Learning from a grandchild...

It was a new and thoroughly enjoyable experience for Jami and me to have a grandson (Hudson, 17 months) in our home for Christmas. Though we had covers for the outlets and had moved a few things higher up, our house was not nearly as “baby-proofed” as his own. While the District 56 “Dickens Village” was up on the mantle and Hudson had to be lifted to see and enjoy it, the Christmas tree and the gas fireplace were out in the open and on his level.

After a day or two, Hudson learned that as he approached the fireplace to touch the glass he would be admonished “No, no. That’s hot.” Similarly, as he approached the Christmas tree to look at and/or grab an ornament, the call would go out, “No, no.”

By the third day we laughed as Hudson would approach either one and, turning to us, wag an index finger and say, “No, no.” He was learning!

Still, quick as a wink, he’d regularly turn and try to examine an ornament with his own hands. He knew he wasn’t supposed to, but the ornaments were so pretty and the temptation was too great.

It was an important illustration for his Nana and Pops. God has given us His Word – His directives and warnings about what we should and should not do. He has given this to us for our own safety and good.

In the same way as Hudson, we fall to the temptations all around us. When we do so, we experience the consequences: consequences akin to broken ornaments and burned fingers, and often more serious.

Thankfully, in a way much more powerful and lasting, our Father in heaven sees to our healing and our forgiveness as Nana and Pops did for Hudson. In this season of Christmas, turning soon to Epiphany, we rejoice in the sending of God’s Son, Christ Jesus, Whose mission was to win our forgiveness and reunite us with God through His passion, death, and resurrection.

I pray yours was a good celebration of the nativity of our Lord and that yours will be a happy new year.