As we have for the past several years, we went to see “The Nutcracker.” It was a wonderful production as always, but this year was different. For the first time in about ten years, we had nothing to do with it. Both girls are out of dance lessons and we had no obligation other than go and enjoy the show. Dory and Bretney ended up working backstage so they did get involved again. DaLee had to check in with the photo booth to make sure we had handed off everything properly. Otherwise, we sat, watched, enjoyed, and then walked away and went home! What a strange and incredible feeling.
It was strange in another way, too. Sure, we knew most of the people there and were warmly greeted but we weren’t a part of it all. This wasn’t our production anymore. It became a tad bittersweet as we – yes, all of us – realized we were now on “the outside.”
I wonder if Jesus ever had that sensation. His true home was in heaven, so He really was an “alien and stranger” here on earth. Did He ever feel like an outsider? The Bible tells us that He knew He was at odds with this world. His ways were different than the ways of man. He was out of step, out of sync with the world.
The important thing is that He came anyway! He “left the splendors of heaven” and took on human flesh. He became one of us, walked and lived among us, in order to provide a way of salvation for us. He wept over the blindness and waywardness of Jerusalem. It broke His heart to see our lostness. He sought out the lost, the broken, the hurting – the very ones humanity would rather abandon. The child in the manger, different from the very beginning, became the man, the God-man, Who would give us salvation. And that’s the greatest Christmas gift anyone could ever receive! Don’t forget to come – and bring a friend! – to our cantata, “Peace Came Down” this Sunday night, December 16. It’s got a great mix of music, literally something for everyone.
