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Advent is Child-like Wonder

Reading:

Psalm 24:1-10 (NIV)
1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. Selah ,

Psalm 17:6-8 (NIV)
6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

A Meditation:

WONDER… Children “wonder”. “Mom, where do the stars go during the day?” “What does God look like?” “Is Santa Claus real?”, and on and on they go. Children have a curiosity that cannot be quenched. They make us realize that we were born for wonder – to ask questions, to ponder, to learn. Probably nothing is more enjoyable than to see children at Christmas.

This year, especially, I’m celebrating advent with my 1½ year old grandson, Jack. The Christmas tree has been a special place of “wow” for Jack as he takes in the ornaments. The candles lit on the table at dinner and a short prayer is usually followed with an exuberant clapping of hands and “yeah Jesus”. The outside lights and white covering of snow magnify the sense of light in a cold, dark world.

Let me say this as simple and clearly as I can: Jesus said, “Unless we become like little children, we cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Our decorations, lights, readings and prayers mean little if they don’t lead us back to childlike wonder within.

That You Came is a Wonder:
That you came is a wonder to me –
That you came in a manner so lowly,
Came to the earth to live; came your life to give.
That you came changed all of history.

That you came brought the glorious word –
Son of man, named Jesus, the Savior.
What a gift the Father gave,
His only Son He sent to save me.

That you came changed my destiny.
That you came is a wonder to me!

A Prayer:
“Father, I have grown up…forgive me. I have become sophisticated and dulled by what is normal, the routine. I ask you in the name of Jesus, to open my eyes to Your world – full of wonder. I ask you to show me the child within me. Lord, if growing up means I’m no longer surprised; that I am routine and my faith is hollowed by the world that I’m fixed on, then please birth me again…in wonder and joy, that leads to more wonder and more joy! Make me a child again…give me a tender heart, a childlike trust; let my spirit be reborn. I want a faith for you Father – and your heart – that believes in me. In this Advent season, make me a child again.”

Comments

Joel said…
Hi Elliott,

I am a little late getting on board with the Advent meditations; but I'm slowing getting caught up. Thanks for your labor of love. I love the picture of you holding Jack who is gazing out the window with child-like wonder at the snow.
December 8, 2008 at 8:42 PM
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