The Rabbi beckoned, “Let the little children come to me!” (1)
Each mother gently nudged her tyke toward Him from her side
The young ones – crawling, toddling, skipping – flocked to Him, carefree
His arms, as three years hence, spread open wide

A toddler reached her eager arms with hope to be caressed
He gathered her as would a hen beneath a wing’d embrace
She nestled, resting list’ning ear upon His whisp’ring chest
That with each beat, repeats His Love and Grace

A rowdy boy soaked up the peace that flowed forth from this Face
He plunged his sunburnt head within the worn and tassled shawl
Then sobbed, surprised! discov’ring Love that would not be erased
Despite his earthly father’s tragic fall

A girl stood distant, downcast, feeling worthless and ashamed
She could not trust this stranger, for her heart concealed a scar
With lonely longing, watched the care the other ones had claimed
While the Rabbi searched for someone, near and far

Her look then locked with His! She froze, amazed He’d seek her out
She hid; He called her name and bid her join her 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, He coaxed each step; His 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 will not enter into Heaven’s Reign” (4)
*****

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