“I wonder why you care, God – why do you bother with us at all? All we are is a puff of air; we’re like shadows in a campfire.” Psalm 144.3,4
Every aspect of Christmas carries a mystery in its wrapping. The knowledge of presents under the tree, but are they what they appear to be? Stockings stuffed and hanging over the fireplace or in our case this year windows, anticipating eager children that will hold and caress briefly before tearing the wrap from the small packages huddled inside. Listening to the storms raging outside which make the stillness and quietness inside more tangible and reflective. Midnight Christmas mass with young boys singing majestically in the midst of towering pipe organs, stain glass, and echoing chants carrying a story from centuries gone by. Everything points and teases us towards the greatest mystery of all, God’s love for each one of us.
The holiday is confusing if we care to admit it. Why would God bother with us to start with? When he did decide to do something why make it available to everyone? Why not be somewhat selective – focus on the money, or people with talent and potential, or even those who delivered the right results! There is the process itself; why go through all that hassle? If God is God, then why could he not just declare it so and let things be complete?
God laid it out for you and me. He took on the challenge, personally and without hesitation. I cannot imagine what went through His mind. What is it about us that He values so much to risk everything. The answer is at the heart of the Christmas mystery. God loves us totally as one of His own. We are His son and His daughter. He is our Mother and Father all rolled into one. Nothing is too good or too expensive or over the top for His children! That includes you! It includes me! It is the mystery of Christmas!
At some point, I stop wondering and just accept.
Thanks God.
