An e-mail link from a friend, to a video recording of a song triggered a more serious contemplation of this simple question. As we continue the countdown to Christmas Day, I want to share with you parts of that song and the story behind it, titled “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?” performed by father and daughter, Steve Haupt and Becky Kelley and inspired by grandson, Spencer Reijgers.
The story behind the song, as told by Steve Haupt: “While at the mall last year, my four year old grandson saw kids lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of God’s son; with the innocence of a child, he asked his mom, ‘Where’s the line to see Jesus? If Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, why don’t we see Him more?’ As his grandpa, I was so happy that little Spencer understood the meaning of Christmas at such a tender age, and then the words for a song were jotted down in just a few minutes. The song was inspired by my grandson, and the message was inspired by my Savior. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. Hopefully Spencer’s observation and our song will cause people to reflect on the love of Jesus, and the certainty that one day we will all stand in line to see Jesus. Merry Christmas everyone.”
Part of the song says “…Where’s the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store? It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday. Why don’t we see Him more?….He was born for me. Santa Claus brought me presents. But Christ gave His life for me.”
If we stop to ponder, how many of us really think about the gift that Christ gave to us? We busy ourselves and stress out over buying the latest toys, the latest gadgets, and are willing to line up for “early bird specials” to get good deals on gifts we want to give to those we care about. But what about a gift for the One who gave Himself for us? If we truly understood His gift to us, and truly experienced His love for us, would we not want to give Him the best? But in the frenzy of all the glitter and glee of Christmas, we often fail to spend time with Him to even thank Him for His gift. He does not need any material gift from us. All He asks is that we accept Him, and give our heart to Him, for in doing so, we are filled with His love and grace, so we can be a blessing to others as He provides for us. He seeks only that we love Him first and then love one another. Sharing His love with others will cause us to focus on giving rather than receiving.
The song goes on to remind us that “In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trumpet, We’ll all stand in line at His throne. Every knee shall bow down, every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.” It is then that the magnitude of Christ’s sacrificial gift, will be truly revealed. This Christmas, let us recognize the reason we celebrate it and with each gift we give, may we remember His gift to us.
Kalenga pastors His Village church, coaches girls soccer at CCHS and is involved with Rize-Up Youth Ministries. E-mail erick@hisvillage.org
