WONDER

Charis Corner: Stories of Grace in a Broken World

Holiday Piece IV: Wonder

SARAH:

The sun still snuggles beneath the Earth, but I’m awake. It’s Christmas. With careful steps, I slip from my room and ghost down the stairs. Somehow I know—He has come.

Twinkle lights guide my path, weaving in and out of the banister and stretching across the fireplace mantle. The ashes lie black and cold, though warmth fills the house.

In the corner of the room is the tree. The angel illuminates the darkness, drawing me closer. Lights and ornaments fill the pine needles. At its feet are the presents. It doesn’t matter to me their wrapping nor their number. It’s enough they’re there.

Last night, after singing carols and hearing the story of baby Jesus, I studied every inch of that space. Now, colorful gifts of all sizes hide the floor from view. And if I am completely honest with you—I don’t care what’s in them.

They represent hope. They’re proof of the impossible—magic. Just last night there were no gifts, and now they have come. A reminder that God still performs miracles.

I search through them, looking for my name. When I find one on a large box, my breath hitches. My heart slams against my ribs. These presents aren’t just for my family, they’re for me. Someone—my parents, Santa, a good Samaritan—loves me; they searched for just the right thing and wrapped it up.

For an hour or two, I sit beneath the tree. I relish the silent night, and as I stare at the tree, one thing fills me to overflowing—WONDER.

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As adults, we know everything that goes into making this moment happen. And for most, it takes away the magic—like becoming a Disney World employee and seeing how everything works. It causes stress, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations. You’re set up for failure before the day even arrives.

But kids see the day and marvel. They experience wonder.

We can, too. Because God came to Earth in human form and walked with us. But it wasn’t just for those thirty plus years. God made a way to remain with us forever.

Look at the following lines from Sarah’s Christmas morning:

He has come.

The angel illuminates the darkness, drawing me closer.

Hope. Proof of the impossible—magic. A reminder that God still performs miracles.

[It’s] for me. Someone loves me.

WONDER

From the mouth of babes we can learn the most important of lessons. This Christmas, allow yourself to experience the WONDER again.

After all, Emmanuel—God is here—is forever. What greater gift could you receive?

Isaiah 9:6-7: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”