Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, I’m reminded that the parade watchers expect the coming of Santa and as the parade nears its end, the question arises, “Can you see him?”. And everyone hopes for that first glimpse!
And I want to ask you, as this Christmas approaches, and we celebrate the coming of Jesus, “Can you see Him?” Have you caught a glimpse of Him this season?
There has been much talk and rhetoric about how the world is trying to take Christ out of Christmas. And each year, it seems there is another outcry of yet another attack on the celebration of Christmas as Jesus’ birthday. And so it does seems harder to see Jesus in the midst of the Christmas season.
Why do we expect the world to see Jesus? Doesn’t Scripture tell us that He came to His own and they knew Him not? How can we expect those who don’t even believe Jesus exists to see Him and celebrate Him? And how good of a job are we, who DO believe in Jesus, doing of SHOWING Him to our world? We complain about holiday cups, holiday trees, and holiday greetings but do they see Jesus in us?
Do we see Jesus? Would we know Him if we saw Him?
Instead of complaining about what the world does about Christmas and celebrating it (or not), let’s look for Jesus with the expectation and earnest seeking of the Wise Men. Let’s come with humble adoration as did the shepherds. And let us sing His praises, as did the angels. Let us ponder all these things in our heart as did Mary. Let us show the obedience that Joseph showed. I think we and the world will see a glimpse of Jesus and then look forward to His coming into their lives.
Looking for glimpses of Jesus,
Steve