If you’re like most people, you’re repeatedly drawn to images, people, places, songs, movies, clothes, food, and drinks that comfort you. The more frequently you return to and engage with what comforts you, the more attached you become. If you come with puppylike curiosity to anything and anyone new, the world and people become adventures waiting to happen and friendships waiting to be formed.
What if we approach Christ and Christmas with a Camper-like sense of wonder? Who is this Baby in a manger? What does He smell like? Will He play with me? Why are all of these people and animals here to see the Christ baby? Are you captivated by a fresh sense of wonder and curiosity about Jesus?
Our image of God that is forged and formed over time either draws us closer and closer to Jesus or our God-image repels us and causes us to detach and to distance ourselves and seek comfort elsewhere. I wonder what it must be like for Jesus, who entered this world as a baby, who gave His life as a sacrificial lamb, only to have us go astray, seeking comfort elsewhere?
It must grieve the heart of God when we’re distracted by lights,
Be careful. Don’t become distracted.
presents, people, problems, thoughts, feelings, food, drinks, and football games, and we remember Him at “church time” or when we have our “devotions.” I wonder what it was like calling 40 men who wrote sixty-six books about Jesus, having the Book translated into people’s native language throughout the world, only to have us go astray like sheep seeking digital simulation and stimulation.
Jesus might ask: How often do you think of Me? What’s your image of Me? Are you drawn to Me? Do you want to come closer and closer to Me? Do you want to spend time together? How much time and how close can we get before you’re off to something or someone else seeking comfort or pleasure?
My level of attachment to Jesus is directly related to my levels of engagement with Jesus over time. My relationship with Jesus becomes increasingly secure as I daily seek the Lord as soon as I wake up. I grab a fresh cup of coffee, light my “What is Jesus doing?” transformational prayer altar candle, and gaze into a face-to-face encounter with Jesus and His written Word. The Words I hear Jesus speaking to my heart and through His Word are the words that I frequently write on cards and place on my prayer altar. Oftentimes, I translate these words into my own language and pray them over me, my family, and you.
I’m getting into the habit of praying God’s fresh words with people. I love to give my cards to people who need a fresh word from the Lord. Then I encourage people to wait on the Lord and write God’s words on their own cards. My hope and prayer are that over time, people’s distorted images of God become substituted with a loving and gracious image of God. I pray that people learn to deeply engage with God through prayer and Bible reflection. Over the long haul of walking and talking with Jesus through life’s ups and downs, I pray that you are developing a loving, secure, close relationship with Jesus.
I hope you’re not giving into temptations to make your life about anything other than knowing, loving, and sharing Jesus Christ.
Camper is one of the friendliest expressions of Jesus’ love wherever he goes. He has a childlike wonder that is helping me to recapture Jesus’ love for all that He’s made.
I’m learning to treasure my moments with God, people, animals, and adventures that unfold throughout my days.
When I lose my sense of wonder, I need a power nap, some quiet moments with God, some time with people who are more grounded than I am, or some play time with my puppy.