In Psalms 8:2, God says strength comes from the mouths of babes and sucklings. Some say children can understand the realities of God’s Kingdom better than the learned, and that their praise is perfect because they aren’t blinded by pride or hypocrisy. Jesus accepted their worship because it was pure and only for God.
Nothing expresses awe and amazement to me quite like seeing something in a new light through the eyes of a child. As Stephen and I were raising our young children, my two brothers each had two little ones of their own. Annual Christmas gatherings at my parents’ home in those days were filled with much noise, laughter, music, good food, and the anticipation of gifts yet to be opened. One sister-in-law, an elementary music teacher, organized an annual Christmas pageant for the six young cousins—complete with costumes, memorized verses, and songs. Many memorable things occurred in the throes of the performance each year, but one came to mind while considering the topic for this writing. Bekah, my niece who was about four years old at the time, was reciting her verse which referenced Jesus as “King of the Jews,” but she said, “King of the jewels.” While this misstep for her was found to be sweet and innocent at that moment, upon further examination she may have been onto something we didn’t foresee.
The Lord has a company of people He calls His jewels because they are very precious to Him. Malachi 3:17 (NIV) translates jewels as “treasured possession;” so, the Lord has a people who are a treasured possession to Him.
I find comfort in knowing I am one of the treasured possessions and feel a conviction to honor that knowledge with the work of spreading His love and compassion to others. The sense of awe during Advent comes from the profound mystery and wonder of the Incarnation—the belief that God became human in the form of Jesus. This event is seen as a miraculous and transformative moment in Christian faith, inspiring deep reflection and reverence.
As we look forward with anticipation to His coming in glory at the end of time, Advent is truly a time of waiting and preparation. We might do well to view the wonder of it all through the eyes of an innocent child.
