As I sit here writing today’s devotional in 62-degree weather (in Charlotte, NC), my dream of a white Christmas probably won't come true. Nonetheless, I enjoyed watching the Chiefs and Broncos play football in the snow this past Sunday.
Winning 23-3, the Chiefs looked great and started to regain some momentum with the playoffs quickly approaching. I don’t want to unpack how well they played, but rather how much joy they showed while playing in the snow.
I know they’re cold, but players seem to enjoy the elements and embrace diving for first downs in the snow and making snow angels after touchdowns. As a fan, it’s a blast watching a game played in the snow.
Even before the game started, Chiefs players were grabbing snowballs for a childlike snowball fight. Despite an important divisional matchup about to kick off, Chiefs wide receiver, Demarcus Robinson, got the fun started and his teammates joined in by tossing snowballs back at him.
We know players take football seriously and they're making millions of dollars, but it’s always refreshing to see the snow bring out the kid in them.
With Christmas right around the corner, this time of year also brings out the kid in many of us. I still get excited to run down the stairs on Christmas day, watch my favorite Christmas movies, and sing songs that remind me of Christmas growing up.
There’s something freeing and joyful about being childlike while playing in the snow and celebrating Christmas, and what’s intriguing, is how childlike qualities and perspectives are encouraged by Jesus.
Matthew 18:1-4 (AMP) tells us, "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child and set him before them, and said, 'I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent and become like children , you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'”
Of course, we’re always supposed to be growing and maturing in our faith, but the wonderment, humility, desperation, trust, and joy of a child are worth keeping.
Unfortunately, as we get older we tend to trade those characteristics for negativity, cynicism, jadedness, uptightness, and boringness. We can easily lose our excitement, anticipation, and awe.
But this year as we experience another Christmas, let’s allow the story of Jesus to be fresh and amazing in our hearts. Let’s celebrate our wonderful God and evaluate our faith as we remember we’re children of God who can rest in that freeing truth.
Starting today, let’s continue to become mature believers of Christ...with a childlike faith.
As Jesus said this to His disciples, ”'...Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it'” (Mark 10:14-15; NLT).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I'm so thankful to be Your child and I pray that'd I'd live in a way that reflects that. I pray I'd be filled with wonderment, joy, and excitement. I place my full trust in You. In Jesus' name, I pray Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What childlike characteristics do you wish you had?
What brings out the kid in you?
How would your faith change if it was more childlike?
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