My office started a tradition last Christmas season. This will be the second year to unpack our three precious porcelain Wise Men figurines and place them by the manger. The nativity will be complete with farm animals, an angel somewhere, a shepherd or two, and then the three focal characters of Mary, Joseph, and the sweet baby Jesus Christ. Such a precious scene.
Before the day of decorating is over, one thing will have changed in that scene. The Wise Men will go missing. By the next day, our favorite Wise Man, Balthazaar, will have made his way into someone’s office and been up to something mischievous. He will become our very own Elf on the Shelf. Part of it originated from my own voiced opinion that the Wise Men should be placed at least two year’s traveling distance from the manger to uphold Biblical/historical integrity.
No matter what, Balthazaar always leaves a little something. Sometimes he will bring donuts to the office for everyone. Sometimes he will leave encouraging notes (or passive aggressive ones depending on the day…), hide somewhere in your office with a piece of candy, or he might even ride his camel and set up his nomadic campsite on your desk.
Our office antics keep spirits high despite the world around us that is ready to take “Christ” out of “Christmas” and ready to glorify an item on clearance above the greatest gift nestled in a hay-filled manger.
Take a moment to think upon the Magi as they presented their gifts to the toddling Savior. They had precious gifts with great meaning. As you ponder this, ask yourself, “What am I personally giving Christ Jesus this Christmas?”
Scripture tells us what is on our Lord’s wish list:
For us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12: 30-32)
For us to conform to the image of the Son (Romans 8:29)
For us to behave justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8)
At a glance, this may seem like such a tall order. It would be much easier to whip up an Amazon Prime order and have it shipped to Heaven than it would be to do some of these things. But consider the Wise Men yet again. It took them more than a day to reach the house with their gifts.
Likewise, it will take us more than a day to present these priceless gifts from God’s wish list to Him. The difference is that, unlike the wise men, our Savior travels along with us on our long journey. Let us take that first step today!
How will you begin?
Meet the Author!
Hannah Hanzel is an opinionated, passionate gal that loves sharing what God is doing in her often busy and complicated life. She strives to show God's glory in working as the Art Director for the Baptist Messenger, serving as a multi-client freelance graphic designer, and communing with CRBC. When she's not working, you can find her sipping coffee in a hammock, watching classic '40s movies, or going on an adventure with friends or family.
