Decades ago at the birthday party of a childhood friend, each of us that attended was given a surprise ball. (Maybe you remember this party favor?) Thin strands of colorful tissue paper were wrapped around and around to make the ball, about the size of a small grapefruit. Among the layers were tucked small trinkets.
We sat at the young host’s dining table, unwrapping, discovering, and exclaiming, until we’d created little piles of treats and toys such as candy, erasers, miniature tops, finger puppets, rings, gum, and stickers—next to a large mound of tissue spaghetti.
But the best surprise was at the center. When all the wrapping was removed, each girl found a miniature doll with hand-painted features, and each boy found a tiny car—with wheels that actually moved.
The trinkets paled in comparison to the treasures at the center.
I’m thinking the Christmas season offers us many delights among the layers of things to do and places to be, including:
- unpacking the familiar decorations, each one laced with memories
- baking vanilla sugar cookies and scenting the house
- reading Christmas cards and letters, bringing far distant loved ones close to heart
- creating a jumble of colorful packages under the tree
Lovely, holiday moments for sure, but they pale in comparison to the heart of Christmas: Jesus.
He is the treasure, and everything else is mere trifles.
He is the way—for a world that is lost.
He is the truth—in a world full of lies.
He is the life—for a world that is dying.
And the wonders of His radiance far exceed our capability to understand.
For example, he is:
- Emmanuel—God with each of us always (Matthew 1:22-23)
- God incarnate–fully divine, yet became fully human (John 1:14)
- Our compassionate Friend (John 15:15)
- Omnisapient—all-wise (Romans 16:27)
- Lord of our Righteousness, putting us right with God (1 Corinthians 1:30)
- Our great intercessor, praying for us continually (Hebrews 7:25)
- Able to create out of nothing (Hebrews 11:3)
- Productive —always working on our behalf (Hebrews 13:21)
- Faultless–absolutely perfect (I John 3:5)
- The Alpha and Omega—eternal from beginning to end (Revelation 22:13)
There is nothing wrong with the Christmas traditions of decorating, baking, card-sending, and gift-giving. But they are just paltry trinkets—unless Jesus is preeminent within the celebration.
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And as we contemplate our Treasure, adoration swells within our hearts:
Lord Jesus, we bow in holy wonder before your supreme majesty, incomparable power, and unfathomable glory. You are the Morning Star! The King of kings! The Everlasting Father!
Yet, out of love for us, you left your throne and kingly crown to take on human form, giving up your majesty for a manger, supreme rule for severe restraint, and the beauty of heaven for the brokenness of earth.
What wondrous love is this, that you were willing to bear the dreadful curse for our souls? Our minds cannot comprehend.
But our hearts can sing in adoration of you and your overwhelming love that dispels the darkness with glorious splendor and ushers in eternal bliss—when we say YES to You.
You have opened heaven’s door,
Man is blessed forevermore–
Jesus, our priceless Treasure.
(Carols referenced: “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,” “What Wondrous Love Is This,” “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “Good Christian Men, Rejoice.”)
Art & photo credits: http://www.publicdomainfiles.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.org; http://www.jpl.nasa.gov; http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.canva.com.
From the Inside Out 