The Paper is Not the Point
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
- Isaiah 40:8
There is something so ironic about wrapping paper. Its beautiful (or sometimes ugly) and is cut and folded with such precision and care. It costs more than any other common paper, for it serves no common purpose. It is a simple symbol of celebration. With all the effort, resources and focus it requires, you would think that the paper would get more attention.
But here is the commonly known truth: the paper is not the point.
I have never seen a child stop and appreciate the paper or the perfectly folded edges. Who stops and cherishes the patterns or the material? The paper has a single destiny. It will be torn apart and left in a heap on the floor because of a simple truth: the paper is not the point. The gift is.
But if you think about it, there are more layers to this metaphor. The gifts we give on Christmas are not the point either. Well, they shouldnt be. Much like the wrapping paper, these gifts will break, decay, and be forgotten soon after their use. And yes, they have required much effort, resources and focus, but they too are not the point. Most people buy the gift not to simply exchange material but instead make this sacrifice to bring joy.
Much like the paper, these gifts are to point to a single gift of infinitly more value.
The gift of salvation.
Though they shimmer and shine, the things we received will soon fade, but one thing will remain. God promised salvation and it has come. His Word (John 1:1) is here and he is the gift that we should cherish. He is our salvation.
As I sit by our family’s Christmas tree, I am much more impressed by the Gift that came from above than the gifts that rest below this tree. I can celebrate this Christmas because the paper is not the point.
My King is.
