The beauty of the body torn...

The other day, I had the pleasure and joy of decorating our church sanctuary for Christmas.  A dear friend of mine helped me, and so did my darling sister, Avery.  Avery is five years old, and I find her conversation quite stimulating.  This day was no exception.

We were opening up the boxes of shepherds, wisemen, Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus to put together our Nativity scene.  Avery was SO excited about Baby Jesus.  She held him tenderly in her arms and said "I'll be careful with Baby Jesus".  And I knew she meant it.

As she continued to cradle the resin babe in her arms she asked

"Don't you think Jesus is just beautiful?"

I thought a moment before I answered.

"Honey, I think Jesus is always beautiful."

What a simple moment.  Simply said.  By simply a child.

We went on in our discourse, she talking about God sending Jesus to Earth.  I asked her why he sent Jesus.  She answered "To die on the cross." 

I asked why he had to die on the cross.  She answered "To save us from our sins."

I asked her what her sins are.  She answered "All of the bad things I do."

And then it ocurred to me.  This is what the Christmas season is truly about.

I put together the beautiful scenery of a night many, many years ago when a newborn baby was placed in a feeding trough, and I see my first born watching his mama and five-year-old aunt, soaking up our conversation. 

Avery is learning.  And I am learning.

Avery is teaching.  And I am taught.

And the only thing I could think of was how the Christmas season never seemed so beautiful to me.

As it did now.

And the tears streamed with the sweat and the blood and the spit. 

And the crowds who once welcomed Him, jeered at Him, ignorant that the face they rejected was the face of a Savior.

The innocent was executed on a cross of shame, the guilty free from any blame.

The tears and the blood made the liquid of Perfect Love.

How could a woman, as she rocks her newborn babe, know that He would die such a horrible death?

A mother's highest expectations for her son fell short, but yet, went way beyond any earthly success.

Yes, Jesus IS beautiful.

And yes, we should be humbled.

How are you using this Christmas season to teach, instruct and reinforce?

Is Santa trying to find room for himself in YOUR Bethlehem manger?

This season holds the moments that can affect eternity.

For you and your's.