Tip of My Iceberg

        photo courtesy of Eugene T on Unsplash

Candles were lit around the church as “Silent Night” was sung. There was a quiet beauty in the voices raised together, in the softness of the flames.

It was magical.

Christmas can seem that way for many. The presents, the bright lights, the sweet treats–not a holiday that many experience, but it’s the cultural picture of what we think Christmas is in America.

How have we missed the hope that is really Christmas?

We’ve put style over substance, seeking what’s immediately satisfying and personally gratifying.

Is that what Christmas is?

When elementary school kids were asked the question, “What does God want for Christmas?”, the answers were not only amusing but reflective of what they’ve learned.

“Super powers”, because God wants a cape of His own.

“Jesus, a computer, or money”, because He can’t make up His mind.

“Monster trucks”, because God wants to crush everything in His path.

“Cake”, because He can’t get enough sweets.

The most astute answer was “Us”. It’s why Jesus came to earth, leaving the glory of heaven to take on the heaviness of humanity and the pain of this world.

For us. Because He didn’t want heaven without us.

The reality of being loved fully is what God longs for us to understand. He offered His best to redeem a broken relationship with Him, so we could know forgiveness, grace, and love.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world NOT TO JUDGE the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16-17

Why do hard things happen? What are we supposed to do when life becomes challenging, when crises hit? Will we be enough or have enough to do what we must do?

The birth of Jesus was heaven’s answer to these questions of serious substance. His light comes to bring life to those who live in darkness.

This Christmas allow yourself to be aware of what your heart need is, the light we each long for.

May it be a Christmas filled with joy everlasting.

Merry Christmas.

And God bless us. Everyone.