The tradition of wrapping gifts is a good one to my mind. It helps gifts to be savored, anticipated, and, most importantly, appreciated. The birth of Christ is, of course, a gift. It is the ultimate gift. God gives us His Son. Gifts of socks, pants, Altoids, DVDs of movies Shannon thinks I'll like, and books she's picked out for me will soon be hidden in plain sight under our tree. Wrapping paper, Scotch tape, and bows will provide thin but effective camouflage. The gospel of Christ can be similarly camouflaged. It can be hidden in plain sight. The gifts under our tree are sure to be opened. The gift of Jesus Christ, on the other hand, may not be for many people. In Luke 2:12 it says, "This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Despite the star and the concert of angels the shepherds beheld, many in Bethlehem missed unwrapping the gift of Jesus. Consider how many people in this town lived through this event and their entire lives completely oblivious to Christ. All they saw, if they noticed anything at all, was a baby born out of wedlock in a barn. How could this be anything to pay attention to, never mind rejoice in? This is like thinking that all there is to those gifts under the tree is wrapping paper, tape, and bows held in place by empty boxes.
Is Jesus Christ a gift you have received (opened) or one you have ignored? Does it feel like God is hidden in plain sight today?
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I think that it like seeing the trees in the forest. Step out of the forest and see how beautiful the trees are. Step out of the daily routine and look at all God has given to each of us. Use your time wisely. God desires time o speak with His kid.
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