I have been writing an inspirational sketch to send with Christmas cards for many years. Why do I do it? Because by nature I am an “encourager.” I want to speak a few words that could give a measure of grace, strength and hope. We all can benefit from a good word to lift our spirits, especially at this time of year, but this is especially true for those facing an uncertain future, a scary diagnosis, a broken relationship, or just the daily challenges and setbacks.
In the first days of advent I wait for the inspiration. Usually it comes from daily circumstances or something I’ve read. Regardless, it eventually all circles back to the original Christmas story. That’s because in that One Big Story of God becoming a human, living with us, dying for us, rising again, it’s THE message of love, hope and redemption that we all need.
How do I say it in this small space, but that all our little stories, all our hopes and fears, are wrapped up in that One Big Story. I’ve heard with my own ears the first-hand accounts of the down-and-out, the homeless, the broken, even those well off but still left feeling like something is missing. They all came to a place where they realized that His Story, ancient and true, is the only one that gives meaning to their own.
For many of us that One Big Story can become so familiar that we lose our sense of wonder, or, it can seem so far-fetched, its hard to believe. It is for that reason that I read insightful writers who share a fresh perspective that captures the imagination and keeps the story alive.
This year I discovered a book and music album by Andrew Peterson. He was a preacher’s kid but grew up captivated by science fiction and fantasy novels as a form of escape. Eventually it was those same stories that primed his interest in the most fantastic story of all time, one that spoke most fully to his painful longing and pointed him to his heart’s true Home. He writes,
“…the Bible isn’t a book of rules or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all, a story. It’s an adventure story about a young hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave prince who leaves his palace, his throne, everything, to rescue the one he loves.
It’s like the most wonderful fairy tale that has come to real life… The best thing about this story is, it’s true. There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one big story, the story of how God loves His children and comes to rescue them.
… at the center of the story, there’s a baby. Every story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle, the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together. And suddenly you can see a beautiful picture.”*
For many of us, our life’s story has turned out quite different than we had hoped with its disappointments and struggles. But all these centuries later, Jesus is still the puzzle piece that makes all the other pieces fit together. He came to bring meaning and hope to your story, my story, every story.
“…they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 NIV
