Close to Jesus

I have a wonderful nativity set crafted in beige and brown ceramics that I put on display during the Christmas season.

It sits on a table at the perfect height for my youngest niece, Grace, to reach the figures. Each time she visits I notice that all the figures have been pushed up close to the baby.

All are touching each other, and many of the animals’ noses touch the manger as they look at the Christ child.

Grace’s instinct is to place everyone close to Jesus. I, on the other hand, place each figure at an artistic distance from that central character.

This last time, as I looked at the distance I place between the figures, I asked myself, ‘Am I placing distance between God and me? Why do I shy away?’

Little children never seemed to have a problem running to Jesus. He never turned them away.

And so today I come as a little child. I’m peeping over the edge and looking into the hope that lies before me: an approachable, incarnate God—Jesus Christ, humble and able to save.

Prayer: Great and glorious Lord God, help me to remember that you are also a tender Father who sent Jesus Christ to earth to demonstrate that tenderness and love to us. Amen