The spiritual life of children

Dear Readers,

Each year 150 Nativity scenes are on display here at Mariapolis Luminosa (Hyde Park, NY) December 12–25; visit www.focolare.us for more info.

The effect of Christmas on children as they identify with the tiny figurines is moving. Teachers discover the richness of diverse cultures expressing love and peace, parents are touched by the warm relationships in the different representations of the Holy Family, and non-Christians by the beauty and harmony of a world at peace. Contemplating the mystery of the Incarnation, many discover what it means to be a child of God, who is Love.

“How beautiful if everyone in the world lived like this,” I heard a little boy say.

Christmas is the celebration of life and light — a children’s feast — and children have their spiritual lives as well. “Unless you become like little children,” Jesus said 2,000 years ago, “you will not enter the kingdom of God.” When children are loved and learn how to love, wonderful things happen.

We dedicate this issue to the spiritual life of children.

Of course, being like a child doesn’t mean being naïve or detached from reality. With some 30 wars going on today, the world is hungry for people who use all their energy to foster peace and unity. The many peace events taking place this month and the Copenhagen climate summit are welcome steps in this direction.

Best wishes for the holidays to you and your family from all of us here at Living City. Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends December 12, Merry Christmas to our Christian friends December 25, and Happy New Year to everyone!

Clare Zanzucchi