Great people who make a significant impact were all once fragile and vulnerable babies. Among the many remarkable individuals we can think of, let’s not forget about our God, who became human to bring salvation to all. This Christmas season, the message that has deeply resonated with me is the reminder that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, chose to become a baby before He became the man who sacrificed His life on the cross and resurrected to offer salvation to the world.

This reminder keeps me grounded when I look at little children—so small, fragile, and innocent. Yet, within these wonderful little beings lies the potential for greatness that will one day manifest and make a significant impact on many lives. As I reflect on the thought of our Lord Jesus Christ having been a child, I am drawn to the Scripture verse in Luke 2:25-32.

²⁵ And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸ he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

²⁹ “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation
³¹ Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
³² A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

In this Scripture, the infant Jesus Christ was brought to the temple in Jerusalem for the purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child. His parents took Him to present Him to the Lord. The law of the Lord states, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required by the law—either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons (ref. Luke 2:21- 24).

During this purification offering, led by the Holy Spirit, Simeon entered the temple and approached Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. He took the baby Jesus in his arms and blessed Him. In his blessing, he also revealed the destiny of our Lord. To the people present, Jesus may have appeared to be just another infant, but the path of His life was marked by a great assignment that would impact generations to come. In the hands of Mary and Joseph was entrusted the Lord’s Messiah, the Savior of the world—what a wonder!

“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

To caregivers, parents, teachers, and anyone who has the opportunity to be involved in the upbringing of young lives, let this always be in your hearts and minds: in these young lives lie the seeds of greatness waiting to manifest and make a significant impact. It is our responsibility to nurture and guide them in their fragile state so they can grow and become who God has called them to be. Mary and Joseph were chosen by God to raise the Savior in His vulnerable infancy. Similarly, you have been chosen to be a teacher, caregiver, parent, and leader for these young lives. God’s word has declared that our children are for signs and wonders (Isaiah 8:18), and we have the privilege to partner with God in fulfilling the great plans He has for them.

This Christmas, as you remember the infant Jesus Christ who was born to be our Savior, I encourage you to reflect on all the little ones around us who also carry greatness within them. May God help us continue to be great stewards of our children so that they may grow to fulfill the lives to which God has called them, in Jesus’ name.