30th November
“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him”. Isaiah 53 v.2
Some people have a real talent for gift wrapping. Using containers and off beat packaging so the recipients are unable to guess what the gift is inside. Do you judge presents by the packaging ? Have you ever been surprised by what is inside?
As we enter Advent and look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth, let us think of the children of Israel who were anticipating the coming of a Messiah, they had a certain image in their minds. They were expecting someone who would show up with a big fanfare and military might, who would demand attention and respect. Can you imagine their confusion when the Christ child made His humble entrance into the world?
So from the very beginning Christmas has been about precious gifts in unexpected packaging. The Son of God entered our world as a baby and God’s plan to redeem and restore His people began with a newborn’s cry. It was the ultimate surprise gift.
Scripture and the world around us hold many hidden, surprising gifts so lets not get caught up in appearances and make snap decisions about people and events as we may miss out on the most amazing gifts. Let us ask God to open our eyes to the beautiful surprises that are all around us.
We pray:
Lord as we move into this season of Advent and prepare for Your birth open our eyes to the wonderful gifts You have given us. Let us look beneath all the packaging and remember the real reason for this season of Christmas, Your birth, when You came down to earth to save us from our sins. Also open our eyes to help those around us for whom this time brings anxiety and sadness. Be with them Lord and fill them with Your love and peace. Amen
Margaret Lindley is Area Trustee for Chester & Stoke, Manchester & Stockport, Liverpool and North Wales
