Christmas is a time when people display their creativity. Drive through almost any neighborhood at night and you’ll see a number of houses decorated with lights, with no two displays alike. Every year musicians compose new songs or rearrange old ones to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Some people love to exercise their talents in the kitchen. Others relish the opportunity to find or make that perfect gift to give to each of their loved ones. Our God is a creative God, and He has made us to be like Himself.
The Apostle John begins his Gospel with language reminiscent of the creation narrative in the opening chapters of the Bible.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5 (NIV)
The “Word” of whom John is speaking is Jesus. Jesus revealed His creativity by making the world. The mountains and valleys, the trees and flowers, the animals and birds, the people all over the earth—all of these display Jesus’ handiwork.
A few verses later, John speaks of Jesus’ incarnation.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only [Son], who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (NIV)
Not only did Jesus exhibit His creativity when He made the world, He also showed it when He became a man. Who would have ever imagined that God’s cosmic rescue mission would entail Him being born as a human baby? Think about the creativity that must have taken!
As you’re enjoying the fruit of other people’s creativity, or engaging in some of your own, take a few moments to reflect on God’s creativity. We hang lights on our houses; He hung lights in the sky. We make snow sculptures that look like people; He made people who look like Himself. We give gifts to one another; He gave Himself to us.
Our God is a creative God, and one of His greatest displays is revealed in Christmas!
Reflection and Discussion
- In what way(s) do you enjoy exercising creativity?
- Which aspect(s) of God’s creativity do you appreciate most?
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father,
What an awesome Creator You are! You made the world and everything in it. You hung the stars in the sky. You made so many different kinds of plants and animals. You formed us and gave us creative abilities. You also showed Your creativity by sending Your Son to be our Savior. Thank you for all that You do for us. As we reflect on the creativity we see around us at Christmas, please help us to grow in our appreciation for Your creativity and for the love You have shown us in sending Jesus.
Amen.