What is man that You are mindful of him? Psalm 8:4 (Heb. 2:6)

You have probably received those interesting gifts at Christmas that words cannot describe. If so, in those awkwardly speechless moments someone (most likely your spouse) may have whispered in your ear, “It’s the thought that counts.” Often such gifts are given with worthy intent and it truly is the thought that counts. In some cases, however, very little thought has been given to the worthiness of the gift. When we know that to be the case, it can be difficult to assuage the disappointment we feel.

In the throes of a culture that is obsessed mostly with a What-I-Want-For-Christmas mentality, it is easy to lose sight of the thought that went into the giving of the greatest gift ever given to man—that moment when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. How much effort is given during the increasingly greed-driven Christmas season to pondering the significance of this profound truth? Have you taken time lately to consider what the God of the universe actually thinks about the likes of you and me?

When the Psalmist considered that question, he was forced to ask another question:

Who are we that You, the infinite God and Creator of all that exists, would even be a teensy-bit mindful of any miniscule human being like me on this diminutive planet (Cavin’s paraphrase of Psalm 8:4)? Yet the amazing answer to that question is mind-boggling. Made in God’s own image His thoughts of us are so precious that God was willing to lay aside His glory and become flesh and blood for us. Think of it! Dwell upon it! Does that not that incomprehensible thought itself demand that we stand in awe, pour out tears of humble gratitude, and worship Him with joyful praise?

This is why we celebrate Advent and Christmas. The idea that God would enter our world as a human being is the wonder of Christmas. Yet this wonder involves not only the reality that the Son of God became flesh, but that He did so with the purpose of redeeming those who are so precious to Him via the torture of a cross. Is there a gift of love anywhere at any time that can compare? This glorious mystery of the Incarnation is what we call Christmas.

When you gather with your children and grandchildren this Christmas, what will you do to guard the wonder of God’s gift so it does not get lost in the frenzy surrounding the things of this world? Let us ponder, wonder and celebrate the amazing truth that Christmas exists only because of the Creator’s thoughts for you and me. He is mindful of us, and that is worth getting excited about. Never has it been more fully and truthfully said of this amazing gift that it’s the thought that counts!

May you revel in this thought so your Christmas will indeed be merry and bright!