Getting Down Low (Advent) - Saturday, December 23

Getting Down Low - Saturday, December 23

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child
is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3-4 (BSB)

The children came, many of them.  Some were small and very young, others a little older.  Yet, so innocent and so full of life, energy, and promise were they all.  Their beautiful Cree faces glowed with anticipation.  They were looking forward to the children’s program, performed by a visiting church group who had traveled over a thousand miles to be there.

There was something unique about this group of presenters doing children’s outreach.  Some of them were businessmen from a different culture and a different generation.  Their world was “miles apart” from that of these Cree children from the isolated communities in northern Ontario, Canada.  How could these older men, in comparison to their audience, minister and connect with these young and pre-teen children?  The answer: by “getting down low.”

A few days after this event, in Muskrat Dam, Ontario, someone sent me beautiful, heart-melting pictures of these business men playing follow up games with the children.  They actually made me weep!  These men were literally on the floor playing games and connecting with the Cree children. Coming on their level, making eye contact on their level, communicating on their level.  And the children loved it!

This is exactly what Jesus did for us when he came to earth and laid in that manger.  He came “down low” so He could connect and communicate with us on our level.  He did not have to, but He did because of His great love for us and His desire that we understand and feel His love. 

What joy these businessmen experienced as they ministered.  They truly were entering into God’s Kingdom by becoming like little children.  And as Jesus declared in Matthew 18:4;  “...whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” 

Remember, it is often the simple and humble things that we do that make us the greatest in God’s eyes.  What humble thing is God calling you to in your life?  It may be the greatest thing you ever do!

Oh, Father in Heaven.  Help us realize that it is in humility that we enter into your Kingdom, and it is in humility that we serve in it.  Thank you, Lord, for the joy you bring when we live out this truth, in Jesus name.  Amen.

Rick Martin
Niverville, Manitoba