Who Would Have Thought?

The southwest corner of my basement is where I have strategically placed my Christmas presents for Mary. They are very conspicuously, yes conspicuously, hidden under an old blanket in an attempt to conceal the identity of both the packaging and the contents. Mary is familiar enough with “the game” and she enjoys the surprise of Christmas morning enough to willfully ignore what I have disguised. She likes surprises… and so do I.

Is it possible that God enjoys surprises as well? Could it be that the Creator Himself placed inside of us the delight that comes when we’re confronted with something that exceeds our expectations, or extends beyond the borders of our imagination?

Enter Jesus. The most incredible surprise ever delivered.

“Who believes what we’ve heard and seen? Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this?” ~ Isaiah 53:1 (The Message)

Extraordinary generosity, incredible gift giving, heroic rescue plans… are God’s design. The wonderful, sacrificial gift of God should astound us. “Who would have thought…”

When we think about, ponder, meditate on, consider or reflect on the master plan of our God, we should be absolutely blown away. Shocked. Moved. Inspired.

And just as God demonstrates His plan, He propels us into lifestyles of grace, gratitude and generosity that bring the same “jaw—dropping” response from a watching world.

Is it too much to ask that we aspire to invoke a “who would have thought” reaction from the individuals that we encounter, and that this reaction is triggered by the gifts of love and care that we deliver.

If all that you’re delivering on Christmas morning is predictable… then maybe it’s time to do a little last minute work.

“Who believes what we’ve heard and seen? Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this?” — A virgin, a road trip, an infant, a stable, shepherds, austerity, grand celebration, perfection, power, compassion, ridicule, suffering, injustice, sacrifice, mystery, wonder, empowering, and a powerful invitation to follow in the footsteps of the Master Gift Giver… Ah yes, Christmas.

Who would have thought?