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 would be later, opened wide

A toddler reached her eager arms in hope of a caress
He gathered her as would a hen beneath a winged embrace
She nestled, resting list’ning ear upon His whisp’ring chest
Its steady beat repeated Love and Grace

A rowdy boy soaked up the peace that flowed from this new Face
He plunged his sunburnt head within the Rabbi’s tassled shawl
And sobbed, discovering such a love he’d never dreamed he’d taste
In grieving his dear 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
Longingly, she watched the care the other children claimed, while
The Rabbi’s eyes went searching, near and far

Her look then locked with His! She froze  and knew He knew her secrets, so
She hid; He called her name and bid her join her younger peers
She felt a surge of hope that purged her fears and soothed her deepest woe
His eyes sent doves of peace! Soon ceased her tears

As she approached, He coaxed each step; His face was young and bright
Its radiance burned away 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 many moons that followed, each retold their story
How Christ had held them tightly in His arms, and in His gaze
And how such holding freed that girl, refurbishing her glory
Inviting all to welcome that embrace

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