Empty Fluff

Read Mark 1:6-8 When I was a kid I liked going to see the mall decorations. They always had huge trees with gigantic ornaments and monstrous presents that were perfectly wrapped in the shiniest paper. I always wished they were sitting under our Christmas tree. But then one day mom shattered my dreams by telling me they were just empty boxes wrapped up in fancy paper. On the other hand, when we went to grandma’s house on Christmas day, our unmarried uncle Hans always had presents for us under the tree. But they weren’t wrapped in fancy paper; he wrapped them in newspaper. On the outside they couldn’t compare to the mall’s presents, but on the inside uncle Hans’ presents were always the most cool, wonderful toys and games five boys could ever ask for. This world offers so many things that look wonderful on the outside but end up being empty fluff once we tear away the wrapping. Possessions, popularity, power, riches-they look so good on the outside, but they can’t bring us lasting joy or inner peace. But on the other side of Christmas there is a baby lying in a manger. No flash, no polish-instead it’s kind of like uncle Hans’ newspaper-wrapped presents. But take the time to open up that manger and study that child and you will find the mighty Son of God who came to earth to live, die and rise again for you. That’s a gift from God that will never disappoint.]]>