small enough…BIG ENOUGH

Each year it seems like Christmas comes rushing at us like the Polar Express. Before we were ever able to focus on its true meaning and significance, it is gone and we are off to another year. In an effort to guard my own heart from the white noise of what doesn’t matter, I have started celebrating the Advent season. I remind my children that there are no presents under the tree leading up to December 25th, because we are anticipating the day when the ultimate gift would be given to humanity. All throughout the season, we try to center our energy and efforts on the idea that Jesus is coming. Personally, I have begun meditating and journaling some thoughts centered on the birth of Jesus. One of my favorites is

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;

       and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus is deity wrapped in humanity…in other words, small enough and big enough at the same time.

He was:

small enough to be born into the world

BIG enough to have spoken the world and everything in it into existence

small enough to be born into the City of Bread

BIG enough to be the Bread of Life

small enough to cry when he was hungry and wanted to be held

BIG enough to hear the heart cry of every human being

small enough to be obsolete

BIG enough to be absolute

small enough to be born into a young family

BIG enough to welcome all who would come into His family

small enough to reveal Himself to shepherds close by

BIG enough to draw Magi from afar

small enough to wash feet

BIG enough to lead

small enough for our sake to become poor

BIG enough that through His poverty we might become rich

small enough to need swaddling clothes

BIG enough to one day leave them behind

small enough to become one of us

BIG enough to rescue all of us

small enough to be the kid in the cradle

BIG enough to be the King on the cross

My desire is that these past few posts have encouraged you to see this time of year as an opportunity to hope, anticipate, and prepare for the coming birth of our Lord and Savior. With these thoughts, I and all the staff at Student Leadership University wish you a great Advent season and a Merry Christmas!