Too Small

For children it is the gatekeeper to enthusiasm, the watchman whose vigilant eye holds the standard for entry, the all-powerful discriminator whose refusal ends in heartbreak and tears. I’m referring, of course, to the sign that stands at the entry to nearly every ride at amusement parks that proclaims to those beneath its thick red line, “You shall not ride!” It’s like a two-edged sword, pointing out your vertical impairment and signaling to the group that you will watch the bags while the rest enjoy what you cannot.

Oh, how it hurts to be too small!

But fear not you who are small of stature! Advent is especially for you.

“You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler of Israel.” We will hear those words on the Fourth Sunday of Advent from the Prophet Micah. More than a confidence builder, these words from the Lord turn conventional wisdom on its head. It is not the strong one, not the tall one, not the physically impressive one, but the small one who will be chosen to rule.

In the Christ child we see this method come to fruition in the womb of a tiny, teenage Jewish girl named Mary. It is incredible to think that the salvation of the world entered history in her womb. How small was our salvation when He first arrived in the flesh—not even able to be perceived by our eyes! But how mighty in power He would become in defeating sin and death, not through strength, but through the simplicity of obedience to the Father.

This is the all-embracing method of the Father: greatness is not necessary to carry out His will. If God calls us then we have all that we need. There is no sign at the entrance to our vocation that measures our worthiness or the heights of our human capacities. With wonder at the way God has made us we can enter into the great path that the Lord has set before us, full of ups and downs, twists and turns, riddled with moments of anxiety and tremendous joy.

This is the adventure of life and holiness that is open to all of us. You are perfectly made for the mission God has for you. You are beautiful in the eyes of the Lord because He has made you for Himself. Rejoice in His love for you and respond with joy to this fascinating invitation.