Sweet Little Jesus Boy

Written by Marilyn Ehle

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“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our
eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life” (1 John 1:1).

“Sweet little Jesus boy,
We didn’t know who you was… “

The haunting words of the Negro spiritual rang quietly through the small church. With eyes closed, our friend sang from her heart. The words were familiar but somehow that year they took on new meaning.

It had been a difficult year with the illness and death of our son. We didn’t need superficial words that would slip easily into our ears. We needed to hear and know the reality of a God who understood our pain because He, too, watched a son die.

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During this holiday season, candy and other sweet treats not usually allowed are enjoyed. We can hurriedly pop a mint or chocolate into our mouths, enjoy its taste for a moment and then swallow its goodness. What a difference, though, when we carefully choose a specialty chocolate, take a small bite and allow its rich, mellow flavor to linger on the tongue. We want it to never end.

The world around us celebrates the holiday of Christmas with tinsel, parties, gifts and music. Even those of us who claim to be Christ-followers get caught up in the whirlwind seemingly dictated to us by both culture and church. The celebration gets swallowed quickly. But when do we linger over the words “Sweet little Jesus boy?” When do we allow our imagination to tarry over the small face of the newborn Christ? Gaze into the faces of a helpless baby, a puzzled Joseph and a contented Mary?

It’s time to look at our sweet little Jesus boy with new eyes.

Lord, our imagination is too often formed by all the transient things around us, some good, others not so worthy. Help me stop today to quietly imagine the baby face of Jesus and pledge again my love and obedience.

Questions: Imagine Jesus as a helpless baby. What feelings do you experience? Why do you think God sent Jesus as a baby and not as an adult?

About this Author Marilyn J. Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Jesus is With You Always, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Tags: baby, celebrates, church, death, die, holiday season, Jesus, Negro spiritual, pain, son

2 Responses to “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”

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kanj says:

December 26, 2008 at 2:37 pm

marilyn, thank you for the devotional today. it truly wasn’t hard to imagine Jesus as a helpless infant. my automatic feelings came one after the other. I felt many things, some of which were: protecting this babe, love forever, care for, guard safely from the evils of the word, nuture, keep warm, fed and content, make aware of my undying love.
as I see it, as adults we have human compassion. we will be that protective parent doing all we can to ensure the child’s gift of joy and happiness, to ensure the gift of life.
these ‘tired ole eyes’ have been re-newed.
1 John 2:v. 2 says He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son. can you imagine? I know I did, I have, and I am truly blessed.
sharon says:

December 23, 2008 at 5:34 am

thank you