Kids' Games

December 14, 2020

 Scripture

 “‘To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the market-places and calling out to others: ‘ “We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon.” The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.’”

 (Matthew 11:16-19 NIVUK)

 Kids’ Games

Our neighbours have two young girls whose joyful playing together can bring smiles to our day. Other times our ears clang with their crying and wailing over some real or perceived grievance with one another or their parents.

Jesus heard the same thing when he walked the marketplaces of his day – blessing children as he went but smiling wryly when they turned contentious. I’m conscious of my own behaviour in the marketplaces I engage in and wonder whether I generate a blessing or a wry smile.

Jesus upped the ante with his audience on this occasion and observed that childish behaviour prevented them from escaping from the narrowness of their attitudes to God and one another. He was too relaxed, and John was too tight for their religious tastes – to the detriment of their capacity to receive love and truth from the hand of God.

In this double advent time, we anticipate the coming of a vaccine and also reconnect with the “God with us” story. It’s a time for discipline and self-control to be open to hear the Spirit and preserve the peace of our community.

A Prayer for Today

O Jesus of the marketplace and children’s games you listen to our living and hear our real needs and concerns. Other times your ears must clog with our disputes and selfishness, in our ingratitude to you and our selfishness to one another. Let us be those whose deeds demonstrate wisdom and connection with your love for us …. For Jesus’ sake.