“Capri—I think you’re right. The world has been out of control lately, and really, it’s always been out of control and that’s exactly why Jesus came to this world. He wanted to help us and to give us hope and to remind us that our life on earth is not the end of the line. As a matter of fact, it’s only the beginning.”

     “Mommy, I know Jesus loves us, and I know we’re goin’ to heaven and I know you always say you’ll meet me at the gate; but that’s a long time away for me.”

     “We’re not just going to be happy and safe just when we live in heaven. Jesus came as the best Christmas present ever to give us happiness and safety right now. We don’t have to be afraid. We are so safe in the hands of God.”

     “Well, it doesn’t feel very safe to me. Maybe God’s mad.”                                                  

     “No, baby girl. God is sad. He gave His only Son to show us how to live and most people ignore Him. A lot of people don’t even think of Him on His birthday, but He is still God and He is always good. When you asked Jesus to live in your heart, you got a whole lot of presents all at once. Maybe we could go over that list sometime, so you can be reminded of what He gave you. You know, you’re the daughter of a King, so that makes you a Princess! Princesses have a lot of stuff!”

     “You mean Nintendo, Playstation, and X Box?” She smirked knowingly.

     “No, silly goose. I mean she is safe and she knows the King is always protecting her and she understands that the King is going to let her live forever and ever in a place with no tears or fears or sadness. It’s the happiest ending there ever was, and the best part is that it never ends. Also, the Princess gets to be joyful and peaceful right from the beginning cause she knows the King’s in charge. And she knows He loves her. And she loves Him.”

     “I get it Mom.”

     “Good. Go to sleep.”

     “I will if you stop breathing in my ear.”

     “Sorry. Good night.”

     “Mom, don’t forget—basketball starts tomorrow. I got pretty good at camp. It’s gonna be a great time. I can’t wait to play. Wait til the coach sees me dribble.”

     I lifted my tired body and kissed her once more and headed down the hallway.

God didn’t send His only son on that first Christmas long ago to be a tenant or a landlord in our hearts. He came to establish His kingdom in each one of us. When Jesus is King of Hearts—it really is a wonderful world. 

 

“We are not citizens of this world trying to make our way to heaven. We are citizens of heaven trying to make our way through this world. There is nothing we can lose on earth that can rob us of the treasure God has given us and will give us.”  -The Anglican Digest