In April this year, the art world celebrated a great find – a missing artwork by the early 17th Century painter Caravaggio. It was found in a leaking attic in France and was valued at €120 million. It sat in undiscovered for over 150 years.
Everyone loves a story of discovery. The idea that something extremely valuable and famous could be right under our noses can be an exhilarating concept. What could be sitting in the ‘attic’ of your life? Could you hold the missing piece to one of the world’s most valuable collections?
No matter how much people might fight it, they all have a ‘perfect picture’ of what life should be. This becomes more apparent than ever around family Christmas gatherings: from what meat to cook to when to open presents, there can be many opinions and I have had my fair share of family disagreements on these matters and more. But the truth is, the absence of any family member is felt – as I am sure some of you have realized. In many ways, the more special the occasion, the more heartbreaking it is not to share it with people you care about.
God cares about – not only for you in these times, but about his presence in the picture as well. Many people rant about ‘the true meaning of Christmas’ and I do agree that Jesus is central to the celebration. But an external acknowledgement or ‘addition’ of Christ is not going to truly make a difference. It is the internal revelation of God sending the building block of our faith to us that will truly transform how we celebrate Christmas.
Jesus came to earth so that wholeness could be achieved. The most priceless creation of all – God humbled to reach man – was sent to redeem the greatest collection the world will ever witness – the community of God-made man.
This might seem a little far-fetched to you. Why would an all-powerful God choose to become a baby – arriving in the dung-littered stable of an archaic shepherd’s village? The truth is, He could command our attention through true force and brilliance.
The answer: because he saw a broken humanity. Generations of wandering and wondering without God had torn us apart, and Jesus came to relate to us – to draw us back together and complete God’s ultimate picture. There is power in the community of Christmas time – it is an expression of unity brought about by the arrival of the main piece of the puzzle of life (whether people know it or not). Jesus is described in the Bible as the cornerstone – the first piece that supports the whole structure that is built around it. He also is described as the capstone – the final piece – completing the glorious picture. Jesus started the journey to wholeness and he will finish it as well. And we can find ourselves in between – part of a community that is God’s plan for the world.
God’s ideal picture includes you. He would not have made you if you were not a key part of his dream. And just like someone building a puzzle is not satisfied without all the pieces present, he wants you to be an integrated part of his plan for the earth. That starts with knowing where to be placed: in a true, relevant relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are wanting to find yourself in the grandest construct ever to exist – for your soul to find its function and purpose – click on the link below.
Merry Christmas! I pray you find the depths of God’s intention and the joy of his smile in your life as you celebrate with loved ones.