Christian families cherish the young intensely in this festive season — and for good reason.
Children direct adults to the importance of being childlike. Yet at the same time kids help us examine, meditate on, and contemplate the joy of Christmas. They help us learn how to be his children — to keep Christ in Christmas — and to remind those closest to us and others to do the same. Well-formed children simply get it!
Sure, they look forward to the gifts that come with the season. But children who come from Christian families learn about self-giving when given the chance to lift the hearts of others. Children make this happen out of their innocence and simple nature. As Jesus taught, “He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’” (Mt 18:2-4).
I was reminded of Jesus’ teaching recently on the humility and kindness of children. It happened as I was reading Christmas cards to be delivered to the elderly, the homebound and to senior living centers. Designed by elementary school students, the cards contained Nativity scenes, holiday stickers and creative thoughts of Christmas joy. Many of the students added their own seasonal, spiritual thoughts such as, “Keep Christ in Christmas and to all a good holiday;” “Merry Christmas, I know you’re loved, please believe in yourself;“ “Have an awesome Christmas, never try to change who you are;” “Peace, goodwill, and happiness for you at Christmas, and always.” I sense a true sincerity of joy and self-giving in the designs and messages from these students’ cards.
Yes, I edited some of the examples for clarity, but their hearts were in the right place and the originals created by these children went out “as is.” One of the unique cards with Christmas decor contained a blurb that said, “Thank you for driving the bus!” To me, it was a message of gratitude from this young student simply for being there in school.
Jesus taught that being childlike when it comes to our faith can open our hearts, charitably transform us — moving the hearts of others toward him. Perhaps as another child profoundly expressed in her card (unedited), “The night Jesus was born was the most important night of all, and which is why we celebrate Christmas. And I wish I could spend Christmas with you.” Again, well-formed children keep Christ in Christmas. I admire and highly respect parents who take responsibility for that kind of formation.
Mom and Dad are the first, and are expected to be the best, teachers of their children as they learn how to keep Christ in Christmas. Children often return the favor. As my wife and I watch our own grandchildren help decorate our Christmas tree, engage with the Nativity scene and sneak some treats (that would likely lack approval from their mom and dad), we cherish these simple, formidable moments to help them grasp (or tell us) what this celebration of Christmas is truly about: the gift of ourselves. The child Jesus is to be deeply encountered by all. Starting with the home front by word, deed and decorations, can teach the very young how to embrace the love of God in their own domestic church.
Through the example of the first holy, domestic church, Mary and Joseph brought the reason for the season humbly and quietly into the world, exemplifying that God always had the plan of salvation in mind. By God’s grace, they were his holy, human vessels as they helped fulfill the plan God designed for all of us. Even through difficulties, their trust, obedience and humility were evident from the first moment with the fully divine, fully human, joyful presence of Jesus in their midst.
We must try imitating them, with God’s grace, as spiritual leaders in our responsibility as fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, godparents and simply as good Christian friends and neighbors. We must try to not be afraid and “proclaim the good news of great joy for all the people” (Lk 2:10). And do it in a way that teaches and demonstrates the good news to the young, so they can grasp this Christmas message of hope, peace, joy and love.
Deacon Bird ministers to St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville and assists with the archdiocesan Catholic Watchmen movement. See heroicmen.com for existing tools supported by the archdiocese to enrich parish apostolates for ministry to men. For Watchmen start-up materials or any other questions regarding ministry to men, contact him at gordonbird@rocketmail.com.
