A Child's Song in the Mall: Rediscovering the Innocence of Christmas

In the final week before Christmas, people are out and about looking for that perfect gift for their loved ones. For some people, the final days before Christmas are the beginning of their shopping journey.

For others, it is only for that “last minute” stocking stuffer or gift or maybe even a Christmas Eve service outfit.

My wife and I were out and about in our local mall recently. While she was in a store, I stood outside watching the people. There were parents alone, grandparents, parents with kids, a parent with a kid (mostly dads with kids probably looking for a gift for mom), and even friends just hanging out.

What a scene!

People everywhere. Drinking coffee. Handling packages and bags. Trying to keep up with their children.

And in our mall, it includes people taking pictures with the giant Christmas tree flanked by lighted reindeer.

In the midst of all this chaos, a voice rang out. I’m not sure how many people even noticed it. I turned to listen. It was not a cry, but nothing was wrong.

It was a young girl, probably 3-4 years old, being pushed in a stroller. She was singing.

Her simple voice rang out with a clear, powerful message through song. She sang, “Happy Birthday Jesus!”

Over and over again. I smiled and turned back to my own coffee.

I was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter 21 verse 16, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants you have ordained praise’?”

This conversation was His response to the chief priests and scribes after being questioned about the children who were in the Temple praising Him. Jesus had just entered Jerusalem and had cleansed the Temple during what has been called the Passion Week - the final week of His life.

Interestingly, Jesus had healed the blind and the lame, but it was when the children started worshiping Jesus that the religious leaders stepped in.

This phenomenon still exists in our churches today. This passage, and my story above, reminds us that kids get it. They can, and do, understand who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

Often, we wonder what these kids understand, but I've seen that they truly do. The real question is, do we?

This Christmas season, and heading into the New Year, my challenge and encouragement to us all is that we boldly, and innocently, proclaim the Gospel. After all, that is what Christmas is all about.

Let us go through this life, singing His praises and worshiping Him no matter our age or who is around us or what else is going on.

Whether it’s Christmastime or any other time, let the simple song, “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” ring forth.

Anyway, I was just thinking…

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!