Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!
Shout to God with the voice of triumph! (Psalm 47:1, NKJV)

            Our great-grandson Cameron came to visit us just before Christmas (with his mom, not alone!). He was about 17 months old then, an adorable, delightful child with Downs Syndrome. For the most part, he is quiet and well-behaved. But as darkness fell, we decided to turn on the outside Christmas lights and take him out to see them.

            Great-Grandpa Al held him as Cameron’s mom and I looked on. The minute Cameron saw those lights, his eyes widened, his face glowed, and he began to clap his hands together and shout for joy. I watched him with tears in my eyes, thinking of the words in Psalm 47:1 and wishing I could be so uninhibited as to clap my hands and shout for joy over something so simple as Christmas lights.

            As with all our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, I have learned a lot over the years just by watching them. Cameron is no exception. He is, in fact, the perfect picture of what Jesus meant when He said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14, NKJV). The purity of a child’s joy flows from the simplicity of faith.

            That’s the kind of faith and joy I want: pure and simple, flowing without reservation from a heart that trusts the One who holds us close to His own heart. May we all learn from the faith and joy of children—and begin to exhibit that faith and joy so that others may see and respond. Clap your hands, all you people, and shout to God with the voice of triumph![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]