Children have a special way of seeing things. It is amazing to witness how clearly they recognize and apply truth. Unlike adults who tend to over-complicate everything, children grasp a concept and apply it—what a blessing when God gifts you with the opportunity to witness that special moment. The moment when a child’s simple understanding opens your own eyes to a lesson you might otherwise have missed.
It was Christmas, 1993. My husband and I were like most parents of young children: crazy busy with family, church, and work. Our children, 3 and 5 years old, were the perfect age to enjoy all things Christmas. It was a wonderful time in our lives as we recognized the many blessings God had given us. We savored every moment.
For several years, I looked for a beautiful nativity to add to our home’s Christmas decorations. While shopping for Christmas gifts, we somewhat accidentally found the perfect one. After happily purchasing it, a new Christmas tradition was in the works for the Miller family – the placing of the nativity as we recounted the Christmas story. Our new nativity immediately became a family treasure.
That evening the Holy family was in place, the stable with its assorted animals, and the wise men prominently poised on a table in the family room. The boys listened intently as I recounted the age-old story of Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, shepherds, and wise men. It was to become a cherished part of preparing our home for the holidays each year. A grin slipped across my face, confirming that my Christmas nativity was perfect. But there was no time to linger with the thousand-and-one things that needed attention: baking, laundry, housework, and the list goes on and on.
Later that day, a glance toward the nativity table revealed something amiss. A sleek black Batmobile was parked right in front of the stable. Its driver, the beloved Batman himself, was lying face down smack dab in front of the Christ child. I chuckled softly as I deposited the action figure and his amazing transportation mode back in the toy box where they belonged. Life is never dull when you live in a house full of boys.
Several hours later, I once again spied the dark vehicle, parked in front of the manger scene with Batman lying prostrate before the Christ child. Again I smiled as I returned Batman and the Batmobile to the toy box.
“Mom!” My youngest son, Drew, called from the kitchen doorway. I turned to see his blond head cocked to one side, hands placed on hips, and a frustrated, questioning expression flashing across his young face.
“What is it, son?” I asked.
“WHO keeps moving Batman from the manger?!”
I smiled. “WHO keeps putting Batman IN the manger?” I asked.
“But Mom,” he sighed, lifting his little hands above his shoulders. “He’s come to worship the newborn King!”
Ahh, that’s it. He’s come to worship the newborn King. The very essence of Christmas, and Mom had almost missed it. It wasn’t supposed to be about a nice addition to the home’s Christmas decorations. Through my child’s eyes, I caught a glimpse of the gospel message. Everyone must know that Jesus is Lord and bow before Him. Everyone must worship Jesus, the King of King, and Lord of Lords. “He’s come to worship the newborn King.” Indeed!
Jesus beckons us to “come to Him.” Shepherds or kings, rich or poor, man or woman, superhero or everyday person, He invites us to come. Batman and the Batmobile may have looked terribly out of place in the Bethlehem stable to me, but through the eyes of the innocent, everyone is welcome. Jesus invites all to come to Him.
The Christ of the cradle bids you “come and worship.” The same Christ of the cross bids you “come, accept my sacrifice for you.” Again, Christ of the resurrection invites you to “come and live.” The returning Christ of the rapture invites you “come to the place I have prepared for you and live forever.” Jesus Christ. Emanuel, God with us. Jesus invites us to come to Him.
I am sorry to admit I am often guilty of doing a lot of “good” things. Much like Martha in Luke 10:38-42, I am busy doing many good things instead of choosing the best things. If I am too busy to sit at the feet of Jesus, to listen to His voice, to come and worship Him, then I am too busy. I need to take the time to seek Jesus and fall on my face in worship before the Lord of all, the Savior and King.
Jesus invites us “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) He is the Savior for all. Regardless of our past, present, or problems, Jesus desires that we come to Him. He is worthy of our worship.
This Christmas, I pray that you will accept the invitation to “come and worship King Jesus, Messiah, and Lord of all.” I hope that your focus will be squarely on Jesus Christ.
On behalf of the Lean into Jesus Ministries team, Merry Christmas!
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries, Inc.
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