December 16, 2023: Creation is Awestruck
- Liana V.
- Dec 16, 2023
- 3 min read
Creation is Awestruck
"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7
If you’re a mom you know that at first sight, your whole life changes. Long before that really, but you get the point. The directive of your life shifts forever. You’ll never ever be the same. Not the way you think, not the way you act, not the way you feel, not your body, or even your skeletal structure- you’ve been marked. Your heart expands with excitement, hope, joy, future, and extraordinary love!
This birth of course is different. Mary of course would have felt all of these wildly altering emotions but I have to think this probably felt a bit weightier. I can hear the song “Mary, did you know?” as I think on this moment.
This first look not only moved Mary, but shifted heaven and earth. The directive of every soul to ever walk on earth would now have opportunity to see the light of the world. The constructs of the law and earth are being bent by the sovereignty of God- a plan set into motion by the creator from creation for redemptive victory is being beheld by His creation.
I can feel the whole earth hold it’s breath. Creation awestruck by the divine. Beauty beheld in a babe. Small, vulnerable, trusting, helpless- deity. It makes no sense and yet it’s what He did. What wonder must’ve filled that manger. A palpable sensational wonder-where your heart feels so full you're not sure how it still fits in your chest.
”For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.“
Hebrews 4:15 NKJV
Swaddled in cloth, the Prince of Peace, laid in a manger of the poorest means to give richness to all.
One thought that I have been meditating on
over and over this Christmas season is at Jesus’s birth- He was born fully God and fully man. He subjected His deity power to His human flesh. Not just any flesh- newborn, helpless flesh. He has all power and yet bridled it to know our experience.
”He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in his death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion!“
Philippians 2:8 TPT
Prayer: I am in awe of how humble You became, how humble you came, and how humble you stayed. Thank you for opening my eyes to the way you see that not all is as I see it. Your ways are higher thank our ways, your thoughts higher than our thoughts. I am grateful you came to save me and set me free! In Jesus's name, amen!
Homemade Gifts
For the next few days I'm going to post a few homemade gift ideas that are friendly on your wallet, on your time, and still make giving Christmas cheer and gifts fun!
Orange Slice Ornaments
There are many voices on how best do this. I opted for this one link on bottom.
I preheated oven to 170 degrees, sliced oranges and clementines. It's probably best to use a mandolin if you have one. I should've but didn't. I placed all slice on a wire rack over a baking tray. I put timer on for 1 hr increments and flipped. These were in the oven approximately 5.5hrs. I'm letting them dry out overnight and then will string them individually with some peppermint colored twine. I'll attach to gifts or baked goods for added flair. Enjoy!
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