Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

I liked playing under the Christmas tree. Gazing intently at the tiny family figures with the cold wood floor against my belly, I inched closer as colorful lights danced above my head. I didn’t notice that my swinging feet sent ornaments showering from the fragrant cedar limbs as I reached the tiny family figures at last. The sweet manger, surrounded by the reverent figures, fascinated me most of all. “Why is this baby so important?” Revolving its smooth edges over and over in my hands, I turned my head from side to side to see the miniature details and wonder at the significance.

I didn’t understand it then, but that tiny baby symbolized God Incarnate. The baby who captured my attention as a small child was the One that God Promised from the beginning of time, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Lord, thank You for Your words of truth, given for eyes of faith to search and see. Thank You for coming to earth and suffering to save us. Thank You for the inexpressible and glorious joy made known in a human heart.

written by Cynthia Dillard