What it is to be Childlike

Simplicity.  This is not a word that you will hear a parent or teachers use when they describe children.  In fact, I can guarantee that no adult can only use only one word to describe children.  Children are complex and multi-faceted.  They delight and they frustrate.  They take time and patience.  So, why does Sacred Scripture tell us that we should be childlike?
 
Children relish in simple beliefs.  They are welcoming and non-judgmental.  It always amazes me that my children’s friends are so welcoming of Andrew and his extra chromosome.  Andrew looks a little different (and is beyond cute!) but these young souls don’t care what he looks like.  They just see Andrew as their friends’ younger brother.  In the same way, God doesn’t care what you look like, how your hair is styled or what shoes you have on.  He loves you because He made you.  Afterall, He knit you together in your mother’s womb.  All God asks for in return is for you to love Him with a childlike love.
 
A childlike love of God is simple and trusting.  It is humble and reverent.  Christ chose to be born as a baby into a poor family – He chose an unwed teenager to give birth to Him! He chose a humble carpenter to be his adopted father.  He chose to be born into poverty.  He could have chosen riches for Himself; He is the King of the Universe, after all.  Instead, He chose to be born in the piercing cold, in a manger where ox and cattle witnessed His birth.  Why?  Christ chose to be born among the poorest of the poor so that He could be a King for all.  If Had chosen to come to the world as a righteous and rich man, then those who were less advantaged wouldn’t feel as if His teachings and love applied to them.  Instead, Jesus chose to come into the world as a simple, trusting, humble child. 
 
As children, we too were simple and trusting of the adults in our lives.  It is as we grow into adults that we learn cynicism, judgment, and fear.  This is exactly what Christ warns us against and why Sacred Scripture is always telling the reader to become, and remain, childlike.  Be wary of unrighteous judgment.  Steer clear from cynicism.  In fact, “do not be afraid,” is in the Bible 365 times; the same amount of days in the year. Coincidence?  No, God doesn’t do coincidences.  
 
Love God with an open heart and open mind.  Be watchful and ready for when He calls you.  This is the whole meaning of Advent.  Watch, be alert.  When Christ knocks on the door of your heart, open it with a childlike wonderment.  

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me." - Revelation 3:20 NASB