Are you guilty of peeking at your gifts under the tree? Or, when you were younger, did you ever sneak a present out of its decorative bag when no one was looking?
The only time I discovered one of my Christmas presents early was when I was about eight years old (I was innocently rummaging through my mom’s closet—no, really, I wasn’t peeking!). I was horrified when I opened a brown paper sack and found the doll I was hoping to get on Christmas morning. Finding it early spoiled the surprise and put a damper on my usual Christmas anticipation.
It’s different with the discovery of the real Christmas gift. No gift compares to the Christ Child. Although much of what we know of Him is still veiled in mystery, each glimpse brings us closer to full understanding. From the earliest pages of Scripture He was foretold. Little bits of disclosure peel back what was hidden: God with us! This is the gift that cannot be spoiled, and it beckons your discovery.
Look for Him today—He came as a babe, but He’ll return a powerful Sovereign, and His Spirit is now actively at work in hearts and lives. Watch for evidence of His presence, His power, and His gracious provision as you walk through your day.
See His hand in the opportunities to communicate His love to those you encounter: the toddler at your feet, the checker at the grocery store, the fellow student who is struggling with finals, or your coworker that lives in lonely isolation. Feel His presence drawing you to pause in the quiet moments of your day to worship, take every opportunity to express gratitude for the abundance you enjoy this day—as a result of His kind provision.
But especially see Him in His love letter to you, where the gift of this Holy Child is revealed:
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people . . . As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old . . . Because of the tender mercy of our God with which the Dayspring from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace"” (Luke 1).
How have you caught glimpses of Him this season?
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