Christmas is a time of wonder and awe for kids everywhere. They see awesome toys and wonder if they will get them for Christmas. And really for us big kids, is it any different? We see awesome things and wonder if we’ll get them for Christmas.
But all cynicism aside, Christmas time lends itself to other types of wonder as well. Things cause wonder. Things like gently falling snow or the sight of steam rising off a hot cup of cocoa. Things like the sight of the neighborhood being transformed as gnarled trees devoid of beauty suddenly sport the glitter festive lights. People cause wonder. The wonder I experience when I pass by the volunteers willing to faithfully stand in the cold ringing a bell calling out for generosity from people to busy to notice. The wonder I experience when I see a child truly grateful for the gift he just unwrapped. The wonder in the eyes of the grandparent that just saw their giving appreciated. Wonder is everywhere, for a season.
Then January storms in and wonder becomes quickly frozen solid by the reality of winter, bills, classes – life. The wonder I experienced from things and people from a magical season doesn’t last. Maybe this is why so many of us approach Christmas without a sense of wonder. We know it won’t last. We need a bigger, better more satisfying source of wonder.
For me, it’s all about Jesus. Christmas is a chance to wonder at the incredible miracle of His birth. An opportunity to remember that God came to live with humans, as a human, to rescue humans! And I can’t help but be in wonder when I realize Jesus was willing to die in my place even after living a perfect life. I’m in awe of the humility Jesus displayed, being God, yet willingly sacrificing Himself to rescue and redeem us sinful humans. And I can’t help but get excited because I know Jesus is alive today, no longer a humble human, but a reigning King! Every day is the perfect time to be in awe that Jesus is alive. He’s reigning over and sustaining His creation. Jesus is the biggest, best, more satisfying source of wonder anywhere, ever and always!
Psalm 104:1 “Praise the Lord, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.”
How do you find lasting wonder in Jesus?