If you’re like me, one of your favorite things about the season of Christmas is to see the awe and wonder in the faces of children. They find this season magical, whether it’s looking at a neighborhood full of beautiful Christmas lights, watching your family’s favorite holiday movie, visiting Santa, or of course finding a bevy of gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. When I was growing up each year my parents took me and my brother into Chicago to see all the unique Christmas displays in the department store windows on Michigan Ave. Our eyes were always wide in wonder at the amazing displays of Christmas cheer.

I’ve been thinking about that sense of wonder in the context of our theme for this school year “Feel the Power!” based on 2 Timothy 1:7. As I think about the wonder of Christmas perhaps there’s something missing – the power of Christmas. It’s not just a gauzy, Hallmark sentiment infused happy time of sugar cookies and presents. It’s a time to celebrate the awesome power of God descending to this broken planet in the form of the baby Jesus. And this was no helpless babe – this was the Savior of the universe who would change history for all time by redeeming us from our sins and opening the gates of heaven to us all. This year don’t just enjoy the childlike wonder of Christmas – embrace the power of Christmas that’s changed your life and mine! Merry Christmas!