December 24
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
I was once driving down an old country road. As the rubber tires crunched through the gravel, I looked over and saw a field of sunflowers looking straight at me with their bright yellow manes. It was beautiful! As if in formation, they saluted me in chorus. Did someone plant them to face the road? Or was there something else greater at work?
I later found out that God was at work in their organization. In botany, heliotropism is the scientific phenomenon of plant motion in response to the direction of the sun. The most common example of a plant exhibiting this spectacle can be seen in young sunflowers. Throughout the day, these flowers dance and follow the lead of the sun from east to west.
Most people don’t associate flowers with the winter season, yet December can be a season of blooming, growth, and “Son” gazing. Just as sunflowers turn their heads toward the sun, during the Advent season we, too, are given the opportunity to turn our heads toward Jesus. God promised that a child would be born for God’s people; a Son would be given (Isaiah 9:6). With the birth of Jesus, that promise was fulfilled. Jesus, who is both man and God, provides hope during difficult days.
On Christmas Day, all of creation gets the chance to celebrate the day this child arrived. Will you clearly see Him? Will you gaze upon His beauty? Will you hear His voice?
He has a message. Listen close, and you will hear Him.
He is saying “I love you, and you are worth it. I came for you.”
Don’t miss your moment to turn toward the Son! It matters because others are looking at you.
You see, there are countless people driving down the proverbial gravel road of life. It may be family members who do not know the Lord. It may be neighbors who do not embrace the gospel. It may be a random acquaintance you encounter—one who does not yet profess Jesus.
What will they see when they look at you? Like sunflowers raising their petals to the sun, will they see you in full gaze toward the Savior—celebrating the One who came into this mess in order to pull you out?
Come on, “Son” follower. Put on your dancing shoes. Look at the Son.
He’s worth a brand-new gaze.