One of my favorite parts of Christmastime is putting together the crèche. Unpacking each little individual character from the nativity scene is one of many highlights as I decorate our home and tree. I set out Mary and Joseph, then the magi and shepherds, followed by their many sheep. Of course there’s always the donkey, camel, and most important, baby Jesus.
My mom has the best crèche from the early 1950s. I’ve told her that I’d gladly inherit it and enjoy it for the rest of my life. She reminded me the other day that when I would visit their home on Hood Canal with my young children many moons ago, Jordan used to love the crèche scene as well. He would take baby Jesus and put Him in his pocket all day long. Mom and I laughed over the memory from 28 years ago, and I mused all day on a very real truth: Carrying Jesus in our pocket.
I love having pockets. They contain many items on any given day. An old movie ticket, pennies, Kleenex—sometimes even a dollar bill. I love it when I put on a coat I haven’t worn in a year and find an old ticket to the 5th Avenue Theatre, or even better, a five-dollar bill. That will buy you…let’s see, one eggnog latte.
All of these items in my pockets are hidden and forgotten. Much like Jesus is for us at times. We just put Him in our pockets and keep Him hidden until we are in the mood to search for Him. We bring Him out when it’s convenient, when we’ve suddenly remembered to search Him out. We have Him there when we need Him, but until then, He’s hidden down deep. He’s safe there. And we may even think we’re safe with Him there. It brings us comfort knowing He’s there—when we need Him. We can even be surprised to reach in and find Him so faithful to us all these years. What a nice find.
It’s a time of safety these days. Safety in the world, safety among our friends, safety while we run hither and thither in our busy lives. We treat Jesus like a pocket friend. Someone we know we can reach out to when we need Him. But in the meantime, He’s hidden in the darkness, out of full view. If people talk to us, they might never guess we have this hidden Friend, and this is problem if we really want to impact the kingdom for Him.
There’s no criticism, disregard, or disdain, or discomfort in keeping the gospel hidden. The New Testament doesn't say anything about making sure we're nice. It speaks of loving, serving, speaking the truth, and proclaiming the gospel. We are easily falling into the trap of making sure that we don't say anything to offend, especially if we suspect our hearers might not agree or like what we might say. We submit to the virtue of niceness above our obedience to God Himself.
Jesus won’t be relegated to our pockets. His pronouncement, “I am the Light of the World” means that darkness cannot hide Him. Our fear of disapproval cannot shroud Him. He conquered death itself! I hardly think being resurrected from the dark, hidden corners of our lives is a difficulty for Him. But it may be for us.
I talked to a man at church Sunday named John. He wanted me to pray for his neighbor who had been in a life threatening car accident. He was visiting her all the time and sharing the hope of the gospel with her. I looked up at his black and white baseball cap he proudly wore on his head. The very bold lettering said, “JESUS INSIDE,” and when he walked away, I said, “Nice hat!”
