Childlike or Childish?

‘I get a bad press!’ This is a constant cry of mine in the family. My dear loved ones (bless them!) are always accusing me of being grumpy, bad-tempered, a killjoy, devoid of fun, and most certainly not in any way full of child-like joy, delight or anticipation. It is simply  not true! I am inexplicably misunderstood and unfairly maligned. I get a  bad press. Honest!

Just this morning there was a genuine leap of child-like joy and excitement when I looked out the window and saw that, during the night, snow had fallen and it was lying on the ground, the cars, and the branches.

It was (and is) beautiful. I am genuinely looking forward to venturing out with the dogs in a short while to enjoy the snow.

What I do struggle with is childishness… the pettiness, huffiness, and immature behaviour indulged in by some adults and even some world leaders.

 But I equally struggle with those who consider themselves mature grown ups who cannot embrace their inner child and refuse to set aside cynicism and weary ‘worldly-wisdom’.

 Our faith certainly does not encourage us to persist in childishness, but it most certainly does call us to adopt child-likeness. That does not mean we lay aside our maturity or even our critical facilities. Certainly not! But it does mean that, like children, there is a place for trust, anticipation, excitement, joy, and simple pleasures.

 ‘It is all about the children’ people often say of Christmas. And when they say it they are not always being cynical or dismissive.  Sometimes people seem to say it in a wistful but indulgent manner. It is almost as if they wish they could still hold onto the wonder and magic of Christmas, but they can do so no longer and can only enjoy the season by taking pleasure in the joy of children. And no harm in that. Children bring a special innocence, curiosity, longing, and wonder to Christmas.

But it is not ‘all about the children’ if by that we mean it is not about everyone. The birth of Jesus as Saviour was announced as good news of joy for the whole world! It is for all of us.

But it can only be truly appreciated, understood and received by those who are prepared to be child-like. Jesus said ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven’. So perhaps it is all about the children if by that we mean all of us as children.

Wonder, joy, trust, anticipation, excitement… lot’s to think about and ponder…

…but I must go now… the snow is still lying and I want to go and play in it!