“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16
Each year at Christmas I find myself seeking for ways to untangle our family from all the holiday traditions that have nothing to do with the actual reason for this holiday. It’s such a struggle because I love the fun traditions, the excitement, and the nostalgic comfort that Santa, hot chocolate, and Bing Crosby bring. How easy it would be to indulge in activities that consume the holiday season and leave us wanting more rather than actually providing any lasting value.
I LOVE Christmas… all things Christmas. I love excitement, wonder, and the “feel” of this time of year. I am not looking to see how non-celebratory I can make this season. I do, however, believe that the world has traded the most spectacular, awe-filled, TRUE, and permanent wonder of wonders for a once-a-year, make-believe, greed-inducing tale. (I promise I’m not a scrooge!) We can create the appetites of our children by that with which we expose them. Haven’t we trained them that the greatest excitement is “believing in magic” that brings toys and gifts but will actually perish along with the rest of our possessions? Don’t get me wrong…our family gives gifts… and we LOVE doing it! But the credit is not allowed to go to anyone other than God, who gave us everything we have in the first place. And we remind ourselves that true joy does not come from gifts.
And being awestruck? Being in wonder? Being overjoyed? Those are emotions that are reserved for our great Savior! Think about it- Jesus left the greatest of places to come down to US (on this tiny little place in the midst of this enormous universe, which He created) while we were still in the midst of our sin. He came as a helpless baby, dependent on earthly, human parents, allowing himself to be trained and instructed by them. He spent His life here knowing He was heading to an excruciating death, which He CHOSE for our sakes, fully aware that even though He would completely give up everything for us, we would continue sinning, disregarding His ultimate act of love for us. THAT is a great mystery!! And we must dwell on it, contemplate it, let it sink in to the best of our ability, even though it may uncomfortably convict of hearts.
BUT that’s not the end! The Son of God arose, conquering death itself. Death! Our greatest fear has no power over those who believe in Jesus and love and follow Him! And in fact, not only do we NOT have to fear death, we can look forward to an eternal future filled with pleasures, grand beauty, and marvels we can only attempt to imagine! We will one day be so baffled by the idea that we tried to cling to, control, and save this life on earth! Oh what joy awaits us!!
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Once again, that’s not all! In the meantime, God has decided in His incomprehensible wisdom and mercy to place His own Spirit within each of the believers to comfort us, guide us, and grant us peace and joy. What greater mysteries are there? Man cannot conjure up anything more glorious than this truth! So in this season, I will bask in this knowledge, rejoice, and allow myself the time to be filled with wonder at these mysteries! And I will do my best to facilitate this wonder in my children and those around me.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9
Father, how amazing and mysterious are Your acts! Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts and Your ways are higher than our ways. Nothing we can dream up to incite joy can come close to the actual plans You have carried out and those of which You have waiting for us! May we be totally and completely awestruck this season. Enable us to persevere in our quiet time with You until our hearts become grateful and our minds renewed. In Jesus’ precious and mighty name I pray, amen.