Lessons from "The Littlest Angel"

I watched this movie with my children this week - at their request - and it brought so many thoughts to my heart, I had to share them with you all.

When I taught preschool, each Christmas we'd read a book entitled "The Littlest Angel". We'd also watch the movie with the children. I couldn't get through either the book or the movie without crying.

The story is short, sweet, and to the point. It's also poignant, moving, and emotional (especially for a mother so attached to her children!).

It's a simple tale, really . . .

A little boy goes to heaven. Saddened because he just can't seem to do anything right, he tells a grandmotherly angel what he wants most from home - his special box.

The box is filled with what most people would view as junk - an old robin's egg, rocks, a butterfly . . . but to the little boy, it was treasure more precious than any gold or diamond.

Soon, heaven is abuzz with the announcement of the up coming birth of the Christ child. The angels are scrambling, each trying to come up with the most precious gift worthy of the new king. All the little boy has to give is his box, and he is sad because it is so unworthy a gift for the Christ.

And yet, out of all the gifts offered, God accepts the Littlest Angel's gift, and makes it the star of Bethlehem.

This story is one with such a huge message, and one that many of us forget in our every day lives.

God doesn't want diamonds, precious stones, gold . . . any of that. He doesn't long for perfect unblemished beauty. Rather, He wants something more rare and precious - our hearts. He wants US, body, mind, and soul - imperfect treasures that are the apple of His eye. We have a "come as you are" kind of Lord - he loves us no matter what we look like, how much money we have, or what our talents are. We could come to him in cutoffs and ripped t-shirts, and he would still love us just the same.

See, God sees us in our TRUE form when he looks at us. He doesn't see the fat, wrinkles, gray hair, dirty clothes . . . all He sees in us is the beauty that He created. As unworthy as we are, this is what he sees.

He wants us to come to him HUMBLY NOT filled with pride and the desire to be "better than everyone else".

He wants us to admit our imperfections.

I've said this before, but I'll repeat myself - God loves you no matter what, AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.