A Fresh Look

Each figure is now carefully wrapped and packed away.  There was a moment though, that I considered leaving my Nativity Scene out for the year. I love its simple beauty and the sense of peace it brings to the room (and to me). As I lingered with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and the rest, I began to question if with time, the things that make the Nativity special might begin to disappear? Would passing it day in and day out blind me to its significance? Is it possible that the scene that means so much, could become commonplace, simply blending in with the other decorations around it? The decision became clear. I  put it away so that when I open the box next year, I’ll get a fresh look, piece by piece, at the familiar display of God’s love .

As often happens when lingering, I began to wonder. Has Jesus Himself become commonplace in my life, blending in with everything around me?  Because He’s near day in and day out, am I failing to recognize the magnitude of all He’s done and is doing? Is my excitement for being a Christian neatly packed away where others can’t see it, only to come out with the Christmas decorations? I’m not sure I want to answer these questions. How about You?

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

Something we tend to have in common is how easily we can get so wrapped up in our own lives that we lose sight of our life in Christ. That’s when our “deeds” become tepid at best. Some translations of the above verse say, “–I am about to vomit you out of my mouth.” I think we can all agree that spitting and vomiting are not the reactions we want others, and especially God, to have to us! So, how do we turn up our temperatures?

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:9-11 (NIV)

The simple beauty of the Nativity reminds us of God’s gift of love, but I think by taking a fresh look, we can also use it, piece by piece, to help us display that love to others. May we remember to be like:

Joseph, who was devoted,
Mary, having sincere love,
The Wisemen, honoring another above themselves,
The Shepherds, who served their masters,
The Angel, sharing spiritual fervor and zeal,
All the while, like those in the stable long ago,
keeping our attention on the One at the center of it all,
Jesus.

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

This post was written to the prompt “Fresh” that was shared at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Many others have joined in and you can read their offerings by clicking the link! Who knows? You might even get a fresh perspective on things! If you are reading this, I want you to know how much it means to me that you are here and I pray you leave encouraged.