The gift of children

Last night I led worship at a kid's event at my church. It was amazing to see the way that kids just go for it when they're doing their thing. I'm sure half the time they didn't know what words to sing, or what exactly was going on, but they were jumping up and down and really going for it. It's pretty fair to say that they must be one of the most invloved congregations I've ever led!

But it made me think, how sad is it that we lose that fearlessness as we grow up? Once we get older, we tend to feel more reserved and scared of what'll happen if we let go, and go crazy for God.

King David was an exception to this rule - he went crazy for God. 2 Samuel 6:22 says that King David 'will become even more undignified than this'. That's pretty cool - he's basically saying that he's going to love God with all he has, and it doesn't matter what others think. He's going to become so in love with God, and so happy about it, that he's just going for it! That's such an amazing, and sadly rare thing. We occasionally get a glimpse of it at a festival over the summer, but then it fades away.

And that's why it was so refreshing, and so challenging to see those kids last night. They just went for it, without any fear or shame. They were jumping, cheering, raising their hands in the air and just going mad. They looked so happy, and so content. It's a challenge that we should all try to work towards - letting ourselves go for God.

After all, he's the most important thing in our lives, so he should get our best.

2 Samuel 6:21b - 'I will celebrate before the Lord'

A broken world desperately in need of a Saviour. People looking for comfort and reassurance at Christmas time. People looking for a gift that's more than just another DVD, or another something that will amuse them temporarily.

People all around the world are looking for something more this Christmas, something deeper, something with life-changing meaning. And that thing they're looking for, that life altering, earth shattering discovery is Jesus. The ultimate gift to us, born as humbly as you can get in a manger, but born with a plan, a divine plan.

This Christmas, amongst all the festivities, remember the true meaning of Christmas. The power of this time of year can't be underestimated; the power of Jesus can't be defined. The gift of love from God is undescribable; no end of thank you letters could ever do it justice. It's the most mind-blowing, ridiculous concept there is. But it's the truth. And it's for everyone. This Christmas, let the reason for rejoicing be Jesus.