WONDER

 

WONDER

When you set up your nativity this year,

have you ever wondered about each figure, so dear?

Have you ever wondered if the innkeeper charged

Mary and Joseph for their bed on the stable floor hard?

Or did he offer the stable for free?

Did he know about the baby wee?

Have you ever wondered if the innkeeper was willing to share

because for shelter-less people he did seemingly care.

After all, he was chosen by God to provide a place,

making ageless history throughout time, though without a face.

Did his wonder (?)

turn into wonder!

Will you wonder what Joseph thought

when he was chosen for this new lot?

Was he humbled to be the one chosen by God

to be the guardian of this new life from God?

Suddenly his life was changed

from simply being engaged

to becoming a father.

Did he worry and wonder?

When did Joseph's wonder (?)

turn into awesome wonder!

We know that Mary pondered

everything she had seen and heard

from the very first day she had been chosen.

She glorified God, instead of supposing.

Right from the start she gave God the glory

when she said, “He has done great things for me.”

An example for us

as we learn about trust.

Mary's prayer in Luke

was filled with wonder – look!

Have you ever wondered about the humble place chosen?

It was the only place available, it was reasoned,

for Mary and Joseph to spend the night

where baby Jesus was born, bringing delight.

I'm sure the stabled animals were surprised

to see this chosen baby before them lie.

It was a sight to behold.

Later the whole world would know.

Did they coo a lullaby

when the new-born baby cried?

Or was their coo a worshipful, happy song of praise?

After all, civilization was entering a new phase.

Do animals ever wonder?

Surely their eyes sparkled with wonder!

Have you wondered about God's chosen angel sent to earth

to announce this most wonderful and precious holy birth -

good tidings of great joy

for men, women, girls, and boys.

Was it Gabriel?

Or was it Michael?

Two angels God previously sent down from heaven

to announce a change of events to humans.

A baby chosen to become a Savior

called Christ, the anointed one, the one favored.

Also named Jesus, meaning the Lord saves,

who would be our Savior when His life He gave.

Will you wonder about the angel's trip to earth

that night when they announced Christ the Messiah's birth?

Were they glad to return to their home in heaven

after being obedient in serving?

God's special messengers chosen to come,

called heavenly hosts, from heaven they were from.

Created to serve God in heaven

and to aid us in the life we're living.

Will you wonder about what angels do

all day when they are not assisting you?

They sing praises to God, their Creator,

for they know there is no one greater.

The wondrous sight of the angel

turned into wonderful news for all!

Have you wondered about the chosen shepherds that night

around the firelight under the starlight gleaming bright

tending their flocks, they feared

when the angel appeared.

Have you ever wondered about the first words said?

They were told by the angel, "do not be afraid,"

for the Savior born today has come to save.

This is God's Son that to us all He gave.

I wonder would you fear

if an angel appeared?

God knows that we do tend to fear

and reminds us often not to fear.

In fact another name for Jesus

is Immanuel, God with us -

a reminder not to fear,

for God is always near.

Have you ever wondered what the shepherds thought

when this wonderful news to them was brought?

Did they bow in awesome wonder

when they heard about a Savior?

Do you too wonder (?)

about the wonderful Savior!

Will you wonder about the shepherds chosen that night to proclaim Christ's birth

who gave bold testimony to everyone everywhere throughout the whole earth.

Have you ever wondered if you could too?

You know, because someone did, you know too.

An example to us to make Christ known

when we say “Merry Christmas” in our town.

Let's not leave Christ out of Christmas

for He is the reason we're blessed.

The shepherds were forerunners of Christ, our Good Shepherd.

God knows we are like lost sheep needing a shepherd.

Have you ever wondered about this correlation?

They told this wonderful news with jubilation!

The shepherds wonder (?)

did turn into wonder!

Will you wonder about the wise men chosen to seek out the child-king

or wondered why these three particular gifts to Him as gifts they should bring?

Did you know today gifts are given at Christmastime

to remind us of God's gift to us, spanning across time.

Have you considered what gift you might give to God?

Perhaps a gift that would show others the way to God.

A gift of selflessness

which displays Christlikeness.

Isn't it simply wonderful

to celebrate this birth wonderful!

Have you wondered about that special star that was chosen

that guided the wise men to where Jesus was living?

Have you ever wondered how God supplies

every last detail in your life and mine?

How God supplies light to light our way,

rather it be the sunshine's bright rays,

or friends who bring sunshine into our day,

or a verse in Scripture to guide our way.

May your wondering turn into ponder,

then turn into worshipful wonder!

* * * * *

Have you ever wondered,

in your heart pondered,

this season of wonder -

like Mary who pondered?

(Ponder could mean treasure in your heart or meditate on.)

Have you ever wondered in full

about this person called Wonderful

foretold in Isaiah where God reveals His glory.

Matthew and Luke also tell this wonderful true story.

It's not about the treasures we receive.

It's about the treasure when we believe

in Jesus Christ the Lord, God with us.

Believe – then begin your life of trust.

Are you filled with wonder

when you take time to ponder

the story of the first Christmas?

It's wonderful news for us!

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given...

and he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Show the wonder of your great love.

Psalm 17:7

Praise be to the Lord,

for he showed his wonderful love to me.

Psalm 31:21

We give thanks to you, O God...

men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 75:1

All this comes from the Lord Almighty,

wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.

Isaiah 28:29

The people were delighted with all the

wonderful things he was doing.

Luke 13:17