Through the years during Christmas time, my mom would buy me a special ornament, a little something that caught her fancy, which in turn hoped to catch mine. Whether it be whimsical or festive, they were always tokens of her love. At times, those tokens were presented by hand, lightly wrapped in tissue, tied up with a bow of mother’s excitement. On other occasions, I would find them lying on my canopy bed, concealed in the small bag they were purchased in…eager to surprise me. These memories sparked a fondness for ornaments that carried into adulthood, kindling a desire to continue this tradition with my own children.
Each year we added to our family collection through thrift store finds or clearance bins, being continually delighted in each new addition. However, regardless of our vast assortment to choose from, when it came time to decorate the tree, one ornament out shined them all: a small golden house with intricately cut out windows and doors. All in all, it was a rather simple ornament with no grand history to tell of its origin. Somehow it became the boys’ most coveted treasure. They were always eager to awaken it from the slumbering storage box keeping it safe. Then, with even greater anticipation, they beamed with honor to nestle it among the tree boughs.
From day one I marveled at their exuberance over this seemingly less-than-showy bobble. When surrounded with an array of grander, glitzier ornaments, it appears to be completely obscure; easily overlooked and underrated by the average curious onlooker. Nevertheless, our boys immediately recognized its hidden potential at first glance. Their tiny hands cradling the delicately crafted ornament, they would place a miniature bulb inside, causing luminous light to spill through each opening. Thus, this once dark vessel was now aglow with warm splendor.
Though that was many years ago, seeing through their eyes this uncovered gem made me see its worth to a greater depth. Still to this day, this jewel continues to shine brightly, faithfully stirring our hearts with its simple wonder. One day years later, while thrift store shopping, our son Trent by chance found the exact same ornament. With great joy he purchased it to give to his brother Derek to celebrate his first Christmas in his own home.
Besides all the warm memories that flood my thoughts when I gaze upon that wondrous ornament, Matthew chapter 5 comes to mind:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:14–16 ESV
You, my friend, are a light! Esteemed with value, you have been curiously and intricately wrought from the hands of your adoring Creator, Almighty God. You have not been overlooked, rather uniquely fashioned to shine brightly and with purpose. Matthew 5:16 in the Message Bible says, “Shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in Heaven.”
My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret (and) intricately and curiously wrought (as if embroidered with various colors) in the depths of the earth (a region of darkness and mystery). —Psalm 139:15 AMPC
“The Word of God is a lamp by night, a light by day, and a delight at all times.” —Charles H. Spurgeon
“God crowns us. Most people crown their Christmas trees with either an angel or a star. God uses both.” —Max Lucado
Prayer:
Lord, we pray we see all of Your glory in our lives. Thank you for personally handpicking us to shine gloriously. May we choose to shine more brightly each day!
Winter Section page 11 of...
Grace -Filled Season A 52- Week Discovery of God's ALL -Sufficient Grace.
By Lisa Jennings
"Grace grows best in winter " Edith Clarkson
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