Oxford Languages defines wonder as “a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar or inexplicable.” I can only imagine that Mary was filled with wonder as she thought about carrying the Son of God. God chose her. God chose her family and Joseph. This was no accident. He intentionally pursued their hearts and chose to carry out his plan through their lives. Wow. How beautiful, unexpected and inexplicable! But those were Bible times, you might say. The salvation of all people is huge, but what does that mean for our everyday lives?
I was born into a basketball family. My dad is a third-generation basketball coach. My grandpa is in the coaches Hall of Fame. My 5’10” mom held a high school tournament free throw record for many, many years. However, athleticism skipped right over me. My 5’4” stature and inability to make quick decisions thwarted my basketball career in the sixth grade. During one game in elementary school (yes, sixth grade was still elementary school in the ‘80s), the opponent backed me into a corner. I screamed “HELP!” and heard my voice echo throughout the entire gymnasium. I was horrified. This introvert does not like to draw attention to herself. My teammates were across the court. I was stuck. I don’t remember how that game ended, but that feeling of helplessness is etched in my memory. Needless to say, I did not make the team the following year. My father’s status as a coach and my family’s history with the sport did nothing to make me an athlete or ensure a spot on the team.
But we have a Heavenly Father whose status is the Lord God Almighty. He is the all-knowing and all-powerful Creator. How amazing and wonderous it is that the Creator of the world chose us to be a part of his family. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have ever lasting life.” Although we can all probably quote this verse, do we really comprehend how much he loves us?
Oh, how he loves us!
Christmas reminds us of the great lengths he went to in order to pursue a relationship with us. He sent his son to be born on this earth. He was tempted in every way just as we are. Yet he overcame sin and death so that we could have a relationship with him. And just think how personally he is involved in your life and mine.
He knows your name.
He knew where you needed to live and placed you by the neighbor that took you to church as a child.
He didn’t give up when you wanted to go your own way.
He gave you the friend that offered wise counsel.
He opened the door to the job you didn’t know you were waiting for.
He redeemed that broken relationship.
He knows when you feel helpless and wants to be your source of strength.
This year has been filled with so many uncertainties and disruptions. But God’s love has not failed. As we celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s think about how God has pursued us, what he has brought us through, what he protected us from, and what his love means to us personally.
I pray that we “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19)
May you feel the Wonders of His Love this Christmas season.
Kaci Wyatt
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