This past week I was standing in the toy aisle with list firmly in hand. From my list I learned that she is 7 years old and in the first grade. Her favorite color is pink, and she really wants a princess doll. No, this is not the Christmas list for one of my granddaughters. This is the “wish list” from one of the millions of children whose parents cannot afford gifts this Christmas.
I made my selections, drove home and promptly began wrapping the presents. As I did so I wondered, does this really matter? In the grand scheme of things, does it make a difference to give a little child a few Christmas gifts? Their problems seem so insurmountable. How could such an ordinary thing as Christmas gifts from a stranger possibly help?
It is quite clear Jesus has an answer to such questions. Have you ever noticed how the Creator of the Universe is very interested in the ordinary common things of life? He talks about cups of water given to little ones in His name. He tells his disciples to feed food to the hungry crowds. He takes a towel and washes the feet of his followers.
But even more than these expressions by Jesus is the presence of Jesus Himself. What was the sign the angel told the shepherds? Was it to go to a palace or a temple? Look for a mighty man of valor? No! The sign was a baby in swaddling cloths lying in a manger. A baby in a feeding trough? This was to be the Messiah? The Savior of the world? Our Savior was to have a babyhood, a boyhood and grow up just like the rest of us? How ordinary is that?
That is just the point! Jesus set aside the glories of heaven and stepped into our world (His world!) and took on ordinary human flesh with all the trappings that go with it.
Of course, for those of us who think man is the apex of it all, we can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be absolutely excited to be a man. But if you were God? Imagine. To be God and come down the birth canal, to be laid in a manger, to live as an outcast, to die as a stranger, to bear the abuse and curse of the law. . . (Alistair Begg)
Yes, I think Jesus would be delighted for us to give these very ordinary presents to little children in celebration of His birth. In my hands such things remain quite ordinary. But in the hands of Jesus they become powerful instruments of His mercy and grace. Check out the web site below and see what I mean.
http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2011/12/the-flute-the-5-year-old/
Blessings to all of you and a very Merry Christmas!
Pam
