The Wonder of Christms

Luke 2:8-11


If I were to copy down the text of Luke 2 many believers would stop reading. After all, why bother reading something we're so familiar with?  I remember listening to a pastor pray before preaching when I was a boy. He would say, "Lord, help us to see your word with new eyes today." In a world where we wouldn't dream of picking up yesterday's newspaper this is a good reminder.

I am the father of a baby boy and it has been a while since my older children were as young as Peter. I am rediscovering the joys of parenting a new person. From the moment his eyes opened a year and three days ago he has been seeing things for the first time. Every day there is something that fills his eyes with wonder.

If we are not careful as we get older our eyes grow dim for wont of wonder. We need to be reminded to see things again for the first time--to see with new eyes.

Now, take the example of Luke 2: 8-11 (the famous monologue in Charlie Brown's Christmas play). Try to read it with freshness.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore (very) afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)

 Imagine the scene and the astonishment of the shepherds. The magnitude of this encounter must have been terrifying. But even more than that, the message the angel brought that night had been longed for for hundreds of years. Generations came, generations went. Years turned to centuries and the darkness of the cold night on that quiet hillside was the darkness of a nation in despair. Wonder at this! Not only was the Messiah coming, he was coming in the human form of God himself! Imagine yourself there with them...wonder with them.

End

Post Script:  Ravi Zacharias wrote an excellent book for those who have lost the wonder in their faith. It is entitled "Recapture the Wonder." C.S. Lewis also wrote on the subject. His potent treatment is entitled "The Weight of Glory." Neither book is long.