Christmas is often described as a time of wonder and merriment. It’s a time of joyful expectations, especially when it comes to children. It’s seen as a time of hope and joy. There are times of celebration and fun with friends and family, and many families make it a tradition to drive around town to marvel at the wonderful light displays on houses.
As I was thinking about those things and reading, my thoughts turned to God. Sometimes it seems that the only time we marvel or wonder at things is at holiday times when special things are happening. Even the reason for Christmas, the birth of Emmanuel – God with us – which is a truly wonderful thing, gets lost.
When was the last time you marveled and wondered at something God did?
In Mark 4:35-41, there is a story of Jesus and his disciples. After a time of telling stories, they get into a boat to go to the other side of a big lake. As they were traveling, a mighty storm comes up, and the disciples (many of whom were experienced seamen) were fearful. We’re told that the waves nearly swamp the boat. Meanwhile, Jesus is asleep on a cushion in the back of this boat that isn’t very big. The guys wake Jesus up, and He quiets the wind and the waves with a spoken rebuke. The disciples were awestruck at what they had just seen even as Jesus asks them about their faith.
Can you imagine what it would have been like to be one of the disciples on the boat? This event happened early in their time together with Jesus. They most likely had never seen anything like this. Yet, this also wasn’t the only time they would see the power of God at work and marvel at what Jesus could do. They experienced other weather related events, as well as miracles like healing sickness and raising people from the dead, feeding thousands of people with little food, casting our demons, and other smaller miracles.
Even toward the end, they still marveled at what Jesus could do. Was that because of a lack of faith or understanding at who Jesus was? Perhaps at times. But maybe it was also because each time Jesus did something amazing, they again recognized the hand and power of God at work. Perhaps because they did not become callous to the things of God.
There’s something I appreciate about the disciples. Even though at times their faith was weak and they had a hard time grasping the meaning of the kingdom of God (sounds a lot like us), whenever they saw the power of God, they responded with wonder, awe, and worship.
When was the last time you marveled and wondered at something God did? Unfortunately, things like parties, lights, and presents are temporary things. The lights burn out, the parties end (leaving the host with a mess), and presents break. Yet, the hand of God at work in us and around us is constant. We will see it if we are looking for it and have faith.
May not only the birth of our Savior as a baby, but the ongoing presence of God bring awe and wonder to our lives. May we live in the mystery of our God who is with us – Emmanuel. May we worship the Lord our God with all of who we are because of all of who He is.
What’s something that God has done recently that caused you to marvel and wonder?
