Unwrapping the Mystery of People Missing the Gift of Jesus

One of our Christmas traditions gives me insight into how the very ones who should have sought the Messiah ended up completely missing the gift of Jesus.

When our kids were young, we wrapped each Christmas present right after buying it, attached a tag with the recipient’s name, and placed it under the tree. As they grew older, the element of surprise disappeared as they learned to inspect (i.e., shake) them carefully.

At some point we started using a different wrapping paper for each kid. They don’t know which pattern (and gifts) are theirs until we reveal it on Christmas morning. It’s always more fun to be surprised when opening gifts!

Missing the Gift

As I read through the Bible this year and crossed from Malachi to Matthew, I was again amazed that so many scholars of the scrolls and teachers of the Torah missed the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. How could they have gone about missing the gift of Jesus?

I’m not sure I’ll ever understand all the reasons but based on the actions of religious leaders during Jesus’ earthly life, it appears they were certain of what wrapping would cover their Redeemer – and swaddling clothes in a manger did not fit their expectations. They were looking for a triumphant ruler, not a gentle baby. They knew the history and prophecies – probably better than the poor, uneducated disciples – yet they overlooked and rejected Jesus the Christ while lowly shepherds and simple fisherman beheld his glory.

Jesus – revealed by God to the meek, the humble, the lowly, the faithful, the righteous in spirit, and the steadfast of heart. And to you, and to me. Emmanuel – God with us.  

Check out this podcast episode on a similar topic: