Are There Enough Presents Under the Tree?

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't had a passing thought that Christmas seemed small this year. Tomorrow there will be lots of pictures of presents under the tree (that’s part of the magic right?) but undoubtedly there will be the temptation to compare the size of the packages under the trees and feel a sense of lack or disappointment.

May our medicine for a discontented heart at Christmas be to remember the Lord who left a rich and high position to take a very low one. Our pastor shared from Isaiah 64:1 on Sunday, the desperate prayer of a people waiting for their savior,

“Oh Lord would you rend the heavens and come down!”

It was the cry of a people anticipating the removal of the separation of heaven and earth.

We are apt to think of Christ as our simple savior, but have we forgotten the intimate way in which he came to save us? He didn’t stand far off in heaven. He didn’t reach down from afar to set the world right. No, he came in the flesh. Christ’s coming was a rendering, a tearing in two, a splitting and opening of the heavens; Forever removing the divide between humanity and God. Heaven came to earth. God among us. I think of Hebrews 4:14-16,

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Can you believe it? God came down not just to save us but to experience life as we know it. He is our perfect help because he came and became intimately aquatinted with our weaknesses and suffering but didn't sin. God rendered the heavens and rendered his own self; His rendering our salvation.

This Christmas Eve as you stare at gifts under the tree anticipating the joy of Christmas Day, think on the anticipation of a people long ago who longed for the day when God would render the heavens. And as you wake Christmas morning, wake to the hope that God has come, our greatest gift, and He has come in a way that is not far off but in a way that is intimately acquainted with our suffering.

Are you feeling burnt out? Discontent? Hopeless? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Angry? Disheartened? Saddened? Turn to the King who willingly surrendered all the privileges of heaven to be intimately acquainted with your every situation and feeling. He is not far off. He is not removed. He is not dismissive. He is not unseeing. He is sympathetic. He is a help. He is our free gift; our salvation. And He is sufficient for all things! No matter your situation this Christmas season, you are richly blessed in Christ! Paul caught on to this little secret,

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭

May you find your hearts rejoicing over the miraculous gift we’ve been giving in Christ… a God that rent the heavens, became intimately acquainted with our every situation, and would we worry less about appearance of the number of gifts under the tree. May you find your heart at rest, at peace, and contented in all Christ has done for you! He rent the heavens, removed the divide, and came down for YOU. Could there be a greater gift on Christmas morning? Merry Christmas!