From Wander to Wonder: Christmas Ponderings

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“Words mean things” reminds my husband, when I’ve not clearly explained something, or use the wrong words in my conveyance of a concept. Since I’m an author, I know just how powerful words can be. And surprisingly, so are mere letters.

How many times do we let our minds wander, for no good purpose? Unfortunately, it commonly occurs while we are listening to a sermon. Or a lecture. Times when we need to be paying attention. Last Sunday, I was guilty of that very habit. But it lead me to a treasure to ponder. My mind went from wandering to pondering. And then, it ended in wonder. A perfect state to be caught in during the Christmas Season.

From wandering to wondering. The letter “O” made all the difference. . .

​The Bible has numerous wonder-related verses. Here are three:

Psalms 119:18
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Psalms 33:8
Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

​Psalms 26:7
. . . that I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

​The theme for our worship service last week was “The Word (another name for Jesus) was Made Flesh (or human)”, I was caught in wonder as I listened to our church family member related a simple word: hands. The tiny hands of the Babe in the manger - the helpless hands of the tiny Babe. Yes, they were helpless in human form. But that Babe in the manger was more than that. He was God, who came down into a troubled word to save us.

I know. A mind-boggling concept. But, that’s the miracle!

My mind, now enthralled continued in wondering. The man, now passionately expounding on that simple topic of a tiny baby’s hands unwrapped it as a gift for creative minds.

The hands that created the world -  

Grasped His mother’s tender fingers — needy and helpless
Healed the sick and hurting — compassionate for the lost
​Washed disciples feet — humble as a servant
Broke bread with the disciples — the final meal before His betrayal
Nailed to a cross— suffering for the sins of the world
Shown them, nail-pierced, to doubting Thomas — who believed

And someday. . .

They will welcome us to our heavenly abode: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Wow! What a wonder.

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Then, the meditation turned to the angel’s mouth-dropping announcement made to the shepherds faithfully watching over their sheep abiding in the Bethlehem fields. Sheep soon to become a sin sacrifice. . .

Luke 2:9-14
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them,

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

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So then my mind went to a typical baby announcement in the 21st century. In comparison, how would this miraculous bundle of joy’s announcement read?

How about this:

It’s a Boy! The Son of God
Name? Savior, Christ the Lord
Length? He will go to great lengths to save the world — all the way to the cross.
Width? His love will reach all the world!
Weight? Heavy. It cost Him dearly - His life and position

​REJOICE!

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A Wonder-filled Discovery

I always wait expectantly for an awe-inspiring thought during each Christmas season. One that will fill me with wonder, and make the story more powerful. I was not disappointed.

An email from a person deeply embedded in Jewish history, related the fact that all sheep destined for sacrifice had to be spotless — without blemish. These chosen lambs would be wrapped in “swaddling” to protect their bodies from a scrap from a thorn bush, or injury by another creature. There is a strong possibility that Mary would have unwrapped a cloth from a lamb destined for sacrifice to swaddle her Son . . .the Savior of the world.

Double wow and wonder!

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Tell me— what is your biggest “Wonder” of the season? Or, are you still Wandering? Let me know below!