Enraptured…

I delight in becoming immersed in a well-crafted story.  I particularly enjoy reading books.  Whether it’s a book, a film, or a live stage show, becoming enraptured in a story outside our own tantalises our imagination and can beautifully remove us from our chaotic lives.

The children at our church’s annual Christmas Carols event were similarly enraptured by the illusions of a guest magician.  The widened eyes and bemused but smiling faces asked more questions than words possibly could.  How can this be real?  Why do I not understand?  Is there more to this world than I can imagine?  They too were immersed in a well-crafted story.

In the times of my childhood, we learned the story Christmas.  A story that fascinated the imagination with glowing angels and ancient wise men.  A story of shepherds and their sheep in the middle of the night.  A story of a baby born in a stable laying asleep on the hay.  A story that dreamed of peace on earth.

Yet, like the tales of a novelist or the wave of the magician’s hand, surely this could not be true?  Surely this mysterious and remote God would not become a person?  Is there more to this world than I can imagine?  As an older and more experienced man I have come to learn this is a truth.  There is a place of peace on earth.  No matter how chaotic our world might be, there is a place of tranquillity and joy.  My prayer this Christmas is you will find it.