Let the Little Children Come to Me

The Rabbi beckoned, “Let the little children come to me!” (1)

Each mother gently nudged her tyke towards Him from her side

The young ones – crawling, toddling, running – flocked to Him, carefree

His arms, as three years later, opened wide

A toddler reached her eager arms to be picked up and blessed

The Rabbi gladly gathered her beneath His wing’d embrace

She nestled, resting list’ning ear upon His whisp’ring chest

That with each beat repeats true Love and Grace

A rowdy boy felt rays of joy that scattered from this Face

He plunged his sunburnt head within the worn and tassled shawl

Then sobbed, surprised! discov’ring Love he knew would not erase

Despite his earthly father’s tragic fall

A girl stood distant, downcast, feeling worthless and ashamed

She would not trust this stranger, for her heart concealed a scar

With lonely longing, watched the care the other kids had claimed

While the Rabbi’s eyes went searching near and far

Her look then locked with His! She froze, amazed He’d seek her out

He called her name and bid her join her resting younger peers

She felt a surge of hope that purged her fears and drowned her doubt

His eyes sent peace that ceased her bitter tears

As she approached, each step He coaxed with a smile broad and bright

Its radiance removed her shame and proved to her, her worth

He pulled her in and told her, “You are precious in my sight” (2)

Her scar was healed! This moment, her rebirth

Throughout the years that followed all the youth retold their story

How Love-in-Person held them in His arms, and in His gaze

And how this holding freed their friend, refurbishing her glory

Yet He’s held the child-like ones in every age

This Healer still repeats His plea, “Come unto Me” and rest (3)

To restless ones whose guilt and pride give rise to hopeless pain

“Unless you be converted and become like little children

You’ll never enter into Heaven’s Reign” (4)

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(1) Mt. 19:14; (2) Is. 43:4; (3) Mt. 11:28-29; (4) Mt. 18:3