Remembering the Christmases past, remembering the special people, remembering the amazing story of Jesus’ birth. And, like children, if we have flung the doors of life wide open to wonder, the Christ Child has been reborn in us again.

And now – it’s a new year. Unbelievable, isn't it? 2004! Who would ever have imagined? It seems like yesterday that we were kids.

Gasping in surprise. Laughing out loud. Crying without shame. Embracing mystery. Simple. Honest. Believing. Trusting. Empty hands stretched out to receive. Timid. Abandoning to the reality of the present moment.

As this new year begins, I find myself praying: “O Lord, in this year – this new year, change me. Make me like the little child that I once was. Let me surrender my whole self into Your hands just like I used to without even asking, ‘Where are you taking me?’ Help me to reach out to take Your hand, my Father, and move into the unknown. Keep my faith strong and simple, focused on You only.”

Let’s make a covenant to be like children again. Let’s humble ourselves enough to give up our rational, adult thinking for a few moments everyday, and lose ourselves in the wonder and awe of Jesus, our Savior and friend.

~ Pastor Linda