22 June, 2025

Infant Jesus – My First Friend

From the earliest days of my childhood in a small town in Kerala, India, the name of Jesus was whispered into my ears by my parents and grandparents. They taught me short prayers to the Infant Jesus, prayers so simple that even as a little boy I could repeat them with folded hands and a trusting heart.

At first, I prayed because I was told to. I feared that if I didn’t, Jesus might be displeased with me. So I sat still, closed my eyes tightly, and recited each word carefully. But little by little, something changed. Prayer became less about fear and more about friendship.

My Grandfather’s Stories

My maternal grandfather, a deeply spiritual man, played a special role in this transformation. He often told me stories about the Infant Jesus - how He loved children, how He listened to their prayers, and how He desired to be their friend.

One day he said to me: “If you pray to Baby Jesus with all your heart, He will be your best friend for life.”

Those words touched me deeply. From that moment on, I began to see the Infant Jesus not as someone far away in heaven, but as my closest companion.

Visits to the Chapel

During visits to my mother’s family home, my grandfather would take me to the small chapel nearby. I remember kneeling in the quiet pews, gazing at the statue of the Infant Jesus. There was a peace there that I could not explain, but I felt it in my heart. It seemed to me that Jesus was smiling, listening, and watching over me. In those moments, my childish worries about school, about poverty, about the future, seemed to melt away.

A Friendship That Grew With Me

As I grew older, the Infant Jesus grew with me — not in size, but in closeness. Whenever I felt lonely or afraid, I turned to Him. Whenever I faced struggles, I asked for His strength. He was my unseen companion, my secret friend who always understood.

Through Him, I learned lessons of patience, trust, and faith. Most importantly, I discovered that God’s love is tender, gentle, and unconditional — like the love of a friend who never leaves your side.

My First Friend for Life

Looking back, I see how important those early prayers were. The Infant Jesus was my very first friend in faith, and that friendship has never faded. He walked with me through my childhood, carried me through trials, and prepared me for the greater mission that lay ahead.

Even now, I turn to Him with the same simple heart I had as a child. I know that He smiles upon me, and I know that He loves me.

Yes, the Infant Jesus is — and will always be — my best friend for life.

Closing Prayer