A Christ-Centered Christmas Doesn't Have to Be HardSmakprov

Mission Impossible When our daughter and son were growing up, we created exciting treasure hunts on special occasions like their birthdays. They were given one clue after another until they found their treasure trove. Delayed gratification is a great way to build anticipation, and besides, who doesn’t like searching for hidden treasure? Our kids loved these hunts and couldn’t wait to see what was awaiting them at the end of their expedition. Gathering clues was like putting a puzzle together. With each new piece of information, the picture became clearer. My husband and I loved hiding the clues, and we greatly enjoyed watching our children’s reaction when each new piece of evidence was uncovered, pointing to their long-awaited treasure. After our children were grown and married, we decided to rekindle some of that childhood intrigue, mystery, and excitement by adding a treasure hunt to our current Christmas celebrations. The adventure begins with the “Mission Impossible” theme song playing in the background and the following instructions: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to solve the Bible Treasure Hunt. As always, should you or any of your Mission Impossible team be caught or killed, the Mission Impossible task force will disavow any knowledge of your actions. These instructions will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck! 5…4…3…2…1 (KABOOM!) Much like our treasure hunts of yesteryear, one clue leads to another, and on it goes. The final riddle provides the location of their Christmas treasure, which (according to my husband) is the gift that keeps on giving—cash. I’m reminded that the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus was planned and foretold long before His physical entry into the world. God left behind many clues throughout the Bible to ensure we didn’t miss His Son’s coming. The clues and treasures hidden in secret places lead us straight to Jesus: Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2. God also left us clues to His Son’s death: Isaiah 53:5-7, Psalm 22:1-8. What our Lord accomplished here on earth was miraculous to say the least, a mission so impossible that only God, Himself, could carry it out. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). When Jesus was born over two-thousand years ago, He gave us the greatest gift of all, eternal life in heaven with Him. It is the greatest gift of all— a gift that truly keeps on giving. Personal Reflection * What is the best gift you have ever received at Christmas? * What has been your most memorable Christmas to date and why? Prayer Father God, thank you for leaving me clues in your Word that point to your Son. Jesus is the greatest gift of all, a gift that keeps on giving, year after year. Help me to never take for granted the birth, death, and resurrection of my LORD. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.