As mentioned in the first reading, a shoot springs from the stock of Jesse, an offshoot who clings to the roots of the family. Who is Jesse? Jesse is a descendent of Judah, one of the sons of Jacob, the son to whose lineage God promised a ruler, a ruler to whom the people would give obedience.
Who is the offshoot of Jesse’s lineage, the ruler to whom the people would give obedience (Gen. 48:10). According to Isaiah in our first reading, the Jews were looking for him with hope. They knew that Jesse was the father of David, the king, to whom the promise was renewed. They hung on to their hope as generations in the stock of Jesse were born and died.
We are reminded that hope for the future is only possible when we are rooted and grounded in God. The world looks at what is above ground and even takes advantage of its beauty and majesty, but we focus on the simplicity and necessity of the ground and its roots.
In our gospel reading, Jesus said His Father has hidden many things from the wise and learned and revealed them to the childlike. Growing in humility and simplicity, becoming like a child, is a good way to prepare for the Lord's path this Advent. Children have a deeper sense of wonder, openness, and trust.
In addition, children are able to process information without changing its meaning. It seems the younger we are, the more comfortable we are being our natural selves. As we mature, we put up mental walls to protect ourselves. To avoid strife, we change our behavior to please others.
How do children differ from the wise and learned? The little ones, by contrast, are individuals open to instruction, learning, and help. We know how essential it is to be receptive in our lives, whether we are in business, education, or sports. A golfer who refuses to admit that he or she needs instruction blocks progress. New people in the office who don't bother to learn the ropes won't function. There is no place for a student who defies the teacher.
A childlike willingness to be taught, led, and helped by the Savior opens us to this season's grace and power. It is only if there is space in our hearts for something more than self and satisfaction that the Son accomplishes the purpose of his entering our world. Any of us will benefit from Christmas in proportion to how willing we are to be rooted in the Lord. Anything new cannot enter our lives when we have a smug and closed attitude. Childlikeness consists of the willingness to believe that there is more to see and hear than we have seen and heard.
Let us be like little children who are grounded and rooted in God, and we will know what true beauty and majesty are when He comes.
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