There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. ~ Erma Bombeck



Erma Bombeck's words depict two possible scenarios. One paints a picture of carefully worded letters to Santa, children breathlessly waiting for the sound of tiny hooves on the roof, shiny wrapping paper and bows tossed all about to the tune of seemingly endless shrieks of joy?the sounds of Christmas morning in a home blessed with small children and full of love!

He said to them, "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of god belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14

The second possibility held within and perhaps unmeant, in Erma's last few words is quite different. It brings with it a childhood joy and innocence not reliant on age or physical stature. This joy relies on a message boldly obvious, when one looks, an answer inherent in the question. Is it possible for us, as grown-up children, to wake on Christmas morning, to stretch and awaken each morning, and be a child to whom the kingdom belongs? And if we could, what would that look like? Better yet, what would that feel like?

Looking at a child's face on Christmas morning might provide a clue. Look closely and you will find the innocence of unabashed engagement of life'no holding back, no waiting for an invitation, no worry about yesterday or tomorrow?just this moment fully entered into. The really young ones, the little ones untainted by growing older and more wary, clap their hands in glee at the least provocation'a fun box in which to hide, a glossy bow dangling from their small head and tickling their ear, your smile, your tear when you open that special gift they so carefully wrapped for you. These little angels sit in awe and inspiration, the breath of God flowing freely through them, pure of judgment, fear, want, desire, and most importantly, the strong sense of ?me? those emotions of separation evoke. These little ones sit in love. They sit within the kingdom of God. It is the reason we look into a baby's eyes and fall into love ourselves. Their innocence is our portal.

?I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:14-16

Christmas?Joy?Love! How do we adults birth Christmas joy within? If Christ were standing next to you, what do you think He would say? Would he tell you to stand back and wait? Would he tell you to protect and defend yourself or would he ask you to care for the least of us as you care for yourself'or perhaps, even better? What would He say? Would He tell you to lay down your judgments of all others so that you could at last find the kingdom of heaven? Would He tell you to die to all your silly beliefs of separation and live in Love? Would He take your hand and sit you down, look into your eyes and let you look into His? If He did, what would you allow yourself to see? Take a moment and be with that question and see what insights appear. It is the gift of Christmas.

This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone. ~ Taylor Caldwell