The Gift of Imagination
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2
Imaginations run wild this time of year whether we are two or ninety-two years of age. There is something felt in December that does not show up during the other eleven months of the year. I am simply going to call it the gift of imagination. We all have one but a few of us seniors have more experience using it. So, let’s all practice using it right now.
Let’s think about peace on earth. What could that possibly look like? Well, I imagine there would be little or no need for military forces anywhere around the world. All the jails and prisons would be empty and police officers would once again be rescuing cats out of trees.
What about good will to all men? This picture might take a little more effort on our part to create. To find the good in others is not really using imagination; it is an important exercise that we must practice daily. We might have to be kinder, more patient and caring. Picture Ebenezer Scrooge as a perfect example and let your mind wander.
Now, use your God-given gift of imagination and create your own vision of a silent night. What does it look like in your mind? Let me share what comes to my mind.
It is snowing ever so gently. I am finally home after heartwarming Christmas Eve service and a special family gathering. I am just standing out in the driveway. There is no sound. No cars are on the road. Not a dog is barking. There is plenty of snow. The sweet sound of silence carries me back to a night when a Holy Child was born in the humblest of conditions.
I don’t think it was totally quiet on that night in Bethlehem. How could it be with the animals in the stable, a new born baby crying and shepherds traipsing in to see this infant? It might not have been quiet, but I imagine a kind of unexplainable peace enveloping this scene.
There was no chaos, no running feet down the stairs, no pulling the cat out of the tree, no frazzled parent yelling for the kids to take turns, no…no…no…!
Let your imagination take you away from the media hype this year. Find a new happy place as your reverently stand in awe of this upcoming Holy night.
Father God, thank You for the gift of imagination. Help us to use it for Your glory. While we can’t see that Holy night of the past, please make it real in our present. AMEN.