Christmas in the Eyes of a Child

In the eyes of children, Christmas will always hold a fascination, a kind of wonder, of mystery. For them it will always be an event to look forward to, to put up decorations, to cook and eat some special foods, to think of the many presents to be opened.

Even I, as an adult experience this kind of wonder and fascination especially when I look at the expectant faces of my nephews and nieces eagerly awaiting their turn to open their gifts. How their faces lit up in anticipation!

I guess this kind of childlike wonder lurks in the corner of every person’s heart. There’s a bit of a child in each one of us. The presence of that little child in the manger whose birthday we celebrate this Christmas speaks of that.

I hope all our preparations for Christmas will really lead us to the manger. It would be a waste of time and effort if after all the hustle and bustle we celebrated Christmas feeling empty and tired because we forgot the reason of our celebration. I came across once a beautiful cartoon that says it all. Entitled Family Circus, the cartoon shows Billy, the little boy, shopping with his family in the mall. Going around in one of the stores, he sees various Christmas displays with reminders written in bold and colorful letters. One reminder says, Don’t forget wrapping paper. Going further, he sees another reminder on top of a shelf filled with Christmas lights, Don’t forget Tree lights, Tinsel. Fascinated, he goes on looking around until he stops before a brightly-colored stocking filled with gifts on top of which is written: Don’t forget Visit Santa. Billy continues to look around. At the farthest corner of the store is yet another reminder: Don’t forget last minute gifts. Going home, Billy writes his own reminder. He draws the scene of the Nativity on a sheet of paper, signed it with his name and on top he writes in big, bold letters, DON’T FORGET.

I guess this is a good reminder for all of us this Christmas. Let us not forget that the center of our celebration in this season of Christmas is a little child named Jesus.

A blessed Christmas to one and all!