by David Melton
We all know that look when someone receives a gift they could never have imagined — the unspeakable, over-the-top joy of receiving.
I saw that look the other day. Esther, a Boston student from Maine, was in a research course I taught this semester. I watched as she was drawn to the first Baptist missionaries much like I was when I was her age. So, just the other day, Esther came into my office with a very old, rare book about the three wives of Adoniram Judson (incidentally, three of the most remarkable women in all of Christian history, in my mind). I oohed and aahed at such a rare find.
Esther then told me she was giving that book away! I suggested, in such an extravagant case of generosity, Rebekah would be blown away by that book. Rebekah Butler works in our office now, but during her Boston student days I think Rebekah might say the Judson women changed her life. I knew she would treasure that rare little book. What did I want in the deal? To watch Esther give it to her.
So it happened! I watched Rebekah look at the book and digest what it was. Her eyes got bigger as she told Esther how precious that little book was. Then Esther told her, “It’s for you. It’s yours.” First, confusion. Then, shock. Then … that look. Now, I would have loved to have that book myself, but I would rather see that look on somebody’s face than have a whole stack of treasured first editions!
This is the very heart of Christmas — a gift so far beyond our wildest hopes. A gift we could never have expected. And a gift — the gift — that shows up with our name on it! I think God the father chuckled at that look when Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and wise men saw the “unspeakable gift.” If we do Christmas right, He still sees that look on our faces today.