Advent Devo - Day 19

Verse: Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Meditation: In a world dangerous to children, parents wanted to bring their children to Jesus. If he would bless them, pray for them, place his hands on them, then surely those children would be protected, healed, and blessed. Who could blame them? They had seen the amazing things Jesus had done for others. Why would the disciples stop them? Maybe it's the same reason we do. We get distracted by other things and let them take us, and children, away from the Lord. No matter what, Jesus' message is clear: "Quit! Quit getting in the way of the children from coming to me!"

Prayer: Lord, help us to not allow the distractions of life to pull attention away from You--especially where children are concerned. Don't let our distractions become theirs. Don't let us get in Your way, father. Amen.