JEREMIAH 31:34 (MSG)
They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow.
MATTHEW 21:15-16 (GNT)
The chief priests and the teachers of the Law became angry when they saw the wonderful things he was doing and the children shouting in the Temple, “Praise to David's Son!” So they asked Jesus, “Do you hear what they are saying?”
“Indeed I do,” answered Jesus. “Haven't you ever read this scripture? ‘You have trained children and babies to offer perfect praise.’”
THE ESSENCE
As Jesus reveals God's presence, even the simple, uneducated, and childlike have access to him, and insightful relationships with him.
DAILY FODDER
Today is the first day in the season of Advent, when the focus is on preparation for the coming of Jesus — first as the God-in-the-flesh baby, and soon, his second coming to establish his kingdom as the global regime. In all of this coming he reveals himself as the relational God, who comes into our lives, delivering unprecedented access to the divine.
PRAYER
God, you know our prayers before we even breathe them. Though you know my words help me to say them anyway, for I need to hear them. Thank you for declaring that infants and babies can know you just as much as scholars and priests. You were there for our first prayer and will be there for our last. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
