“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:12 NIV
When we lived in Oregon we traveled down a winding road to get our home. On one particular evening as we came home after dark, the car headlights lit up a deer crossing sign. I remember Riley, my son, asking what the sign was about. I recall telling him it was a sign that was warning us that there were deer in the area and we should be watching as to not hit them. That teachable moment seemingly slipped by as the conversation ended.
I don’t remember how long before the next event took place: We are driving down the same road and the headlights hit the sign again. It was long after the lights slipped past the sign that Riley cried out, “Dad, Dad! I saw one!”
I replied, “What did you see?”
He responded, “A deer, a deer!”
Now I had not seen a deer, but not wanting to doubt him I asked, “What was the deer doing?”
He paused for a moment and then like any child born in Indiana he replied, “He was playing basketball!”
I immediately began to laugh and this began a game that we now play nearly every time we see a deer crossing sign. It is our reindeer game.
I have apparently been witness to deer playing basketball, cards, monopoly, yahtzee, soccer, football, ping-pong, swimming, hockey, bowling, and my personal favorite – hop scotch. I guess there really is no end to the games that reindeer can play.
I chuckle every time I am alone in the car and see a deer crossing sign. I wonder what the deer might be up to that I can’t quite see. That got me thinking about the signs that we miss, or more importantly the joy that we miss when take the signs for granted that are a part of our everyday lives.
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
There was a sign 2000 years ago and many missed it.
It was subtle.
It was shared with a few shepherds and they shared it with others, but
like so many amazing events in life, with time, the wonder and amazement lessened.
A baby was born, a sign was given. The shepherds were told. They looked for the sign and discovered Joy at the sight of the newborn.
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
The star that the Magi followed certainly shown in the sky above the shepherds that night but it took an angel from God to point out the sign to them.
Life is a continuous series of adjustments. Life is busy. Sometimes the most important details are lost in the midst of being busy.
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Babies are amazing. They do absolutely nothing and we watch with joy for hours. I believe it is a picture of true worship: God does not need to do anything more in order to receive our worship. And yet He does. He shows up in person in a manger to be with us. How can we not respond in worship and adoration.
As you have heard the Christmas story this year, for the first time or for the 50th time,
Did you see the signs?
A baby is born and God is with us.
Do you have the Joy that comes from knowing God’s son?
Have you made the adjustments to your life to allow room for Jesus?
Have you given God the adoration and worship He is due at all times good and bad?
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Do you have the Hope that God offers through Faith in Jesus Christ?
See the signs,
Believe the miracle.
Receive the God’s Gift given this Christmas season.
The signs are all around.
Don’t miss the celebration?
Merry Christmas!
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