The King Is Comingনমুনা

See

The Christmas tree has gaps and it’s too short. There isn’t enough room in the oven for everything, and someone who means a great deal to us isn’t coming. This is not how we imagined the holiday.

Sometimes, we become so focused on how we think things should be—how the perfect Norman Rockwell Christmas will solve so many problems—that we fail to recognize or appreciate the incredible blessing of what is.

The nation of Israel had a very specific idea of how the Messiah would come. They were so focused on Christ coming as a warrior to rescue them that many didn’t recognize their long-awaited Savior when he actually arrived. Why? He came into this world in the humblest of ways—in a manger surrounded by work animals. He had no need of pomp and circumstance. His idea of what was most important was to pay for our sins and save us through his grace.

Christ’s return in glory—when every knee will bow—is yet to come. It will happen in his perfect timing, as part of his perfect plan. For now, let’s try to surrender our plans to him and recognize the blessings he places in front of us.

Look again. Maybe that squat tree is decorated with ornaments that tell a story of your family. Was the unplanned casserole taking up limited space made with the help of little hands? (A little eggshell never hurt anyone.) And those faces around your table? Maybe they might have been overlooked and overshadowed had your attention been focused elsewhere. Although God’s plan may not match our own, it could not be more perfect.

REFLECT

Determine the areas of your life you are reluctant to surrender to God.

RESPOND

• In the coming weeks, try to be consciously aware of any preconceived ideas you bring to any event you attend or plan.
• Practice relinquishing those ideas and be open to what God might want you to see.
• How might God use you to help others see more of their blessings than their difficulties?