How to Rekindle Wonder
The wind blew large snowflakes vigorously towards us. As the flakes slowed they gently landed in my grandson’s thick dark hair. His blue eyes were wide open with wonderment since snow isn’t typical in Alabama with December temperatures in the 70s. This particular snow was blown from a machine and although it wasn't icey you could have fooled him. Equally as delightful these man made snowflakes were the most festive backdrop as we looked on, anticipating the next float in the lovely, small town Christmas parade. We watched sparkly exhibits joyfully pass by as we sat on the concrete curb of the street. His eyes and hands wide open, waving to catch the next toss of candy from the characters adorning each Christmas themed float. No doubt, he was completely filled with Christmas wonder!
The morning after the parade it wasn’t the giant red fire truck with Santa perched on top or the marching bands blasting festive jingles as they passed, but rather what impressed me the most was the expression on my grandson’s face. I felt a tingling desire down in my soul to feel this same emotion and response to the true reason that we celebrate. I felt my spirit well up and even yearn to see Christmas through the eyes of a child like him, filled with wonder and excitement.
Why does this holiday often seem flat falling on my deaf ears, ceasing to touch and ignite me with emotions of excitement to genuinely celebrate with joy? What has stolen the cheer in my heart? Why is true joy so hard to find or muster up? Some might say what steals the true meaning of Christmas is the tinsel filled world that surrounds us in our culture making material things the temporal reason for the joy. Others might be sure that the distractions on the Christmas calendar, busyness, shopping and tasks rob them of really enjoying and appreciating the true meaning. Another explanation, which is often true for me, is ceasing to appreciate the value of the gifts that Jesus brings because of over-familiarity having heard the story so many, many times over the years.
But this year the dampening of my soul obviously was not from any of these reasons. It was clear to me that the brokenness and sadness of the grieving world had put out the flame of wonder in me. As I sat and pondered I asked God to awaken my soul with a rekindling of wonder at the thought of Jesus. I longed for deep gratitude for what Jesus brought when He was born carrying hope, peace and joy for all of those who believe in Him.
One way to arouse a true spirit of joy is to recall the everyday people in the Christmas story through a lens to see their emotions as they were favored to be the first of the entire human race impressed with the incredible message of Christmas. Let’s look and ask for the gift of these deep emotions that might rekindle our wonder this year.
Mary - But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
Shepherds - And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:20)
People who heard the news - And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. (Luke 2:18)
Wise Men - Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:10 // When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. (Matthew 2:2)
Simeon - Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation. (Luke 2:29, 30)
Anna - And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38)
Mary & Joseph - And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. Luke 2:33
John the Baptist - The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
Behold, “to observe someone that is remarkable”, that is the desire of my heart this blessed season and possibly your desire as well. But how? How do we rekindle the soul to be deeply moved and assuredly affected by such a marvelous story?
Consider these three thoughts as you seek God to rekindle your Christmas spirit:
Realize your need, your hunger, your longing.
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:37b, 38Ask the Spirit to grant you a heart of wonder for the gift of His Son, Jesus.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5,6
3. Look for the joy. Be expectant.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesisans 3:20-21
But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him," 1 Corinthians 2:9
May the “thrill of hope” reignite our spirits this Christmas as we rejoice with a renewed spirit over the gifts that Jesus brings. He bestows on us forgiveness, grace, redemption, and hope to name just a few. More than ever, when appreciated and appropriated, a new kind of wonder will appear again within our hearts. May we not just glance but gaze at the manger more deeply this year remembering the blessings of eternal gifts and in turn be ignited and overwhelmed with feelings of astonishment. Jesus coming to earth to set each of us free from darkness and hopelessness is the best news ever and receiving Him afresh we can sing again, “Joy to the World!”
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15
Another way to incorporate truth into each day during the Christmas season is by reading through Christmas Matters, How the Birth of Jesus Makes a Difference Every Day by my friend Katy Shelton and me.
