Tip of My Iceberg

The cacophony lasted well into the night, a typical celebration of New Year’s Eve marked by the loud booms of fireworks in the neighborhoods surrounding ours.

I’m grateful I use a sound machine to block out life outside our bedroom windows.

Celebration is something that humans love to do. With life in general carrying so much hardship and disappointment, having an opportunity to remember special days with more than the normal food or activities is essential for highlighting what can be the doldrums, the same-old, same-old. To celebrate is to acknowledge a significant or happy day or event with a social gathering or fun activity.

Fun is a necessary part of life.

Often, people see Jesus as a stoic and somber individual. I’ve asked quite a few people what they could imagine Jesus’ expression to be if He sat across the table from them, looking them in the eye. I’ve heard many responses–judging, disappointed, sad, or even angry.

These people don’t know Jesus.

Jesus enjoyed His life. Yes, it was hard, and many people ridiculed, mocked, and misrepresented Him. But He loved people well, and He appreciated the wonder of the big and small things in life.

Early in His ministry, “Jesus and His disciples were also invited to the wedding.” John 2:2. Weddings then were big, community-wide celebrations with singing, dancing, the giving of gifts, and feasting. This was where Jesus performed His first miracle. The celebration had been going on for some time, and Mary, Jesus’ mother, came to Him and told Him that they’d run out of wine, which would have been a disgrace to the groom and his family. He told the servants to fill six large stone water jars, capable of holding between twenty and thirty gallons of water each, and when they’d done this, He told them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.

The water had been turned to wine, and when the man tasted it, he said to the groom, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” John 2:10. Not only did Jesus know how to celebrate, but He also did it with style, giving His best.

Jesus brought the light of life and hope into the world; He never hid from people or what people said about Him. “He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12. What Jesus offered was the joy of living in His light, His love.

People enjoyed Jesus. Some accused Him of blaspheming, pretending to be God, but He never bragged about who He was. He was seen as a radical by the religious leaders of His day, but nobody found him unapproachable. Even the little children were comfortable being with Jesus; He didn’t frighten them, like those who dressed in robes and talked about rules all the time.

He paused to be with and talk to everyone, from those in positions of authority to those considered criminals according to Jewish law. People were drawn to Him because He loved freely.

He was a light for the world.

If people thought about it, they’d realize Jesus did what was needed to demonstrate unconditional love to a world in desperate need of love, hope, and forgiveness.

That’s a light worth shining.