What kids can teach us at Christmas time

With only a week until Christmas, the hearts of many kids are buzzing with excitement. Some because of anticipated gifts, others because of desired time with loved ones, and others because Christmas time means no school (I was in this last category).

Jesus told us that we have much to learn from the little ones (Matthew 18:3). May the Lord help us in the week ahead to observe, understand and imitate them in these ways:

Hope. When kids see a present wrapped under the tree, they are convinced that Christmas will be awesome, and only wonder how awesome. They sleep each night with a settled expectation of joy just a few sleeps away.

Our Saviour was wrapped in human flesh to deliver to us the greatest gift of all. Having come and conquered our greatest enemy- death- He has made the way for our ultimate joy. After just a few more sleeps we will awake in His glory and with His glory (Psalm 17:15). It will be happier than our greatest powers of imagination can fathom (1 Corinthians 2:9). All the trials of today will only make the joys of tomorrow that much sweeter (2 Corinthians 4:17) Press forward with this sure hope before you.

Humility. One question no parent’s ever been asked after their child opens a gift is “how in the world do you expect me to pay for this?”. They know it’s a gift, meant simply to be received with gratitude. The object in their hand represents work already done; a price already paid; a love consummated in the shared enjoyment of the moment.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus is the great gift of Christmas. He paid it all. He did it all. He is it all. We have no debt (Colossians 2:14). Just a wonderful Saviour freely given of the Father for our everlasting good (John 3:16). Marvel at the gift, hear what it says about the giver, and give thanks- with both lips and life.

We do not honour God by trying to repay Him for His gifts. This "debtor's ethic" as John Piper calls it, ignore the fact that the very strength we might exert in our repayment effort is also a gift from God. We borrow more to repay what was already given, thereby digging a deeper hole. Instead, let us humbly receive what was freely given, and give thanks not to balance the books but to celebrate the kind of Father we have.

He loves when we do that.