Where Is Jesus?

 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

I wondered if the color-changing icicles around the perimeter of the house and the brightly lit green wreaths on each window were the final touches to the home located at the top of the hill in my neighborhood. Each day for almost two weeks, new decorations were added to what was beginning to look like Clark Griswold’s house from the movie Christmas Vacation.

 It started with a few lights and a snowman. The next day a white Christmas tree and miniature Eiffel Tower were added. After that more lights and a train became visible. The day after, Santa and a few colored lights appeared. I could hardly wait to walk the dogs each night to see what new Christmas trimming would be on display next. Once it was all garnished, I realized that there was no manger, no sign of Christ amongst the festive ornaments.  As I continued my walk, I begin to look at each yard I passed in search of Jesus or any resemblance of the holiday’s origin. I found very little, just two angels in the midst of some reindeer and snowmen.

Then it hit me, I too had nothing in my yard other than a couple of lit Christmas trees on the porch and wreaths with red bows on the front doors. I laughed at my quick act of judgment for something I was clearly guilty of as well.  It’s interesting how we are eager to criticize and ready to change the world, but somehow have a way of removing ourselves as responsible partners. All day I found myself haunted by the words of Leo Tolstoy, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”   

So I decided that even if it was small, I wanted to add something to our outdoor display as a visible reminder of the reason behind this glorious Christmas season.  I placed a painted canvas on an easel and set it on the front porch with the trees and wreaths. It was the perfect addition and said it all: AND HE WILL BE CALLED MESSIAH…

Michele