This Advent journey was designed to woo your heart to wonder. Think back to the magnificence of prophecy, providence, faith, the Kingdom, worship, grace, wisdom, joy, love, salvation, hope and more. Each vignette reminds us that God has been at work in history, putting His glory on display so that people everywhere would stand speechless—in awe of their great God. After the Israelites had been rescued from the Egyptians in pursuit, Moses sang, “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). In other words, who can compare to our God who stands out in all of His wondrous glory?
Very soon, you will box up your Christmas decorations and store the lights and ornaments and nutcrackers in the attic until next year. Christmas is over and it’s time to get on with life. Perhaps you might leave your Nativity scene out a little longer. What God did during the most wonderful time of the year should amaze our hearts in February, mid-July and when the leaves turn color next fall. The God who was at work is still at work and He wishes to capture your heart every day. How can you keep the wonder of Christmas going?
First, recall the lessons that you have learned along the way:
- The Gospel is God’s gift to you, chosen long ago and unwrapped in Jesus.
- God makes and keeps His promises to you.
- Prophecy is God lighting the way to Jesus’ coming and His coming again.
- God is providentially involved in everything, bringing His purposes to pass.
- Because of God’s providence and power, we can surrender ourselves to Him.
- The virgin birth prepares us for Jesus’ extraordinary identity and ministry.
- Faith looks back to what God has done to look forward without fear.
- Born in the “House of Bread,” Jesus is our “Bread of Life.”
- If we are too busy, we will not make room for Jesus who has come to us.
- True worship exalts the worth of Jesus, our reigning King.
- God makes Himself known so that He may be found by all who seek Him.
- Jesus is our Passover Lamb, born to die for the sins of the world.
- Those who journey to Jesus come away changed by Him.
- The perfect gift of Jesus isn’t earned but received freely by grace.
- We express our joy in Jesus by sharing Him with others.
- Glad at Jesus’ arrival, we now wait with anticipation for His return.
- Jesus is good news for everyone, and so we tell the world about Him.
- The fullness of our joy is found in Jesus.
- Heavenly wisdom can’t be found on earth but only in Jesus.
- Nothing is impossible through God who is mighty for you.
- God is a good Father who loves His children completely.
- Jesus secures for us upward, inward, and outward peace as we trust Him.
- The proof of God’s love for you is found in Jesus who gave Himself for you.
- God limited Himself to live among us to bring us close to God.
- Jesus saves us from our past, through our present, and for a future with Himself.
- We welcome Jesus into our life with humility and worship.
- If you have Jesus, you have the greatest treasure of all.
- When Jesus is your King, you serve Him as a Kingdom citizen.
- The world will continue at war with God until Jesus defeats Satan in the end once and for all.
- God rescued His Son so that His Son might rescue everyone.
- Hallelujah! Jesus will come again!
As you think about these lessons, take some practical steps to discover, rediscover, and root such truths in your life:
Read the story of God’s work every day. The Bible is the story of God proving Himself to His people. Read a little and ask, “What do I learn about God from this passage?”
When God shows Himself wonderful, tell Him. Laugh at coincidence and look for providence. When you see God organizing little pieces into a grand picture, smile and celebrate Him.
Share with others how you have seen God’s greatness. Biblical community is such an important part of the spiritual life and we can strengthen one another by singing our own songs (like Moses) about God’s wonderful deeds.
And, tell others about Jesus. He’s too amazing not to share! Talk about His presence, His power, His promises. So much of the world has still not discovered how wonderful He is.
Very soon after I placed my faith in Jesus and began worshipping Him as my Savior, I learned a simple song that reflected so much of what I felt about who He was to me. It’s not sung in churches much these days, but the words are a powerful reminder of who God is to me…to us:
You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depth of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty enthroned above
And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You