Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:1-20)

One of my son’s favorite games is “Treasure Hunt.” I hide something in the yard or the house and draw out a map for him to find it.  X marks the spot where the treasure should be.  It is so much fun to watch him run around, count off paces, work through the yard with the precision of an explorer searching for lost treasure. When he finds what he thinks is the spot and begins to dig, you can sense a rush of adrenaline. His heart beats a little faster, his breaths are short and increasing in volume.  Then, in anticipation, he finds the treasure box full of whatever I’ve chosen to honor his hard work with for that expedition… M & Ms, coins, a small toy. He is overjoyed.

The shepherds who follow the star are on an amazing treasure hunt. Not only are they immersed in an exciting journey, they are hoping to find that what the angel said is true, that the Savior has finally come.  They have waited and waited, since the very first time they heard of a promised Messiah coming to save the Jews.  Imagine their amazement when they arrive at the X on the map. The words of the angel are true. A child has been born! The shepherds see this with their own eyes.  They are full of wonder and awe, as they see God’s promise come to life. Their treasure has been found and they couldn’t wait to tell everyone.

Lord, thank you for allowing me the pleasure of holding your treasure in my heart each and every day. What an amazing gift you have given us all in the personification of you through your son, Jesus. Help me to experience the same awe and wonder as those very first shepherds who first laid eyes upon you.  Your saving gift of Jesus Christ is new every morning. Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).