The tree lights chase the shadows and glint off the hanging ornaments. The kids run to see it, like those who ran to be at Jesus’ knee. The world, changing their focus, keeps them looking down at the carefully wrapped gifts beneath the tree. Imagine yourselves seated around the tree. Take a break, move back some and focus upward with me.
Look at the sparkle of the lights and the glitz from the tinsel and ornaments, especially those representing special family memories or family no longer with you. Sigh for what they mean to you and look further up to notice how the gleam tries to imitate God’s light bouncing across the crystal sea of his heavenly home. Move your glance higher and widen its field until you see how the shape of the tree points to the brilliant star at its top, representing the star that lead the wise men to where Baby Jesus was. Recognize that the tree and its star direct us to Jesus. Christmas is about the One born among the lambs in the stable; the Lamb to take away the sins of you and me on this broken earth. Jesus touched and blessed the children at His knee, and He touches and blesses us.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12 ESV)
Listen to the children singing, and let the lyrics open a tender place in your heart as they whisper, “Jesus lives.”
The carolers sing, “Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding. Guide us to thy perfect light.” Can you hear the message ring? “Yet, in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” They croon our loving lullaby, “Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.”
Have you heard the Christmas bells chiming their song, revealing the mystery of the birth of Jesus? Have you experienced the shiver from the moving of the Holy Spirit at the thought of our true Messiah? Have you pondered the name, Emmanuel, and that it actually means He is God with us? Have you thought about your kindred relationship with this King of Kings in the form of a babe? This infant, who came into this world meekly, rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey and dragged the cross to Galgotha’s height only days later, comes again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Have you pondered, as Mary did, these things in your heart? Have you made the connection between Baby Jesus and your Almighty Lord, between your soul and your Savior? Does your spirit quicken as the time for His coming draws closer? Do you wait in anticipation of seeing Him face-to-face? 1 John 3:2 (ESV) tells me “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.”
I can’t totally wrap my mind around all God plans and continues to do. I just know that my spirit bears witness with the Holy Spirit of His Truth. Try, though I might not to believe, I find I cannot refute the truth He speaks in my heart and in my life. I am grateful He sent this infant, warrior, king and savior to call me to His side, giving me the right to call God, Abba, Daddy.
May Christmas be only about the Christ and His entrance to this side of nothing to bring us into something wonderful, something holy. May you experience God’s loving touch and feel the warmth of His powerful arm across your shoulders. May you respond to the pull of the Holy Spirit, drawing you to Jesus. May you see and know Jesus for who He really is. My prayer for you is that the hopes and fears of all your years are met in Jesus today.
Merry Christmas!