Let’s see, if I was a father and I wanted to give a gift to my children, a special gift, like an inheritance, something out in the future, I’d put quite a bit of thought into it. You should sort of know it’s coming, but not perfectly, not until everything is ready. I’d probably let some hints out, not real obvious, just getting you to trust me . . . that I had your best in mind. The hints would grow in number and variety over time. Only in looking back, after the surprise is presented, would you see it had been planned all along.
Yes, I’d find that very satisfying and, I think, you would too.
Here’s another . . .
If I was the maker of all mankind and, seeing help was needed, wanted to join you for a time, how would I do it?
Would I be something of a superhero, dropping in with a cape and costume and unusual powers, fighting crime on one hand and posing as a Mr. Mild on the other? But where would I have come from? You’d want to know. And is crime the real problem, or something deeper?
Would I come as an angel (probably shedding wings), showing up at moments and then mysteriously disappearing? You’d probably find that disconcerting, worrying, off putting and scary.
How about as if someone “back from the dead,” with knowledge of the other world . . . and promises and warnings of what to hope for or dread? But who would I say I had been?
How would I, to quote Jim Morrison, “jump in your game?”
I know. I’d get myself born. I’d travel the whole road you do, starting with the birth canal. Not that hard, really, as miracles go . . . God-sperm meets human egg and voila, holy hybrid . . . with full attributes of both Mother and Dad.
Yes, that’s what I’d do. Both of these two. And I did!
To us he is the present
A swaddling surprise on the straw
New, but previously promised
A gift . . . to be opened with awe.
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So endth my seven Advent meditations.
We’ll get back to “normal subjects” again shortly.
Just didn’t want to miss the chance to look again at what’s so great to look at every year.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:07 am
Beautiful, Hyatt. “…a Gift to be opened with awe.” May all our days be “awe-filled” – present with His presence.
10:41 am
I’d get myself born. So true and beautifully put, Hyatt. I love the gift with an inheritance thought, it really broadens the picture of God’s intense love and purpose for Christ’s coming. Thanks for the Nativity series. They are to be boxed up and treasured, brought out each year as a reminder of our Gift, our Inheritance, and our Hope.
12:25 pm
Loved the Nativity Series and what it truly means in this world and the one to come!
May you and your family have Christmas Blessings on His day!
1:23 pm
This writing was the most profound for me! All I wanted to say was, “EXACTLY HYATT!!!!!!!!!” A baby!!!!!!!!!!!!! and no to the other options! Never thought of this most important birth, gift, miracle from this perspective! Unbelievable! Thank you for making it so apparent in my mind that the Lord thought this through and executed perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!! as He always does! I will forever tuck this in my mind as another way to explain my faith and the reasons for my faith when asked because that is what the Lord wants us to do! Share our faith in His perfect timing with others! Thank you and bless you Hyatt! —–You, Anne, and the family! Love to each of you! Lisa MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED 2013!!!!!!!!!
5:37 pm
So true. I am speechless. You said it perfectly.
12:50 am
It is Christmas eve in China. While my one-year-old took his morning nap, I caught up on your creche series with a cup of coffee. I am very grateful for this series, and the many original thoughts.
The Shepherds…I love the way you whip the perspective around in the conclusion, “that baby you’re gawking at? Your shepherd he’s become.”
The Wisemen…Your list of thought provoking, awe evoking, wisdom smoking adjectives make the journey come to life.
The Powers…Sobering but true, they are certainly part of the Christmas story but never part of a creche. I have often thanked God I was not a mother in those dreadful days. Also, I did not know that Ceasar was considered savior of the world and son of God in those days–the knowledge of that brings deeper thought to Christ’s entry into the world.
The Pious…I have only recently come to realize Simeon and Anna are indeed part of the Christmas story. I have been reading a wonderful translation of the Gospels called The Life of Christ in Stereo (by Johnston M. Cheney), which blends all four gospels into one chronological narrative. When read this way, Jesus’ dedication is clearly part of the story of His birth, and the wise men came after that, as you eluded may be the case. The painting in this blog is wonderful–is it yours?
The Angels…Beautiful imagery in “spawning grounds of fireflies.” The perspective in the painting gave me chills. Thank you for sharing it.
The Parents…I fully agree with your assessment of most art depicting Joseph and Mary–I am glad you said so. And it is so true that we see through a glass dimly as our destinies unfold. I can see how it was probably so for this chosen family as well.
The Birth…So powerful to look at the child in utero and imagine him as Jesus Himself. Traveling the whole road we do, “starting with the birth canal.” Amazing. Thank you for inspiring new awe in our Lord and Father.
A blessed Christmas to you, Anne, and all you love. You are in our thoughts and hearts.
7:00 am
Holy hybrid, Batman.
It’s Christmas eve and I just read this last entry. So simple, so profound. Thank you. I have savored your seven advent offerings.
Wishing you and Anne and blessed Christmas!
7:31 am
I’m crying as I write this, Hyatt. I’m going to forward this to my boys–it’s just so “relate-able” and I know that even the one who does not profess to believe will be, in God’s perfect plan for him, blessed. Thank you for your willingness to bring us a little closer into God’s plan for mankind through your inspired thoughts this Christmas!
7:21 am
I read your beautiful messages daily, but this is the best!