Jesus Present Among Us
Where did you find Jesus this week? Was it through your best friend who gave you a hug when you were having a bad day, or was it that phone call from your sister or brother to say everything would be okay? Or was it when that stranger in the mall smiled in such a simple way? Jesus is everywhere, and he shines through us in so many ways.
Jesus is present to me especially through children. Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me and don't prevent them. For such is the Kingdom of Heaven." I think that Jesus is present to me in children because children look at the world with such a different perspective. They want to make everyone happy and they treat everyone equally.
Everyone has a role model, someone they look up to or someone they want to be like. It may be a parent, a teacher, a brother or sister, or a superstar. Yes, I have a role model, in fact, I have multiple role models, but one of my most important role models is a child - my role model is younger than me. He wants everyone to be happy, he has a positive attitude, and he doesn't judge people.
Today, he was busy looking at books when his older brother came into the room crying. The little boy ran to his brother and his little arms embraced his brother in a big hug. You would think as just a two-year old he would continue reading his books and let his mom do the comforting, but when his brother was sad, he was sad too.
The other thing about children is the way they look at people. They treat everyone equally. When a stranger walks into the room a child gives them a chance. As a teenager I know that it is hard not to judge people. So many thoughts run through your head when you meet someone who may look different. You may be wondering when the last time they showered or why they can't speak like a normal person. Sometimes we find ourselves running away from them and trying to hide - trying to hide from God. But children look at them and though they may not run to them and embrace them with a hug they don't run away.
So, in this Advent season I challenge you to be like a child, to bring Jesus to others - to be Jesus to others. If we do this Jesus will be present in so many other ways.